Drug possession charges can result in significant fines, jail time, and a criminal record. Additionally, if you are convicted of drug possession, you may be required to participate in a drug treatment program.
According to reports, Methamphetamine abuse is often associated with violent and property crime in Houston.
If you have been executed for drug possession, it is essential to understand the consequences you may face and how a Houston drug lawyer can help.
What Happens If You Are Charged with Drug Possession in Houston?
If you are charged with drug possession in Houston, you could face several consequences, including:
Fines
You may be penalized up to $2,000 for possessing a small number of drugs. For more significant amounts, you may be fined up to $10,000.
Jail Time
You could be sentenced to a maximum of 180 days in jail for a first offense. If you have been convicted of possession of drugs before, you could be sentenced to up to two years in jail for a first offense or four years in prison if it is your second drug possession conviction within the last five years.
Probation
You may be placed on probation. You may be required to attend a drug treatment program.
Criminal Record
A drug possession conviction will stay on your criminal record for life.
An experienced Houston drug lawyer can help you in several ways to avoid penalties and jail time.
Here’s how.
Negotiating a Plea Deal
In 2017, synthetic marijuana (K2/Spice), methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin contributed to significant drug problems in the Houston area.
If you have been caught with drug possession, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor. A plea deal could involve lesser charges or a reduced sentence.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer will know what is negotiable in your case and can work to get you the best outcome possible.
However, if the opposite person is not willing to negotiate a plea deal, this does not mean your case cannot be won in court. Several defenses are available for you, and your attorney can help determine which defense or defenses may work best for you.
Possible Defenses
Several possible defenses may apply to drug possession charges. Your drug attorney will be able to help you determine which defense is best for your case. Possible defenses include, but are not limited to:
Entrapment: The police pressured or coerced you into possessing or selling drugs.
Illegal Search and Seizure: You were illegally searched, and the evidence against you was found.
Consent to Search: You gave consent for officers to search your person or property.
The prosecutor will be able to prove that you possessed illegal drugs beyond a reasonable doubt.
It is an extremely high standard of proof because it requires them to show that there is no reasonable possibility or scenario where you did not possess the drugs.
Having a Criminal Record Expunged
If you have been caught on a drug possession offense, it can be challenging to find a job or housing because drug crimes carry a stigma.
Even those charged with misdemeanors can have their criminal records expunged, so they do not have to disclose the incident on applications for employment and housing.
Getting Charges Dropped or Reduced
An experienced drug possession defense lawyer may be able to get the charges against you dropped or reduced.
It can happen for several reasons, such as lack of evidence, an illegal search, seizure, or entrapment.
If you face drug possession charges, it is essential to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Houston as soon as possible.
An attorney can help you understand the consequences of a conviction and work to reduce or avoid those consequences.
