Denton Drug Lawyer

The state of Texas has the reputation of being especially severe in implementing penalties for drugs/marijuana offenses. This means that if you are caught with even a tiny amount of marijuana, you may find yourself in jail for six months.  Denton County punishments can be severe compared to some of the other counties in the area.  As a former Assistant District Attorney, Mike Goolsby knows how the court system and the importance of not having a drug conviction on your record.

As with many states, the state gives punishments according on the weight of drugs that was sold or possessed. Having up to one pound of marijuana will usually have a sentence of from six months to two years in a state jail and a fine of from $2,000 to $10,000. However, if you have no previous felony conviction and you are caught with up to one pound of prohibited substances, a state judge will give probation with drug treatment, the duration of which depends on the discretion of the judge. Fines may also be waived in such a case.

That is the extent of the leniency though. If you possess one to five pounds of drugs/marijuana, there will be no probation and you will serve a minimum six months jail sentence. The offense will also be treated as state jail felony that is a creation of the state that is meant to aid in alleviating overcrowding in prisons. What it means actually is that the offense will be recorded as a felony but you will serve your sentence with nonviolent offenders in minimum security prison.

Possessing drugs/marijuana over the 5 pound limit would mean that you will be treated as a major trafficker by the court with penalties increasing rapidly. Such an offense is not state jail type of felony and carries the following punishments:

  • Possessing 5 to 50 pounds of drugs/marijuana – two to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
  • Possessing 50 pounds to a ton of drugs/marijuana – two to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine
  • Possessing over a ton of drugs/marijuana – five to 99 years in prison and a $50,000 fine

Any time you sell the any amount of marijuana / drug, the penalty is enhanced. This also applies to very small amounts such as less than a single joint.

If you or a member of your family has been arrested for drugs/marijuana in the Denton area or anywhere in state of Texas, you must contact us at The Goolsby Law Firm as soon as possible. The laws on drugs/marijuana imposed by Texas are very punitive and changes frequently. Thus, having the latest facts and legal counsel could be the difference between a small hassle and a time in prison. Call us at The Goolsby Law Firm today so that we can protect your rights in court immediately.