Corpus Christi Drug Crimes Defense Attorney

Experienced Legal Support for Drug Charges in Corpus Christi

After an arrest, it is important that you take immediate action to secure your future and help protect your rights. As soon as possible, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney – you need to contact me, Robert J. Gonzalez, Attorney At Law. I have extensive experience in handling complex drug crime cases, and I will work diligently to provide you with a favorable resolution to your case. I have over 30 years of experience in handling unique criminal cases, and I may be able to help you, too.

As a former Texas prosecutor and judge, I have an in depth understanding of the Texas legal system. I am a well-known name in the Corpus Christi area, and I have successfully litigated on behalf of numerous clients facing similar charges as you. With an attorney on your side that will fight for you and keep you informed throughout the case proceedings, you could see a dismissal or reduction in your charges. 

If you have been arrested, contact a Corpus Christi criminal defense attorney from my office right away by calling (361) 309-9332.

Key Insights on Drug Crimes in Texas

Each drug crime case is unique, and depending on the specifics of the case you are facing, your penalties may vary; however, there are some specifications outlined in the Texas state penal code that could give you an idea of what you may be up against.

• There are various drug crime charges, and you may be facing:
• Drug possession: Having illegal substances on you, in your home or in your vehicle can warrant an arrest and charge of drug possession.
• Drug distribution: Also known as drug trafficking, this crime involves the physical passing of an illegal substance from one person to another or from one place to another.
• Drug sales: The sale of illegal substances for profit of any type is a common and serious crime that holds immense penalties.
• Drug use: Operating a vehicle under the influence of an illegal substance, or being under the influence when arrested can result in a drug crime charge.

Understanding the Penalties for Drug Possession in Texas

While Texas is not as harsh as it used to be, you can still be looking at some serious charges even just for simple possession. There are different levels of charges depending on how dangerous the drug is. On the low end there is marijuana and then on the higher end are things like heroin and meth. While they differ in the charges for a simple possession, all of them can get you up to 99 years in prison for possession of a large enough amount. Here are the potential charges for the penalty groups:

Penalty Group 1 - Heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine and mescaline.

• 1st degree felony even for simple possession
• 180 days to 2 years incarcerated and a $10,000 fine for a low amount

Penalty Group 2 - Ecstacy, magic mushrooms and amphetamines

• 1st, 2nd or state jail felony degree felony for possession
• 180 days to 2 years incarcerated and a $10,000 fine for a low amount

Penalty Group 3 - Lower level opioids, benzodiazepines, anabolic steroids

• Class A misdemeanor for simple possession
• Up to 1 year incarcerated and/or a $4,000 fine for under 28 grams

Penalty Group 4 - Morphine and codeine

• Class B misdemeanor for simple possession
• Up to 180 days incarcerated and/or a $2,000 fine for under 28 grams

Marijuana

• Class B misdemeanor for 2 ounces or less
• Up to 180 days incarcerated and/or a $2,000 fine for 2 ounces or less.

What Are The Defenses for Drug Crimes?

When facing drug crime charges, there are several defenses that may be used to challenge the prosecution's case. One common defense is illegal search and seizure. If law enforcement officers violated a defendant’s constitutional rights during their search or arrest, such as entering a home without a warrant or conducting a search without probable cause, the evidence gathered could be ruled inadmissible in court. Without this evidence, the case may be dismissed.

Another potential defense is lack of knowledge or intent. In some drug cases, the defendant may not have known that the drugs were in their possession. For example, if drugs were found in a vehicle that the defendant was driving, they may not have been aware of their presence. Proving a lack of intent or knowledge can weaken the prosecution’s case.

A mistaken identity defense could also be effective in situations where the defendant was incorrectly identified as the person involved in drug-related activities. If an alibi can be provided or it can be shown that someone else committed the crime, the charges may be reduced or dismissed.

Additionally, entrapment is a defense that may be raised when law enforcement officers induce an individual to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. If it can be shown that the police used improper tactics to persuade the defendant to break the law, the charges may be dismissed.

Exploring the Drug Court Program in Texas

You may be in a position where fighting your case does not seem like a path you want to take, and you do have other options for avoiding a conviction. The Texas Drug Court program was created in 2001 to give drug offenders an incentive to rehabilitate themselves and prevent the recidivism that is common in our penal system. After completing the program, the charges will be dismissed like they never happened.

To be eligible for the program, you must be a non-violent drug offender (you usually can't have a conviction of a violent crime on your record), and you can't have a large criminal record. Here are some of the things you may need to complete in a drug court program:

• Substance abuse program
• Probation
• Recovery meetings
• Regular drug testing
• Community Service

If you are facing a drug charge, contact us and we will see if a Drug Court program may be right for you. We can help get you into the program, and we will be with you every step of the way.

Contact our Corpus Christi drug crime attorney by calling (361) 309-9332 today!