Dallas Marijuana Possession Defense Attorneys

Marijuana possession charges are aggressively pursued by Dallas prosecutors, whose intention is to cut down on a perceived drug problem in Dallas, TX. If you’ve been charged with possession, you will need to be proactive about developing a comprehensive legal strategy to address these charges while you still have the opportunity to do so.

With so much at stake, the Dallas marijuana possession lawyers at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter will do everything they possibly can to help you protect your future.

Severity of Marijuana Possession Charges in Dallas

In Dallas, as in the rest of the state, the severity of penalties for marijuana possession depends largely upon the actual amount of marijuana an individual is charged with possessing. With that in mind, the maximum penalties for marijuana possession in Dallas typically fall under the following guidelines:

$2,000 in fines and 180 days in county jail for less than 2 ounces
$4,000 in fines and 1 year in county jail for 2-4 ounces
$10,000 in fines and 2 years in state prison for 4 ounces to 5 pounds
$10,000 in fines and 10 years in state prison for 5-50 pounds
$10,000 in fines and 20 years in state prison for 50-2,000 pounds
$50,000 in fines and 99 years in state prison for over 2,000 pounds

Although these allegations may be severe, our Dallas legal team will do everything they possibly can to reduce the charges brought against you or dismiss them entirely.

Why do I need a lawyer to represent me?

Although the Texas House has pushed forward two bills this year that may expand the state’s medical marijuana laws eventually, the state is slow to change its stance on possession of cannabis in comparison to neighboring states. Prosecutors in Dallas and across Texas continue to severely pursue marijuana possession charges.

If you’ve been arrested for a marijuana crime in Texas, then it is vital that you hire a lawyer to represent you. Don’t make the assumption that a conviction for cannabis possession will result in a simple warning from authorities. The possession of marijuana can actually lead to felony charges, especially if you are caught with more than two ounces. And the penalties can vary based on details such as location, with Dallas prosecutors cracking down hard on possession of marijuana near youth center, schools, or playgrounds.

Unless you are a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, do not attempt to represent yourself, as you won’t be familiar with the rules of evidence, procedure, and the applicable law that applies to your case. You need experienced legal counsel to defend you against the State’s relentless prosecution.

The services of public defenders are not enough when your freedom is on the line. As these defenders are often overloaded with cases and may not give your case the time it deserves, do not depend on a public defender to resolve your case either. With so much at stake, you need the help of a skilled defense attorney who has experience handling cases of arrest for possession.

Despite marijuana being legal for recreational and medical use in many other states, delivery or possession of marijuana in any quantity that is usable remains a criminal offense under current Texas law. In Dallas County, it is important that you have a skilled Dallas attorney with proven experience in winning marijuana-related cases to represent you if you’re faced with marijuana possession charges. You need a lawyer on your side who will fight to make certain that your legal interests are protected.

Why choose a defense attorney from the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter?

The charges involving marijuana crimes still carry heavy penalties that can affect many aspects of the offender’s future. For instance, if you are charged with possession of marijuana, you will have an arrest record that could appear in background searches for potential employers and landlords, possibly causing a negative impact on your career and your housing options. The charges may seem overwhelming, so it’s important to hire an experienced and passionate defense attorney to protect and defend your liberties.

It is critical that you share your story with an attorney you trust if you have been arrested for or charged with marijuana possession. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer with a comprehensive understanding of the practical defenses against drug crimes in Texas can help get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

An experienced defense attorney could take several approaches in defending those who have been charged with marijuana possession to effectively get your charges reduced or dismissed. There are two main types of marijuana possession charges, and our defense team handles both.

Actual possession happens when marijuana is found in your direct possession at the time of arrest. Constructive possession occurs when marijuana is found in a location controlled directly by you, including your home or vehicle. You can actually be charged with constructive possession even if you were not present at the time the marijuana was confiscated.

The prosecution must prove that a controlled substance was found in your possession during a lawful search, and meet one of the above criteria to effectively charge you with unlawful marijuana possession in Texas. No matter which of the two types of marijuana possession you are charged with, the marijuana possession lawyers at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter will conduct comprehensive investigations, and do everything in OUR power to point out weaknesses in the state’s accusations.

We have helped many clients just like you avoid criminal convictions for DWI and drug possession charges, and even kept their record clean by listening to their side of the story and presenting a compelling defense.

Criminal lawyer Mark T. Lassiter, J.D., is a former prosecutor for the Dallas County District Attorney’s office who’s knowledge and experience include handling a broad range of criminal cases. Attorney Mark Lassiter will do everything possible to give your case the best chance of success.

FAQs: Marijuana Possession in Texas

We know that you might be unfamiliar with the laws and penalties for marijuana possession in Texas, so get answers to some of our most frequently asked questions here, or call us at (214) 845-7007 to discuss specific questions you might have.

Is marijuana legal to possess in Texas?

Currently, marijuana is not legal for citizens to possess in Texas. However, the state is preparing to issue licenses for dispensaries and retailers to sell marijuana-based products for medical reasons.

Who will be able to purchase marijuana-based products under this new law?

In June 2017, the first dispensaries will receive licenses to sell marijuana-based products containing low levels of THC to people who suffer from approved medical conditions, such as intractable epilepsy. Low levels of THC have been shown to treat this condition where traditional drugs have not.

What are the penalties for possessing marijuana in Texas?

Currently, the possession of marijuana in Texas is dependent on the amount held. For two ounces or less, the possession is a Class B misdemeanor, penalized by no more than 180 days in jail and/or a fine not exceeding $2,000.

As the amount of marijuana in possession increases, so does the classification of crime, jail time, and fine amount. For example, possessing between 4 ounces and 5 pounds of marijuana is a state jail felony, resulting in 180 days to 2 years in jail and/or a fine not exceeding $10,000.

What is the most likely outcome for possessing a small amount of marijuana in Texas?

If you possess 2 ounces or less, it is actually unlikely that you will go to jail. More likely than not, you will be able to have your case dismissed in exchange for a drug treatment program, community service, paying a fine, or some combination of these options.

Contact Us

For more information about how to deal with the consequences of marijuana possession in Texas, please contact the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter. We understand how difficult it is to handle a drug charge, especially when you do not have sufficient representation. Call our firm at (214) 845-7007 to see what one of our qualified and dedicated attorneys can do to help your case.

TESTIMONIALS

Recommendation for Mark LassiterI am pleased to write a letter of recommendation. I highly recommend Mark Lassiter to others who are seeking such assistance. His representation allowed me to do very little in my case. It was Mark’s proven expertise and his legal knowledge that was valuable in getting my case dismissed. In short, I recommend Mark enthusiastically without reservation and I do believe he would be a valuable asset to you.

- Name Redacted

dear Markplease accept this letter on my and Susan’s behalf. there is a powerful message and testimony we would like to share with you for the first time.for over a year the weight of what happened to Reid was heavy on our souls. at first we held great anger, resentment and disgust toward Angel (the passenger). it became evident after turning 21 the Angel has a severe alcohol problem which my son nor us fully understood. The arrest also brought us great disappointment, frustration and disheartenment toward Reid.We have found that God often surprises us with his answers to our prayers. Prior to the arrest was had been in prayer that God help turn Reid away from selfishness, childishness and destructive ways. We prayed that God move to change him toward everlasting values and better choices in his life. We believe that God answered that prayer with the arrest. We blamed ourselves for bringing this calamity but understood it would take something this powerful to reach him. There is no doubt in our minds this ordeal has placed a permanent imprint on his soul.during the many delays associated with this case we were able to put forgiveness in our hearts toward Angel. Also during the many delays the full weight of the case in our and Reid’s mind triggered conversations pertaining to life decisions and direction. Time allowed us the opportunity to be rid of the noise and cloudiness of our emotions. We believe this to be a part of the master plan that God was overseeing.Only today did the full story become revealed. During this case with all the odds against us can we say without question that God was in it. How else could the series of events occurred within the judicial process that could put the opportunity in to your mind that there was a way to victory. The entire morning Susan and i were in fervent prayer even after your told us we had only a 25% chance of winning.Grace is the receipt of a blessing that is undeserved. Reid did not deserve to win today. We all are eternally marked by the message of grace given to us and you were the instrument that brought the gift to our house. Thank you from bottom of our souls and may God bless and keep you all of your days.

- Name Redacted

Dear Mr. Lassiter,Today you saved my son’s life. When he received a DWI, it broke my heart because I knew it would be on his record forever. It would limit his options in life. He would be paying for his stupid mistake for the rest of his life. At 21 years of age he was overwhelmed with the depth of the problem he created for himself.I decided to find him the best lawyer in Dallas, and I did. I researched lawyers for two days, and then I found you. I knew from the moment I read about you that you were the one we needed. When I met you, I knew instantly that I had complete confidence in you. Even if the result had ended with my son being guilty, I would have had peace knowing that he had had THE BEST lawyer.Listening to you “own” the courtroom today was amazing. You told us in the morning that we only had about 25% chance to win; however, by the middle of the afternoon the case was over before the prosecutors even finished, and we won! What an incredible lawyer you are!I will be grateful forever to you. Your work has given my son a second chance. He left the courtroom today with a whole new perspective on life…thanks to you!Very sincerely,

- Susan Ellis

unless you are already a petty criminal with countless B and C misdemeanors and a misdemeanor A pending, a DWI charge might not really matter much – for all the others counts: Fight it with all you got – get the best professional to your side you can find!Why should you? A simple google search “Texas DWI penalties” will give you an idea what you are looking at: prison, probation, fines, classes, ignition interlock, insurance rate skyrockets and a criminal record for life (yes – this can happen even for a first time DWI in Texas) Now if you read until this point you probably are charged with a DWI (or simply board) and you are shopping for a lawyer – so some basic guidance:a) Same as in real life: You want to be surrounded by people who know what they are talking about. Nobody likes people who constantly brag around, through around the usual business buzz words which doesn’t mean anything. So: Get somebody who is specialized in this field, means if 50% or more of his work is in the field of defending DWI’s that’s probably a good indicator– Mark is one of them – talk to him you will see!b) Educate yourself – thanks to a wonderful innovation by DARPA (which you are using in this moment) you can read all about it: What happened the night before, what’s a SFT, what is a legal stop, how does an Intoxilyzer 5000 work and what flaws does it have, possible plea bargain options (not so tempting ones in TX anyway) – read the stuff, it’s out there and discuss it with your attorney – if he doesn’t want or can’t answer your questions, that’s a pretty good indicator that your sitting in the wrong office, run!– Mark WILL answer your questions – and I’m convinced you cannot surprise him with a question in your case that he can’t answer or will find an answer for you!c) Your lawyer should – more or less – from the beginning be willing to take your case to Trial, all the way. What do you have to lose? If you are a BAC 0.28 candidate and you plea it down to a misdemeanor B it technically looks better on paper – but it will still follow you for life (most employers wouldn’t even consider the difference or know it – a DWI is a DWI…) If you are a BAC 0.09 candidate your chances are even better – (did you know the Intoxilyzer 5000 gives himself a +-0.02 calibration margin? What now, is a BAC 0.09 and hour after driving now under the legal limit? Guess what, the state will state “off course NOT! The magic machine proved he’s Intoxicated and guilty!” That’s why you need a lawyer on your side who is willing to take it to trial!– Mark is a trial lawyer – those people don’t want to plea out, they need the courtroom as their stage, that’s what they love to do, that’s what they are good at – so let him do it for you!d) Money / Costs – completely neglect. This is not the time for price comparison. You are not out there to shop for new hardwood floor for your living room – you are out there to get the best possible outcome in a situation which initial will hurt you if convicted pretty bad (financially), possible cost you your job, destroy your reputation and will follow you around for the rest of your natural life.– Mark will not overcharge you for his service, in my opinion you are getting a great deal. If you have the feeling you cannot afford a lawyer like Mark put it into perspective: if you hire a $500 lawyer and plead guilty maybe to a DWI misdemeanor B, you will pay much more over the years in court costs, classes, probation fees, DPS surcharges, insurance and and and… But if you hire Mark, you have one of the best at your side, you have a real chance – off course Mark isn’t a magic wizard who can make everything go away in a moment’s notice, but 5,10,20 years down the road you don’t want to think “oh boy, I wish I would have fought this thing more aggressively back then…” I was already a bit into my case when I met Mark. Mark has a can do attitude, does not try to beat around the bush and most importantly: He looks at things, tries different avenues, seeks out weaknesses in the case base on the evidence presented – if you meet him, you will have the same experience. During our meetings we discussed alternatives and other options e.g. expert witnesses, jury trial, bench trial, plea agreement (even if he didn’t like that – Mark doesn’t want to plea, he wants to win for his clients)And here is the outcome:A clear acquittal – NOT GUILTY(even better than a dismissal which technically can be reopened by the DA within the statute of limitations – if I understood that right – Not guilty means you are not guilty, case expunged – that’s the end of it!)Mark’s services helped me to get the best possible outcome you can expect when you are charged with a (DWI / DUI) crime and I hope I will never see him again….. (under such circumstances J ) –

- Daniel

I would never use or recommend anyone else for anybody else for a criminal manner.

- Cory M.

More Reviews