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 help you understand your outlook and options. At Law Offices of Brady L. Pendleton, our legal team provides the individualized guidance readers expect from a drug attorney in Stephenville, supporting you every step of the way and helping make complex situations more manageable. 

Our hands-on, client-focused approach can provide answers to your toughest questions, and each decision is made with your full understanding. We believe in clear, timely communication, thorough preparation, and supporting you from your first call through the resolution of your case.

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 clients choose 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 Texas Controlled Substances Act. This comprehensive law categorizes controlled substances into several “Penalty Groups” based on statutory definitions. 

Types of Drug Offenses

The severity of a drug crime charge is determined by a combination of the drug’s penalty group, the quantity involved, and the nature of the offense (possession, possession with intent to deliver, or trafficking). A knowledgeable drug crime attorney in Stephenville can analyze the specific statute and penalty group under which you are charged to identify potential issues 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 Delivery: 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”).
• Trafficking-Related Allegations: Allegations involving possession, manufacturing, or delivery can carry serious consequences depending on the substance, amount, and statute involved.

How Drug Charges Are Classified

Texas law categorizes drug offenses as misdemeanors and felonies, with a specific focus on the type and quantity of the drug involved. The penalties can escalate significantly with the amount of the controlled substance. A drug-free-zone allegation or another statutory enhancement may affect the charge classification or punishment range when the legal requirements apply.

• 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 classified by the applicable Penalty Group and the facts alleged.
  • Applicable Penalty Groups: The current statute, substance, aggregate weight or number of units, alleged conduct, and any enhancement allegations determine the potential classification.

A drug lawyer serving Stephenville can work to assess whether an enhancement applies and pursue legal options that address the impact on your life.

Penalties & Collateral Consequences of a Drug Crime Conviction in Texas

The direct legal penalties for a drug crime conviction in Texas can include:

• Incarceration: Jail or prison time may be possible depending on the offense level, statute, and circumstances.
• Fines: Fines can be substantial, often reaching into the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
• Forfeiture: Texas law may allow the state to seek forfeiture of property connected to an alleged drug offense, depending on the circumstances.
• Community Supervision: A sentence may include community supervision and conditions such as treatment, drug testing, or community service. The conditions depend on the charge and sentence.
• License Consequences: Under Texas Transportation Code § 521.372, driving privileges may be affected by certain drug convictions or court orders, depending on the offense and circumstances.

Collateral Consequences

A criminal record for a drug offense can affect employment, professional licensing, housing, education, and other opportunities depending on the charge and a person’s circumstances. Employers, licensing boards, and landlords may review criminal history when making decisions.

Additionally, a felony conviction can affect firearm rights under applicable state or federal law. For non-citizens, a conviction can have serious immigration consequences. The social stigma attached to these crimes can also damage your reputation and personal relationships.