Penalties for offenses involving drug possession in Austin are serious. Being charged can be highly stressful if you’re facing jail sentences and heavy fines. With so much at stake, it’s vital to give yourself the best opportunity to fight a conviction. A criminal defense lawyer from our firm can fight for your future.
As a former Senior Chief Felony Prosecutor and State District Judge with over 30 years of experience, board-certified Randall B. Isenberg understands the criminal process from all sides. He, and the other attorneys on our team, have experience helping people like you to get a second chance. When you hire us, our Austin drug possession lawyers will build a comprehensive defense, so we can fight to reduce or dismiss your charges.
What Our Drug Possession Attorneys in Austin Can Do For You
Initially, our defense attorneys will help you understand the law and your rights regarding drug possession charges. Then, we will determine whether the police had probable cause for detention or search and carefully review the evidence against you. Other ways we defend our clients include the following:
- Interviewing you and other witnesses to learn about possible defenses, strengths, and weaknesses
- Reviewing police stop, search and seizure, arrest, and drug testing procedures for any discrepancies or violations
- Filing motions to suppress evidence if it was inappropriately obtained or contaminated
- Checking for weaknesses or inconsistencies in the evidence against you
- Forming an effective defense strategy to have charges dropped when possible
- Negotiating deals with prosecutors for reduced bail, charges, or sentences
- Preparing your case for trial
Our firm provides representation for drug charges at state and federal levels in cases involving all types of narcotics, illegal substances, and prescription drugs. We can also help if you face accompanying charges such as money laundering, weapon violations, or DWIs.
Drug Possession Charges and Penalties in Austin, TX
The penalties for drug crimes in Austin vary depending on the type and amount of narcotics or prescription drugs alleged to be in your possession. However, as a general guide, the following applies:
- Class C misdemeanor – fines of up to $500
- Class B misdemeanor – jail sentence of 180 and/or fines of up to $2000
- Class A misdemeanor – jail sentence between 180 days and 1 year and/or fines of up to $4000
- 3rd-degree felony – federal prison sentence between 2 and 10 years and/or fines of up to $10,000
- 2nd-degree felony – federal prison sentence between 2 and 20 years and/or fines of up to $10,000
- 1st-degree felony – federal prison sentence between 5 and 99 years and/or fines between $50,000 and $250,000
Along with harsh sentencing and heavy fines, the fallout from a drug conviction can affect your life and family in many other ways. For example, a criminal conviction can limit your ability to find work or accommodation. Additional restrictions can affect your parental rights, accessing education, voting rights, ability to own a firearm license, or ability to receive welfare benefits, grants, and loans.
Finding Help to Protect Your Rights and Your Future
With so much at stake and one opportunity to strive for the best possible outcome for your situation, you must do what you can to protect your future. When you are facing drug possession charges, experienced criminal defense matters. We can help with that. To illustrate what we mean, take a look at our client’s testimonial:
“Simply the best criminal defense lawyer in Texas! We hired him to represent our family on a felony case that not only could have had my father behind bars for the rest of his life but could of taken the most vital member of our family from us. From day one he guided us, advised us and walked with us until the very end. He was genuine and cared for our family’s wellbeing and always represented us having our best interest at heart.
He had the charges dropped to a lower offense and after probationary compliance the case was dismissed returning our peace. I can honestly say my family is happy and together today because of this man and his caring and amazing team. Everyone cares and works hard to get justice done at this firm– always responsive and diligent with his clients.” – Client testimonial from Nuria Garcia, 2022.
What to Do If You Are Arrested For Drug Possession in Austin
Texas drug laws are some of the strictest in the country; prosecutors do not go easy on these charges, so it is important to know what to do if you are arrested for drug possession in Texas. While it is natural to feel overwhelmed and panic, the following pointers can help you to stay on the right foot:
- Stay calm and do not resist arrest. Resisting or trying to evade arrest will only make things worse.
- Even though you were arrested, remember you have not been convicted of anything at this point. As such, say as little as possible and invoke your right to remain silent. What you say can be used as evidence against you.
- At the police station, you have the right to make a phone call. However, contacting a criminal defense lawyer to intervene early can protect your rights and defend you from questioning tactics that could harm your defense.
When you hire us, our drug possession defense attorneys work on building a defense to have your charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.
Let Us Protect Your Rights and Your Future Today
If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in Austin, the team at the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg is here to protect your reputation, career, family life, and future. Let us put our knowledge, experience, and resources to work for you during the fight for dismissal, acquittal, or reduced charges. When you need us, we are here. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.
