Texans can face various charges related to the possession, manufacturing, and sale of narcotics. The penalties for a conviction of any of these charges can be severe, affecting nearly every aspect of a person’s life. Even the most minor of charges can carry penalties such as thousands of dollars in fines and even time in jail.
With penalties as serious as these, individuals in Dallas facing drug charges of any kind need to be equally serious about their defense. Being convicted of such a crime can be extremely difficult for you and your future. If you’re facing drug charges in Dallas, the guidance and knowledge of an experienced drug defense attorney is essential.
Contact a Dallas criminal attorney at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter to discuss your case today.
Why Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?
Effectively defending yourself from a drug crime conviction necessitates legal representation. Attempting to represent yourself is not advisable. If you do represent yourself, the court will treat you as an attorney and expect you to be fully aware of relevant laws and courtroom protocol. Most people who reject legal assistance in criminal cases cannot represent themselves effectively.
When you hire a skilled defense attorney, you have a better chance of getting a lighter sentence or having the charges against you dismissed. An experienced lawyer will have the skills and resources necessary to conduct a full investigation into your case. This includes finding witnesses and expert witnesses who can help the court see your side of the case.
You should not accept any kind of plea bargain from a prosecutor without first consulting an experienced defense attorney. While drug crime cases can end in favorable plea deals, accepting one is a serious decision. An attorney may be able to negotiate a better sentence for you or advise that you take your case to trial.
Why Should I Choose the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter?
Dallas criminal defense attorney Mark Lassiter is a tough, skilled attorney who is passionate about his clients. As a former Dallas County prosecutor, he has experience on both sides of the criminal justice system. Mark’s background gives him a deep and nuanced understanding of criminal defense strategy.
Mark is proud to have received numerous accolades from legal organizations, such as recognition as:
- A member of the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court
- A Texas Super Lawyer
- One of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- One of the “Who’s Who? of America”
The Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter has a proven track record of obtaining successful results for clients. This includes hundreds of dismissed charges or not-guilty verdicts, which you can read about in detail on our results page.
Common Types of Drug Offenses
The consequences of a conviction for a drug-related offense can affect you long after any court-ordered penalties. As such, it is imperative that anyone facing charges of this nature contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can give you the best chance at having your charges reduced in severity or erased altogether.
Some of the most common types of drug offenses individuals in Texas find themselves facing include:
In particular, our legal team has experience representing individuals who face accusations of:
Drug crimes are aggressively prosecuted in Texas and throughout the country. Many prosecutors look to make an example of those convicted. As such, individuals facing any of the above charges need an experienced attorney. The right lawyer can protect your rights and freedoms as best as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are an individual facing drug charges in Dallas, the team at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter is here to help. Drug offenses come in a wide variety of forms, including possession, sales, and delivery (trafficking). Penalties can be severe, depending on the type of offense and the substance involved. The state of Texas aggressively prosecutes drug offenses, and they will try to use their power and influence to make an example of you.
To fight for your rights, you need a tough, skilled, and experienced attorney on your side. Dallas criminal lawyer Mark T. Lassiter has these qualities, and he has a deep understanding of Texas criminal law. Do not hesitate to call him at (214) 845-7007 for a free consultation. Below, we have included a few frequently asked questions and answers about drug offenses for your review.
What is a drug-free zone?
If you commit certain drug offenses while in a drug-free zone, the punishment for that offense may be more severe. Some common drug-free zones include the following:
- Playgrounds
- Schools
- School buses
- Youth centers
- Video arcades
- Public swimming pools
Even if school is not in session, it is still classified as a drug-free zone. However, to punish you for committing a drug offense in a drug-free zone, the state of Texas must show that you were aware you were in a drug-free zone. This can be a very complicated issue, and it is important that you have an experienced attorney to help with your defense.
What determines the severity of a punishment for a drug conviction?
The Controlled Substances Act defines the different penalties for drug convictions. The law puts different types of drugs in different categories called “penalty groups.” Punishments vary based on the category and amount of the drug. The State will try to give you the maximum penalty possible allowed under the Controlled Substances Act. It is important to have an attorney on your side who has a deep understanding of the Act.
The following is a summary of the drugs in each penalty group and the corresponding punishments:
- Penalty group 1 is the most heavily regulated drug group in Texas. This group includes opioids like codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. It also includes methamphetamine, ketamine, mescaline, and other opium derivatives. Possession of any amount of these substances is always a felony. This type of offense can result in anywhere from 180 days in jail to 99 years in prison, depending on the amount. Fines can range from $10,000 to $100,000.
- Penalty group 1-A refers exclusively to LSD and its derivatives. Possession of LSD is always a felony.
- Penalty group 2 mostly includes hallucinogenic drugs such as Ecstasy/MDMA, PCP, and peyote. It carries similar punishments as penalty group 1.
- Penalty group 2-A includes the artificial chemical substances that mimic cannabinoids, such as “K2” and “Spice.” Possession of small amounts of these substances is a misdemeanor, but possession of over 4 grams is a felony.
- Penalty group 3 includes opiates and opioids not listed in penalty group 1. This includes benzodiazepines, anabolic steroids, and prescription drugs with stimulant or depressant effects. Possession of small amounts of group 3 drugs is a misdemeanor, but possession of more than 28 grams is a felony.
- Penalty group 4 includes prescriptions with a high potential for abuse that aren’t included in other penalty groups. Possession of small amounts of these drugs is a misdemeanor, and possession of over 28 grams is a felony.
What are some common marijuana offenses?
Marijuana is not included in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The CSA is a law that defines the punishment for drugs based on what “penalty group” they are in. However, you can still face charges for possession, delivery, and other offenses that involve marijuana. Like the drugs in the CSA, the penalties for marijuana offenses vary based on the amount possessed, manufactured, or sold. For instance, you may face a felony charge if you possess a certain amount of marijuana. A conviction could result in many years in state prison. It is important to have a tough, skilled, and experienced attorney on your side for any drug charges, including marijuana charges. Mark T. Lassiter is the attorney you need on your side to fight for you and your rights.
Discuss Your Defense for a Drug Crime with a Dallas Attorney
At the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, our lawyers know how overwhelming it is to face drug charges of any kind. We are here to help you aggressively fight the charges you are facing. Learn more about our criminal justice attorneys and find out exactly what we can do to help you mount a strong defense by contacting us today at (214) 845-7007.
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