Pasadena Drug Crime Lawyer

Pasadena Drug Crime Attorney

Drug charges in Pasadena, TX, can have life-changing consequences, including jail, fines, and a criminal record. If you have been charged with a drug-related offense, including simple possession, drug trafficking, or manufacturing, Texas prosecutors will aggressively pursue penalties. A Pasadena, TX drug crime lawyer at The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, handles misdemeanor and felony drug charges with diligence, strategy, and care.

We look at the details of your case, including search and seizure issues and lab results, to protect your rights and hold the prosecution accountable for its evidence. If you have been arrested on a drug charge in Pasadena, call to get experienced legal representation in your corner.

Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer

Joseph Ruiz is a nationally renowned trial attorney with a background defending drug charges in Texas. Joseph Ruiz has tried hundreds of criminal cases and over 350 jury trials. He is honored to be named by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Champion Silver Award.

As a Texas Bar College member, he keeps abreast of all legal changes and updates in drug crime defense. With him on your case, you can count on his knowledge, skill in the courtroom, and his dedication to safeguarding your future.

Common Drug Charges in Texas

Drug crimes are prosecuted aggressively in Texas and can range from minor possession to major drug trafficking. Some of the most common drug charges are possession of a controlled substance (POCS), possession with intent to deliver, manufacture, and drug trafficking. Offenses can involve marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, prescription pills, or THC concentrates.

Simply possessing a Penalty Group 1 amount (which could be just a gram) of a drug like methamphetamine or fentanyl can be a felony. The specific offense with which you are charged will depend on the type of drug and the amount you possess, as well as evidence of selling, like scales, baggies, or a large amount of cash. Your exact charge is important in determining the right type of defense.

Of the 64,124 Texas cases reported to the United States Sentencing Commission, 17.9% of sentenced individuals were caught for drug-related cases (trafficking and simple possession). When you consider that drug arrests affect thousands of people each year, having a defense attorney who understands how to scrutinize the evidence and zealously advocate on your behalf is critical to protecting your future.

Penalties for Drug Offenses Under Texas Law

Texas uses the Controlled Substances Act to divide drugs into Penalty Groups 1-4, each with different penalties. For instance, Penalty Group 1 drugs, such as cocaine or meth, have the most severe consequences, and even small amounts are felonies. Penalties range, and they can increase with drug weight and previous convictions, to enhancements for things like being in a drug-free zone.

Consequences can include time in prison, substantial fines, and a lifelong criminal record. It’s important to know these classifications and potential enhancements as you make legal decisions, negotiate a plea deal, or consider fighting the charges at trial.

Defending Against Drug Charges in Pasadena

When you are facing a drug case, a good defense may make all the difference. Defenses include an illegal search and seizure in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, lack of probable cause, or mishandling or testing of evidence. If an officer pulled you over without probable cause and searched your car without a warrant, the evidence may be suppressed.

Other defenses might involve proving that the drugs weren’t yours or that you did not have the required intent to sell. Every fact, from the lab report to the arrest report, should be scrutinized for errors. An attorney can examine the evidence against you and attack any errors in procedures or handling of evidence to have your charges reduced or dismissed.

FAQs About Pasadena Drug Crime Laws

Is Possession of a Small Amount of Drugs Still a Felony in Texas?

Yes, possession of even a small amount of certain drugs can still be a felony in Texas. For example, possessing less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 drug, such as cocaine, meth, or heroin, is a state jail felony. The charges you face will depend on the substance and how it is classified under Texas law. A criminal defense lawyer can review the details of your case and explain your options for getting the charges reduced or dismissed.

Can I Be Charged With Intent to Distribute Without Selling Drugs?

Yes, it is possible to be charged with possession with intent to distribute without being caught selling drugs. In Texas, prosecutors can infer intent to sell based on circumstantial evidence such as packaging materials, scales, large amounts of drugs, or text messages.

These cases are often open to interpretation. An experienced defense attorney can challenge assumptions and argue that there was no intent to sell or that the items were for personal use.

What Is a Drug-Free Zone and Why Does It Matter?

A drug-free zone is any location specified by Texas law, like schools, playgrounds, or youth centers, where drug crimes are subject to increased penalties. If you are arrested for a drug crime within a certain distance of a drug-free zone, you can face increased penalties, even if the underlying offense was minor. A defense attorney may be able to challenge how the zone is defined or if it was posted correctly at the time of the offense.

Will a Drug Conviction Stay on My Record Forever?

A drug conviction is permanent on your record, unless you are eligible for expunction or nondisclosure of the record. These are very limited options and depend on the offense, the result of your case, and your criminal history. Deferred adjudication will not always leave you with a clean record. An attorney can explain to you if your case is eligible and may be able to get your charges resolved without sacrificing future expunction possibilities.

Contact a Pasadena Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug charges in Pasadena, TX, can be a very serious and life-changing event. The penalties range from jail time to an extensive criminal record that could haunt you for the rest of your life.

One mistake could put your future on the line, which is why our legal team at The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, offers aggressive, strategic defense to those accused of drug crimes in Pasadena and throughout Harris County. Contact our office now to schedule a consultation and begin your defense.