Dallas Drug Distribution Attorney
An accusation of dealing, distributing, or trafficking illegal drugs or controlled substances can involve stiffer penalties and harsher—possibly even mandatory—sentences than criminal charges for drug possession. As a Texas resident, you need the help of a Dallas drug distribution lawyer if you or someone you know has been accused of drug distribution charges. These charges are taken very seriously in Texas, and the penalties can be severe.
If you have been charged with distribution in Dallas, you deserve the help of Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC. Our team has the knowledge and experience you need to overcome the charges against you. We individualize our efforts to provide you with a unique defense strategy built on the circumstances of your case and not apply a one-size-fits-all strategy. You deserve a legal team that puts your needs first.
Dallas Drug Dealing Charges
Distribution charges can be complicated. These charges don’t often stand alone but could have additional offenses and criminal charges filed against you under the Texas Controlled Substances Act. Additional charges may depend on the type of controlled substance allegedly involved, the location of your arrest, and additional circumstances of the incident. These additional charges may include:
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substance
- Drug conspiracy charges
- Federal drug conspiracy
- Illegal sale and trafficking of prescription drugs
- Interception of a drug shipment
- Interstate transport or drug distribution
- Manufacturing or cultivation of controlled substance
- Possession or transport with intent to deliver
- Prescription fraud
- Transfer of precursor substance for unlawful manufacture
Aggravating Circumstances
Aggravating circumstances are those that may impact the final penalties that you could face. If you’ve been charged with drug offenses, there are two main factors that could enhance your punishment. One is if any children were involved in the crime and if the crime resulted in the death or bodily harm of another person. The specific impacts of these instances include:
- Involvement of children: If a child was involved in the crime in any way, the consequences could be elevated. If anyone under the age of 18 was on the premises at the time of the drug transaction or if a child was forced to participate in the action, higher penalties may be applied to your charges.
- Death or injury: If the drug distribution charges were related to a death or injury, it could increase the charges. For example, someone could ingest a substance like fentanyl, and if that person dies or is injured, you could face charges.
Substances With the Greatest Penalties
The Texas Health & Safety Code 481.102 classified controls substances into four main penalty groups:
- Penalty group 1. Penalties for this group are often the most severe. Substances in this group can include cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and LSD.
- Penalty group 2. Group 2 substances can include mushrooms and psilocybin, among others.
- Penalty group 3. These substances can include Xanax, anabolic steroids, and lorazepam.
- Penalty group 4. This group of substances can include but is not limited to compounds with a small amount of opium or codeine.
A Dallas drug distribution lawyer can review the circumstances of your case and help you understand which penalties you could face. Empowering you with this knowledge allows our team the opportunity to create a defense strategy that you are comfortable with and that works for your needs.
Possessing the Substances of Others
Texas follows constructive possession, which means you could be charged with possession or distribution of substances that are not directly on your person. Proving ownership is an essential part of every drug crime case. An experienced Dallas drug distribution attorney can help you if you’re facing charges for substances that aren’t yours.
Rely On Our Experience Defending Drug Dealing Charges
Defenses to Drug Charges in Dallas
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees individuals protection against unreasonable search and seizures. Our attorneys can investigate your arrest to see if evidence against you may be inadmissible because of a violation of your constitutional rights because of:
- Illegal seizure of evidence: At times, law enforcement officers acquire evidence unlawfully. Officers need to have a reasonable suspicion that a crime was committed or have a valid search warrant before they can conduct a lawful search.
- Illegal search or arrest warrants: There are many reasons for a search warrant to be invalid. Any evidence obtained under an invalid search warrant may not be used in your case. Warrants may be invalid if there is misleading or false information used to obtain the warrant, the warrant was not executed in a timely fashion, there was insufficient probable cause, or police officers went beyond the scope of the warrant.
- No delivery: It must be proven that you either constructively or actively distributed the substance. Active means you physically handed the drugs over to someone else. Constructive means you sent someone else to obtain the substances.
- Impeaching informants: If your arrest was caused because of the testimony of an individual, your lawyer can cross examine them. In many cases, people who snitch have their own criminal record and may have a history of lying or misleading law enforcement just so they can get out of trouble.
FAQs
Q: How Do You Beat Drug Charges in Texas?
A: To beat drug charges in Texas, you need to work with an experienced lawyer who can build a defense based on the circumstances of your charges. There are many different legal defenses that can be used, and a lawyer can review your case and determine the appropriate legal defense for you. A lawyer can review the conduct of law enforcement and ensure that your legal rights were not violated during any step of your arrest.
Q: Can You Get Probation for the Distribution of a Controlled Substance in Texas?
A: You could receive probation for the distribution of a controlled substance in Texas. Probation, however, may not be the only penalty you face. Whether you are facing possession, manufacturing, delivery, solicitation, trafficking, or selling drugs, you are subject to facing jail time, significant fines, and a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, among other things. The type of substance, the amount, and the location of the offense will all factor into the level of consequences you will face.
Q: Can Drug Distribution Charges Be Dismissed in Texas?
A: Drug distribution charges can be dropped in Texas. The conditions of such dismissal will vary depending on the severity of the charges, the amount of evidence involved, and the quality of your legal attorney. An experienced lawyer gives you the greatest chance of getting the charges dropped. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not getting quality legal representation for their cases.
Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Drug Distribution Charge in Texas?
A: While you are not legally required to have a lawyer for a drug distribution charge in Dallas or other areas of Texas, it is highly recommended that you have one. It can be challenging to navigate the complexities of the Texas criminal court system, particularly if you are facing federal charges. A lawyer can not only represent and guide along the legal process, but they can ensure all necessary legal documentation is met appropriately. You always have a better chance with a lawyer.
Q: How Much Does a Drug Distribution Lawyer Cost in Texas?
A: The costs of a drug distribution lawyer can vary depending on the specific factors of the case. The more complex the legal case is, the more the attorney may charge. Another important factor to consider is the experience level and location of the lawyer. More seasoned attorneys may be more expensive than less experienced ones, but they are often worth it. When it comes to legal representation, you want a quality attorney on your side.
At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, we have seen firsthand the consequences that criminal convictions on drug charges can have on offenders and their families. If you want an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on your side, contact our firm today to begin receiving the assistance you need in dealing with the accusations against you.