Fort Worth, TX Drug Possession Attorney

Skilled Defense Lawyer for Drug Possession Charges in Fort Worth, TX

Many drug crimes are nonviolent offenses without any real victims involved. Despite this, a drug possession charge in Texas can come with serious consequences, and it may be punishable by years in prison. If you have been accused of possessing an illegal substance, a Fort Worth drug crimes attorney can defend you in court and advocate for a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Putting up an effective defense against a drug charge requires a deep knowledge of the law. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we will explore all of the strategies available to you, looking for avenues to get a possession charge reduced or dismissed from court. With over 400 5-star reviews, Attorney Edwardo Meza has built up a reputation for his supportive counsel and rigorous defense.

How Is Drug Possession Penalized in Texas?

The punishments for drug possession vary wildly in Texas. Possession of up to four ounces of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison, but possession of just 200 grams of heroin is a first-degree felony, which carries up to 99 years in prison. Both the type of drug and the quantity of that drug can play a role in your sentence, and either factor could make the difference between a misdemeanor and a serious felony.

Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a diversion program or rehabilitation instead of jail time. This is an option that is usually available for non-violent offenders or on a first conviction of drug possession. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can negotiate for a favorable outcome with minimal disruption to your life.

Possession With Intent to Distribute

In some cases, a possession charge can be escalated to possession with intent to distribute, a much more serious crime. If law enforcement suspects that you planned to sell or deliver drugs to another party, you might be charged with drug distribution, which carries harsher penalties.

Even if you only had the drugs for personal use and never agreed to make any transaction, the prosecution may cite large quantities of drugs, stacks of cash, or packaging materials as evidence that you intended to distribute the substance. While the presence of these items is not concrete proof of intent to distribute, it may be enough to convict you.

Law enforcement and prosecutors can be merciless in their efforts to lock up suspected drug dealers. Our drug defense attorney can fight these allegations in court, presenting a credible defense rooted in clear legal precedent.

Defenses Against Drug Possession Charges

Police officers and other government authorities who carry out drug busts may go to great lengths to secure an arrest, at the expense of your rights. The Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution protects all Americans from "unreasonable search and seizure," which means that any evidence from an illegal search cannot be admitted in a criminal trial.

If a police officer searches your home or vehicle without probable cause or a warrant, it is considered an unlawful search. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we will fight to uphold your Fourth Amendment rights in court.

Other defenses against a drug charge may involve challenging the facts behind the alleged crime. For instance, if you had a valid prescription to possess the drug, or if you did not knowingly possess the illegal substance in question, the case against you might be dismissed.

Contact a Fort Worth, Texas Drug Possession Defense Lawyer

If you have been accused of drug possession in Texas, you should know that the legal consequences may be very serious. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, our Tarrant County drug crimes lawyer can help you avoid or minimize these consequences by providing you with one-on-one guidance and legal counsel throughout your case. Call us at 817-732-6392 or contact us online for a free consultation.