In Texas, a conviction on drug charges can result in substantial fines, jail or prison time, and a permanent criminal record that will follow you throughout your life.
You need an advocate to protect your legal rights and help you understand your options. A drug crime lawyer in Rockwall will work to help you overcome this pervasive threat to your future.
Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today: 214-696-9253.
What Types of Drugs Are Illegal in Rockwall?
The statutes categorize illegal substances into one of four primary groups, as follows:
Penalty Group 1 |
Penalty Group 1-A |
| Opiates, opium derivatives (e.g., such as heroin and codeine compounds), cocaine, methamphetamine, crack, hydrocodone, oxycodone, ketamine, fentanyl, GHB, and Rohypnol | Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD or acid) |
|
Rockwall Drug Crimes Attorney Near Me
Penalty Group 2 |
Penalty Group 2-A |
| Hallucinogenic drugs including ecstasy, psilocybin, MDMA, mescaline, PCP, and bath salts
Depressant/stimulant compounds, such as amphetamine, methamphetamine salts (Adderall) |
Synthetic marijuana (Spice, K2) |
Penalty Group 3 |
Penalty Group 4 |
| Stimulants, depressants, and narcotics, such as Xanax, Klonopin, Ritalin, clonazepam, valium, hydrocodone, barbiturates, human growth hormone (HGH), testosterone and anabolic steroids | Narcotic compounds with nonnarcotic active ingredients, such as opium, codeine, morphine, buprenorphine, and pyrovalerone |
What Penalties Might I Face for a Rockwall Drug Crime Conviction?
Although the specific charges and penalties you face will depend on the nature and details of the offense, only one category of Texas drug crime — the Class C misdemeanor — does not carry the possibility of jail or prison time. Otherwise, you could face anywhere between six months and life behind bars and fines as high as $100,000.
These are the potential penalties for conviction of a drug crime in Rockwall.
Misdemeanor – Class C |
$500 fine |
Misdemeanor – Class B |
$2,000 fine, up to 6 months’ jail time |
Misdemeanor – Class A |
$4,000 fine, up to 12 months’ jail time |
State Jail Felony |
$10,000 fine, 6 months to 2 years’ jail or prison time |
Felony – Third-Degree |
$10,000 fine, 2 to 10 years’ prison time |
Felony – Second-Degree |
$10,000 fine, 2 to 20 years’ prison time |
Felony – First-Degree |
$10,000 fine, 5 to 99 years (or life) prison time |
Below, we detail potential penalties for possession, delivery, and manufacturing.
Drug Possession Penalties
The charges and penalties for Texas drug possession will depend on the quantity and type you had in your possession. If you have prior convictions, you will face enhanced charges and significantly higher penalties.
For example, you will face a misdemeanor charge for possession of 28 grams or less of a substance classified as Group 3 or Group 4. You will face second-degree felony charges if you had between four and 200 grams of a substance from Group 1 or Group 2. You will face a Class B misdemeanor charge for having less than two ounces of marijuana.
Drug Delivery & Manufacturing Penalties
Drug delivery (also known as drug trafficking or dealing) and manufacturing charges carry penalties based on the category and quantity of the drugs. However, both drug manufacturing and trafficking frequently lead to first-degree felony charges. Texas prosecutors typically pursue maximum fines and prison time for these offenses.
In addition to jail time and fines, you must pay all court costs and fees. You may face probation, community service, and required attendance of drug education courses. More concerning, your conviction will remain on your record permanently. This means that anyone who runs a background check — including potential employers and landlords — will see your conviction.
A felony conviction for a drug crime can strip away your civil liberties, including prohibiting you from owning a gun. If you are a student, or plan to go to school, a drug crime conviction may prohibit you from obtaining student loans.
Do I Need a Drug Crimes Lawyer in Rockwall?
To avoid these harsh penalties, you need a drug crime lawyer to protect your legal rights and fight for your future.
And, while the police and prosecutor may tell you to plead guilty in exchange for lesser penalties, they will not tell you how this action could affect your entire life. Your lawyer will explain what the charges may mean and what your legal options are, allowing you to make an informed choice.
Randall Isenberg and his team will pick apart the evidence in your case, in search of potential errors made by the police. Illegal search and seizure and the mishandling of evidence in your case can provide invaluable leverage for us to negotiate with the prosecutor and for building a strong defense.
We may successfully convince the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss the charges against you, or convince a judge to throw out illegally obtained or processed evidence.
If this is your first drug crime offense, we may successfully get you into a diversionary program, or identify other strategies for helping you avoid jail time and a permanent criminal record.
Choosing the Right Drug Crime Lawyer in Rockwall
Look for a Rockwall drug crime lawyer who understands how the system works, and who will put that knowledge to work for you.
Attorney Randall Isenberg has spent more than 30 years in the criminal justice system, working for clients as a drug crime lawyer as well as serving as a felony prosecutor and judge. He understands how the system works and he will work tirelessly to defend you against your charges.
Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today to schedule a free consultation and case review: 214-696-9253.
