In Allen, TX, a drug crime conviction can put you behind bars for months, years, or even decades. You will face a substantial fine and have a permanent criminal record that hinders your ability to get a job, attend college, or obtain a student loan.
A drug crime lawyer in Allen from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg can help. We offer a free, no-obligation case analysis. Before you make any decisions about your drug crime case, contact us today at 214-696-9253 to learn more about your options.
Penalties for Drug Crime Convictions in Allen, TX
Texas imposes harsh penalties for drug crimes. Whether you face charges for drug possession, manufacturing, or delivery, you face the risk of going to prison for potentially years or decades.
Unfortunately, the law concerning penalties for drug charges is complex and confusing. It groups illegal drugs and controlled substances into categories. The specific charges the prosecutor files will depend on the substance in question, the quantity, and the penalty group into which the substance falls.
What Are Group 1-4 Drugs?
Examples from each group include:
| Penalty Group I | Penalty Group II | Penalty Group III | Penalty Group IV |
| Opium | Ecstasy | Xanax | Codeine compounds |
| Heroin | PCP | Ritalin | Morphine compounds |
| Cocaine | MDMA | Valium | Opium compounds |
| GHB | Adderall | HGH | |
| Oxycodone | Spice | Hydrocodone | |
| LSD | K2 | Clonazepam |
The penalties for each category of criminal charges are as follows:
|
Charge |
Penalty |
|
Class C Misdemeanor |
$500 fine |
|
Class B Misdemeanor |
Up to $2,000 in fines Up to 6 months in jail |
|
Class A Misdemeanor |
Up to $4,000 in fines Up to 1 year in jail |
|
State Jail Felony |
Up to $10,000 in fines 6 months to 2 years in state jail |
|
Third-Degree Felony |
Up to $10,000 in fines 2 to 10 years in prison |
|
Second-Degree Felony |
Up to $10,000 in fines 2 to 20 years in prison |
|
First-Degree Felony |
Up to $10,000 in fines 5 years to life in prison |
In addition to the potential fines and prison sentence, you will also face the possibility of probation, community service, and court-imposed substance abuse treatment.
A conviction also means that you will have a permanent criminal record. A criminal record for a drug crime in Allen, TX can make it difficult for you to get a job or rent an apartment. You will struggle to get into a good college and become ineligible for student loans. You may not be able to obtain or hold a professional license, such as those required to sell real estate, insurance, or securities.
Despite what the police or prosecutor may tell you, pleading guilty usually does not provide any substantial benefit, other than the possibility of a reduced jail sentence. All the other penalties – and their consequences – will likely still apply.
Obtain Help from a Drug Crime Lawyer in Allen
Criminal defense attorney Randall Isenberg and his team provide aggressive criminal defense aid for clients facing drug crime charges in Allen.
We know that your future hangs in the balance, and we will work diligently on your behalf. We will protect your legal rights and provide all the information you need to make the right choices for your future.
The services our team offers include:
- Protecting your legal rights
- Investigating and documenting your case
- Negotiating with the prosecutor
- Providing frequent updates about your case
We will begin by carefully analyzing the evidence in your case. Often, we can identify errors made by the police, such as legal rights violations. We can use those errors or rights violations to negotiate with the prosecutor to have your charges reduced or dismissed.
We handle every aspect of your case, representing you for all court-related matters and negotiating with the prosecutor on your behalf. While we strive to get your charges dropped or reduced, if necessary, we will prepare your case and defend you in court.
In many cases, you may qualify to participate in a deferred adjudication program. If so, we can help prepare your application and petition the court on your behalf. Once you complete the conditions of your deferral agreement, we will petition the court to vacate your charges.
Understanding Allen, TX Drug Crime Categories
When pursuing drug charges in Allen, the prosecutor can charge you with drug possession, manufacturing, or delivery – or a combination of the three. In order to obtain a conviction, however, the prosecutor must prove that you intentionally or knowingly committed the drug crime in question.
Drug Possession
Possession charges can take the form of actual possession or constructive possession. The basis of this charge is that you, knowingly and willingly, had an illegal substance in your physical possession or in a location known to you.
Drug Manufacturing
Manufacturing charges pertain to you growing, cooking, or otherwise producing an illegal substance. If you subsequently sold or gave the substance to someone else, you could potentially face drug delivery charges.
Drug Delivery
Drug delivery relates to the transfer or sale of an illegal substance to another party. You could face charges simply by sharing drugs or banned substances with a friend. If you exchange drugs for anything of value – electronics or free rent, for example – you could also face drug delivery charges.
The police can also arrest and charge you for possessing paraphernalia and materials that could be used to manufacture drugs. If you involved a child in your activities or committed a drug crime in a drug-free or school zone, you will face extra charges and penalties.
See How a Drug Crime Lawyer in Allen Can Help with Your Case
The legal team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg understands how frightening and confusing it can be to face drug crime charges. You do not have to face this situation alone. Contact our office before you give a statement to the police or let the prosecutor talk you into pleading guilty.
We offer a free consultation to help you make an informed decision about your case.
Contact us today at 214-696-9253 for a free consultation.
