Cocaine Possession Charges in Texas?

A Dallas Drug Crime Lawyer Can Help You Put Your Life Back Together

Criminal MischiefFederal law — and the laws of all 50 states — forbid cocaine possession, sales and trafficking. However, drug laws can differ from state to state. Texas drug laws, more specifically the Texas Controlled Substance Act, state that the penalties for the possession and sale of cocaine depend upon the amount. However, possessing any amount is still considered a crime. Being charged with cocaine possession can leave a permanent mark on your record. You might have problems with eligibility for government programs, such as those for food sharing, housing or education grants. Additionally, your reputation could take a huge hit and you might experience difficulties finding future employment. Of course, you must also factor in having to pay fines and possible jail time.

However, you do not need go through this situation alone. You can turn to a Texas drug crime lawyer for help. For almost two decades, the Goolsby Law Firm has lowered charges and reduced sentences for clients in Dallas, Plano, Denton and throughout the state of Texas. Our Texas criminal law firm draws upon our experience and knowledge of Texas and federal drug law to advocate for you. We believe everyone deserves the best legal representation possible. Our Dallas criminal defense lawyers build a defense based upon the evidence and work tirelessly to get you the best result possible. This way, you have a chance to turn things around and begin to rebuild your life. We offer legal help that provides a way forward when the situation seems most dire.

What Are Cocaine Possession Laws in Texas?

In the state of Texas, the penalties for cocaine possession generally include some amount of jailtime and monetary fines. State law considers a small amount of cocaine to be less than one gram. However, even possession of a small amount of cocaine is considered a felony, which can result in up to two years at a state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Possession of more than 200 grams of cocaine could land you in prison for up to 99 years and comes with a maximum fine of $100,000. Some counties offer diversion programs for first-time offenders, where treatment becomes a preferred option over jailtime. The circumstances of your case will dictate the penalties and if the charges can be dropped or reduced.

Enrolling in a drug rehabilitation program prior to your trial and abiding by its regulations could help see that your charges are suspended, reduced or even dropped. If the police made a mistake during your arrest, it could also reduce the charges against you. Every case is different, however. To consider your legal options, it is in your best interest to speak with a Texas drug crime lawyer.

Are There Other Laws in Texas Pertaining to Cocaine?

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) tends to handle interstate drug trafficking as well as larger operations. This mostly leaves it to the states to enforce their own drug laws. The state of Texas has some of the harshest drug laws in the nation. The state’s law enforcement prioritizes drug crimes, since users tend to commit crimes in order to obtain more cocaine or other drugs. Users also tend to become involved in domestic violence, aggravated assault, robbery and other violent crimes.

The state of Texas outlaws the possession of cocaine, no matter how much. Possession, however, means that you must knowingly and intentionally have the care, custody or management of said cocaine. Furthermore, the law forbids the delivery of cocaine, even if you are only assisting. State laws further forbids the manufacturing, production, labeling, packaging, propagation, compounding or processing of cocaine, either from a natural or chemical process. Cocaine-related penalties might be enhanced and stiffened if money was exchanged and/or if the crime took place near a school or school-owned property.

Call a Texas Drug Crime Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If charged with cocaine possession, you need to know all of your legal options. For all you know, the evidence might point to a wrongful arrest or other mistake on law enforcement’s part. Stay calm and contact a Texas drug crime lawyer, such as Mike Goolsby. He will hear you out and examine the evidence to see what kind of defense he can build for your case. With his legal skills and experience, he can help you start to turn things around.

It all starts with a free consultation. To schedule yours, call us at 214-296-2770 or contact us online. We have offices in Dallas, Plano, Denton and serve residents of those cities as well as Allen, Arlington, Carrollton, Fort Worth, Irving and McKinney. Contact us as soon as possible so we can begin building your defense.