Houston Drug Possession Lawyer

Houston Drug Possession Attorney

If you are facing a drug possession charge in Texas, it is vital that you get the legal support and advocacy that you deserve as soon as possible. A Houston drug possession lawyer from the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, can step in and support you during this challenging and overwhelming time. Texas has serious laws and regulations around drug possession, so if you are facing trial, it is essential to build a strong legal defense.

No matter the level of drug possession charge that you are facing, whether it be a simple misdemeanor or a serious felony, the penalties can be serious. With penalties like jail time, fines, and its overall impact on your life, understanding local laws around possession is key.

What Is Drug Possession in Texas?

In the state of Texas, drug possession is defined as intentionally or knowingly having control over a controlled substance without a valid prescription. Texas laws treat drug crime very seriously, as even small amounts can ultimately lead to felony charges, depending on the substance type. With over 1.16 million Americans arrested annually for the possession, sale, or manufacturing of illegal substances, this area of law is taken very seriously.

It will count as possession in Huston, Texas if the drug is found or stored on your body, in your hand, or in your pocket, and constructive possession, which could be in your car, home, or bag. Constructive possession counts if you have knowledge and control over it.

Penalties for a drug possession case can vary in the state of Texas, but can include fines, jail, and prison time.

How a Drug Possession Lawyer Can Help

Receiving a drug possession accusation in the state of Texas can be a truly terrifying and overwhelming experience. It can be hard to know where to turn for help. A drug possession lawyer can play a critical role in protecting their clients’ rights, minimizing overall penalties, and potentially getting charges reduced or dismissed.

A lawyer’s primary goal is to see their clients’ rights protected. They work to ensure your Fourth Amendment rights are upheld, and if they are violated through an unlawful search and seizure, they work to see that remedied, often through evidence suppression. If a police officer searches your person or your property without probable cause or a warrant, let your lawyer know, and they can work to see this evidence dismissed.

Lawyers can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and challenge things like whether the substance is actually illegal, whether you were knowingly in possession of the drug, and other factors, depending on your situation. They can create a defense strategy that casts doubt on the prosecution’s case and presents effective legal arguments.

Throughout their work with you, a lawyer is present to address your concerns and answer your questions as they come up. They will ensure that you are making informed decisions and that you are aware of all your options. Their support can help to protect your future. Criminal convictions can affect many aspects of your life, like employment, housing, immigration, and professional licenses, so it is vital that you have a trusted lawyer by your side.

FAQs

Q: How Do I Win a Drug Possession Case?

A: How you can win a drug possession case will depend on several factors, such as the specific facts of the case, the jurisdiction your case is in, the type and amount of drug involved, and the circumstances of the arrest. If law enforcement did not follow proper protocol, you may be able to challenge the legality of the search and seizure. You can dispute possession if you didn’t know the drugs were there or if they weren’t yours.

Q: How Do I Get a Possession Charge Dismissed?

A: Getting a possession charge completely dismissed will greatly depend on the specifics of your case, the unique evidence against you, your criminal history, and local laws. Common ways to get a possession charge dismissed include proving that your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, proving that you didn’t knowingly possess the drugs, and proving entrapment.

Q: What Is the Minimum Sentence for Drug Possession?

A: The minimum sentence for drug possession will depend on key factors like the type of drug, the amount present, whether you are facing state or federal charges, your criminal history, intent, and local state laws. For possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use, you may just face a misdemeanor with possible probation. A minimum sentence will often mean no jail time, but you may face other repercussions, like diversion programs or probation.

Q: How Much Is a Criminal Lawyer’s Fee?

A: A criminal lawyer’s fees can vary greatly depending on the unique details of the case. A lawyer may charge based on their experience level and reputation, their location, the complexity of the case, the timeline of the case, and their fee structure. In general, a misdemeanor case like simple drug possession will cost much less than a federal case for a serious felony like drug trafficking that goes to trial.

Q: How Long Does a Drug Possession Case Take?

A: The timeline of a drug possession case can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the case. Each step of a drug possession case requires varied time, including the initial arrest and booking, the arraignment, the pretrial phase, the time to negotiate a plea deal or diversion, the trial itself, and the sentencing, all of which can take significant time. Another factor that can extend the timeline is whether the court has a significant backlog of other cases.

Speak With a Trusted Drug Possession Lawyer Today

If you have further questions about your drug possession charge or are looking to build out a strong defense on your behalf to ensure a fair outcome and lessen penalties, reach out to a trusted drug possession lawyer today.

By scheduling an initial consultation with a drug possession lawyer from the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, you can ensure that your case is receiving quality care and advocacy. Do not delay in getting the legal help and insight that you deserve. You can reach us over the phone, online, or in person at our office in Houston on West 23rd Street.