Ellis County and Navarro County Drug Crime Attorney

Over 10 Years of Experience in Navarro & Ellis County

If you have been charged with a drug crime or you learn you are under investigation, you need a criminal defense attorney with specific experience representing clients in these nuanced cases. At The Law Offices of Michael J. Crawford, our drug crime lawyer in Ellis County and Navarro County provides aggressive legal defense to help each client maximize the chances of a good outcome. 

Please contact our firm today at (214) 903-7722 to discuss your situation with our attorney. You can also contact us online.

Comprehensive Legal Defense for Drug Crimes

Drug crime convictions can result in severe penalties, including time in jail or prison, large fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Even if the charges are less serious, such as possession of marijuana, a criminal record can follow you long after your arrest and have lasting consequences.

We represent clients facing charges for:

• Possession
• Trafficking
• Drug paraphernalia
• Possession with intent to sell
• Cultivating marijuana
• Drug manufacturing
• Conspiracy to commit a drug crime

Because the consequences for a drug conviction can have negative and lasting impacts on your life, it is best to act as quickly as possible. Even if you are only under investigation and haven’t been arrested yet, it is almost never a good idea to take a wait-and-see approach. Contacting an experienced drug crimes attorney early in the process is important to ensure that your rights are protected and secure the best possible outcome for your situation.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in Texas

The penalties for drug crimes in Texas vary widely depending on the type and severity of the offense. Factors such as the type of drug, the quantity in question, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether the offense occurred within a drug-free zone can all affect sentencing. Below are some common penalties associated with drug crimes:

Misdemeanors

• Class A Misdemeanor: Possession of small amounts of drugs (less than 2 ounces) can be classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The penalties can include up to one year in county jail and fines up to $4,000.

Felonies

• State Jail Felony: Possession of larger amounts of drugs (less than 1 gram) or certain other offenses may be classified as a state jail felony, with penalties ranging from 180 days to 2 years in state jail and fines up to $10,000.
• Third-Degree Felony: Possession of between 1 and 4 grams of certain drugs can result in a third-degree felony conviction, which carries 2 to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Second-Degree Felony: Possession of between 4 and 200 grams or drug trafficking can result in a second-degree felony charge, which carries 2 to 20 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
• First-Degree Felony: Possessing or distributing large quantities of drugs (200 grams or more) can lead to a first-degree felony conviction, which carries a prison sentence of 5 to 99 years and fines of up to $10,000.

Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in Texas?

First-time drug offenders in Texas may not necessarily go to jail, but they can still face serious consequences. The specific outcome depends on factors such as the type of drug involved, the amount of the drug, the circumstances of the case, and the defendant’s criminal history.

For example, for minor drug offenses (like possession of small amounts of marijuana or a small quantity of controlled substances), first-time offenders might qualify for programs like deferred adjudication or probation instead of jail time. These programs may allow individuals to avoid a conviction on their record if they successfully complete the terms set by the court, which might include drug counseling, community service, and other requirements.

On the other hand, if the offense involves a larger amount of drugs or a more serious substance (like cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin), a first-time offender might face felony charges, which can lead to jail time. However, even with felony charges, a defendant may be eligible for alternative sentencing options, such as drug diversion programs or probation, depending on the circumstances.

Ultimately, the court will weigh factors such as the severity of the offense, whether the offender has a prior criminal record, and the potential for rehabilitation when deciding on sentencing.  Our Navarro and Ellis County drug crimes attorneys work diligently to understand the details of each case and build a strategy tailored to achieve the best possible outcome for you.