Drug Crime Attorney in Stephenville

Compassionate Legal Support & Personalized Guidance for Drug Crime Cases

When you are facing drug charges in Stephenville or throughout Erath County, having a skilled drug crime lawyer in Stephenville can change your outlook and your options. At Law Offices of Brady L. Pendleton, our legal team crafts a legal strategy built around your needs—supporting you every step of the way and making complex situations manageable. 

Our hands-on, client-focused approach ensures you receive answers to your toughest questions, and each decision is made with your full understanding. We believe in clear, timely communication, thorough preparation, and standing by your side from your first call to your case’s resolution.

We treat every client as an individual, taking the time to understand your circumstances and goals, which allows us to tailor our defense strategies to both the facts and the broader impact on your life. Our comprehensive support is why so many trust our firm when searching for a drug crime attorney in Stephenville.

Facing a drug crime charge? We offer free, bilingual initial consultations. Call (888) 246-6869 or contact us online to speak with a drug crime attorney in Stephenville today.

Understanding Drug Crime Laws in Texas

In Texas, drug crimes are primarily governed by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 481, also known as the Controlled Substances Act. This comprehensive law categorizes drugs into five "Penalty Groups" based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. 

The severity of a drug crime charge is determined by a combination of the drug's penalty group and the quantity involved, and the nature of the offense (possession, possession with intent to deliver, or trafficking). A knowledgeable drug crime attorney in Stephenville will meticulously analyze the specific statute and penalty group under which you are charged to find any weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

The law distinguishes between several types of drug offenses, including:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance: This involves knowingly and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance. The charge's severity depends on the drug type and quantity.
• Possession with Intent to Deliver: A more serious offense requiring the prosecution to prove you intended to sell or distribute the drugs.
• Drug Distribution: This crime involves the actual delivery, transfer, or sale of a controlled substance to another person.
• Drug Manufacturing: The offense of producing, preparing, or processing a controlled substance. This can range from growing marijuana to operating a large-scale methamphetamine lab.
• Prescription Fraud: This involves obtaining or attempting to obtain a controlled substance through deception, forgery, or misrepresentation (e.g., "doctor shopping").
• Drug Trafficking: The most serious drug crime in Texas, involving the possession, manufacturing, or delivery of a certain amount of a controlled substance, often triggering severe mandatory minimum sentences.

The prosecution's case often relies on the testimony of law enforcement, confidential informants, and forensic experts. As a seasoned Stephenville drug crime lawyer, we will challenge the government's evidence at every turn, scrutinizing the methods used to collect and analyze the evidence and questioning the credibility of their witnesses.

Classifications and Degrees of Drug Offenses

Texas law categorizes drug offenses as misdemeanors and felonies, with a specific focus on the type and quantity of the drug involved. The penalties escalate significantly with the amount of the controlled substance. A conviction for a drug crime can also be enhanced if the crime was committed in a drug-free zone, such as near a school, or if it involved a minor.

• Marijuana Possession:
  • Less than 2 ounces is a Class B misdemeanor.
  • 2 to 4 ounces is a Class A misdemeanor.
  • 4 ounces to 5 pounds is a state jail felony.
• Controlled Substances: The penalties for possessing controlled substances are much more severe and are classified by Penalty Group.
  • Penalty Group 1 (e.g., cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine): Less than 1 gram is a state jail felony; 1-4 grams is a third-degree felony; 4-200 grams is a second-degree felony; and 200-400 grams is a first-degree felony.
  • Penalty Group 2 (e.g., ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms): Less than 1 gram is a state jail felony; 1-4 grams is a third-degree felony; and 4-400 grams is a second-degree felony.
  • Penalty Group 3 (e.g., Xanax, Valium): Less than 28 grams is a Class A misdemeanor; 28-200 grams is a third-degree felony.

A skilled drug crime attorney in Stephenville will work to prevent any enhancement of your charges and will fight for a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Drug Crime Conviction in Texas

The direct legal penalties for a drug crime conviction in Texas are steep and often include:

• Incarceration: Jail or prison time, ranging from a few months for a misdemeanor to decades for a serious felony. The length of the sentence depends on the class of the felony.
• Fines: Fines can be substantial, often reaching into the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
• Forfeiture: Texas law allows for the forfeiture of property, including vehicles, homes, and other assets that were used in the commission of a drug crime.
• Probation and Supervised Release: A conviction will likely be followed by a period of supervised release, during which you must adhere to strict conditions. A violation of these terms can lead to re-incarceration.
• License Suspension: A drug conviction can result in the suspension of your driver's license.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal record for a drug offense can follow you for the rest of your life, making it incredibly difficult to find employment, obtain professional licenses, or secure housing. Many employers and professional licensing boards have zero-tolerance policies for these convictions, and landlords often deny rental applications to those with a criminal record.

Additionally, a felony conviction will result in a permanent ban on owning or possessing a firearm. For non-citizens, a conviction can have severe immigration consequences, including deportation. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships.