San Marcos Drug Crime Attorneys

Arrested for a Drug Crime in San Marcos, TX?

If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug crime in San Marcos, TX, you need skilled legal representation. Cofer & Connelly, PLLC is here to defend your rights, safeguard your future, and help you navigate the complexities of Texas drug laws. As your trusted San Marcos drug crime lawyer, we understand the serious consequences associated with drug charges and are dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.

Call (512) 991-0576 or contact us online today to schedule an initial consultation.

Common Types of Drugs

Both federal and state laws regulate drugs, categorizing them into different "schedules" based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and addictive properties. Common types of controlled substances include:

• Marijuana: Although legal in some states, marijuana remains illegal for recreational use in Texas. Medical marijuana is permitted under specific conditions, but possession or distribution can lead to severe penalties.
• Cocaine: Classified as a Schedule II drug, cocaine is highly addictive and has no accepted medical use in its powder or crack form, making possession and distribution charges harshly penalized.
• Methamphetamine: Meth is a powerful stimulant classified as a Schedule II drug. Its manufacture, distribution, or possession carries stiff penalties in Texas.
• Heroin: As a Schedule I drug, heroin has no accepted medical use and poses a high risk of abuse. Charges involving heroin are among the most severe in drug-related cases.
• Prescription Drugs: Prescription medications, such as OxyContin, Xanax, or Adderall, are legal when prescribed by a doctor but can lead to criminal charges if possessed or distributed without a valid prescription.
• Synthetic Drugs: Substances like synthetic marijuana (also known as K2 or Spice) and other synthetic stimulants are illegal under Texas law, carrying penalties similar to traditional controlled substances.

Common Types of Drug Crimes in Texas

Texas law takes drug crimes seriously, with penalties varying based on the type and amount of drugs involved, as well as the nature of the crime. The most common drug offenses include:

• Possession of Controlled Substances: Simply possessing an illegal drug, even in small quantities, can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the type of substance and its quantity. Penalties range from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences.
• Drug Distribution and Trafficking: These charges involve selling, delivering, or distributing illegal drugs. Trafficking charges are especially severe and often involve large quantities of drugs. Distribution charges can also apply even if no transaction was completed, such as when drugs are given away.
• Manufacture or Delivery of Controlled Substances: Producing or delivering controlled substances, including growing marijuana or manufacturing methamphetamine, is a serious felony offense in Texas.
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Even if you are not caught with actual drugs, possessing items associated with drug use, such as pipes, bongs, or syringes, can result in criminal charges.
• Prescription Fraud: Obtaining prescription medications through deceit or forgery, such as doctor shopping or altering prescriptions, is illegal in Texas and can lead to severe consequences.
• Drug-Free Zone Violations: Penalties for drug offenses committed near schools, parks, or other designated drug-free zones are significantly enhanced, often doubling or tripling the standard penalties for drug crimes.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in Texas

Texas categorizes drug crimes based on the substance’s classification and the amount involved. The Texas Controlled Substances Act outlines penalty groups, each carrying varying degrees of punishment. For example:

• Penalty Group 1 (heroin, cocaine, meth): Possession can lead to sentences ranging from 180 days to 99 years, depending on the quantity.
• Penalty Group 2 (ecstasy, PCP): Offenses can result in jail time from 180 days to life in prison.
• Penalty Group 3 (anabolic steroids, Xanax): Penalties include jail time up to 20 years, with larger quantities attracting harsher penalties.

Legal Defenses to Drug Crimes

At Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, we take a comprehensive approach to defending drug charges. A skilled San Marcos drug crime lawyer from our team will review every detail of your case to build the strongest defense possible. Common defenses to drug charges include:

• Unlawful Search and Seizure: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement conducted an illegal search without a valid warrant or probable cause, any evidence obtained may be suppressed, potentially leading to a dismissal of your charges.
• Lack of Knowledge: In some cases, you may not have known that drugs were in your possession, such as when they are found in a car or residence that you share with others. Lack of knowledge is a defense that can challenge the prosecution’s ability to prove intent.
• Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces an individual to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. If you were coerced or manipulated by police into committing a drug crime, this defense might apply.
• Chain of Custody Issues: If the prosecution cannot establish a proper chain of custody for the drugs allegedly in your possession, it may cast doubt on the authenticity and handling of the evidence, leading to possible case dismissal.
• Medical Necessity: In some rare cases, a defendant may claim that their drug use was for medical reasons, such as using marijuana for pain relief. Although Texas has strict medical marijuana laws, this defense may be explored depending on the facts of the case.d we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and freedom.

From investigating police conduct to negotiating plea deals or fighting your case in court, we are with you every step of the way. With our in-depth knowledge of Texas drug laws and experience in local courts, we strive to protect your rights, freedom, and future.

Contact us today at (512) 991-0576 to let us fight for you immediately!