McKinney Drug Possession Lawyer
Texas is known to have some of the most severe penalties for drug possession in the United States.
Even if you are found with a small amount of an illegal drug or controlled dangerous substance, you could face extensive jail or prison sentences, costly fines, and irreparable damage to your reputation.
If you were arrested for drug possession, our McKinney drug possession lawyer can provide you with the relentless and dedicated representation necessary to either get the charges reduced or your case entirely dismissed.
With over a decade of legal experience, we possess an in-depth understanding of the state laws and court processes.
Call the Edgett Law Firm at 972-525-4963 or contact us online to schedule your free case consultation.
Drug Possession Penalties
Penalties for drug possession in Texas depend on the type of drug, the amount in possession, how the drug was concealed or stored, possession of any type of drug paraphernalia, and any previous convictions.
The state categorizes controlled dangerous substances in penalty groups. Penalty Group 1 consists of the most dangerous (due to the high potential for addiction and abuse) substances. Groups 1-A, 2, 3, and 4 decrease in those factors.
The penalties for possession based on the type of drug and quantity are the following:
- Penalty Group 1 (Heroin, Cocaine, Morphine, Oxycodone, Opium, etc.)
- Less than 1 gram – State jail felony
- 180 days to 2 years in jail
- Fines up to $10,000
- More than 1 gram, but less than 4 grams – Third-degree felony
- 2 to 10 years in prison
- Fines up to $10,000
- More than 4 grams, but less than 200 grams – Second-degree felony
- 2 to 20 years in prison
- Fines up to $10,000
- More than 200 grams, but less than 400 grams – First-degree felony
- 5 to 99 years in prison
- Fines up to $10,000
- More than 400 grams – Possible life sentence
- 10 to 99 years in prison
- Fines up to $100,000
- Less than 1 gram – State jail felony
- Penalty Group 1-A (LSD and its chemical components)
- Less than 20 abuse units – State jail felony
- More than 20, but less than 80 units – Third-degree felony
- More than 80, but less than 4,000 units – Second-degree felony
- More than 4,000, but less than 8,000 units – First-degree felony
- More than 8,000 units –Possible life sentence and a $250,000 fine
- Penalty Group 2 (MDMA, Mushrooms, etc.)
- Less than 1 gram – State jail felony
- More than 1 gram, but less than 4 grams – Third-degree felony
- More than 4 grams, but less than 400 grams – Second-degree felony
- More than 400 grams – Possible life sentence and a $50,000 fine
- Penalty Group 3 (Xanax, valium, Ritalin, hydrocodone, etc.)
- Less than 28 grams – Class A misdemeanor
- One year jail sentence
- Fine of up to $4,000
- More than 28 grams, but less than 200 grams – Third-degree felony
- More than 200 grams, but less than 400 grams – Second-degree felony
- More than 400 grams – Possible life prison sentence and a $50,000 fine
- Less than 28 grams – Class A misdemeanor
- Penalty Group 4 (compounds and mixtures with small amounts of codeine or opium)
- Less than 28 grams – Class B misdemeanor
- 180-day jail sentence
- Fines of up to $2,000
- More than 28 grams, but less than 200 grams – Third-degree felony
- More than 200 grams, but less than 400 grams – Second-degree felony
- More than 400 grams – Possible life prison sentence and a $50,000 fine
- Less than 28 grams – Class B misdemeanor
How We Can Help
Once you are charged with a criminal offense, you need to get help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you tell your side of the story.
In many cases, merely requesting evidence to substantiate claims made by law enforcement and prosecutors can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.
Let our McKinney drug possession defense attorney conduct an investigation and evaluate police evidence to help you build a solid defense. Let us protect your rights and your future.
Call 972-525-4963 now.