Attitudes towards marijuana have begun to shift in this country. Yet, despite marijuana being made legal in many states, it is still considered a controlled substance in Texas. Being convicted of possession of marijuana can yield significant penalties and impact almost every aspect of an individual’s life.
Don’t let a marijuana possession charge ruin you. Contact an experienced Dallas drug defense attorney immediately. At the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, we understand how a drug charge can put your financial stability, reputation, and career in jeopardy. We strive to craft a strategic defense plan that gives you the best chance possible at avoiding a marijuana possession charge.
If you are arrested for possession of marijuana, do not hesitate to contact a Dallas drug defense attorney. At the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, we can guide you through the legal process and do everything in our power to help you avoid a significant possession charge.
Marijuana Possession
Texas puts marijuana in its own category as opposed to lumping it in with other types of controlled substances. Marijuana possession can range from a Class B misdemeanor up to an enhanced first-degree felony. The amount of marijuana found on an individual determines the potential penalty if that person is convicted. The penalty classifications for possession are as follows:
Two ounces or less of marijuana: Class B misdemeanor
- Up to 180 days in jail and/or
- Fines up to $2,000,
More than two ounces of marijuana, but less than four: Class A misdemeanor
- Up to one year in jail and/or
- Fines up to $ 4,000
Four ounces or more of marijuana, up to five pounds: State jail felony
- 180 days to 2 years in state prison and/or
- Fines up to $10,000
More than five pounds of marijuana, up to 50 pounds: Third-degree felony
- 2 to 10 years in prison and/or
- Fines up to $10,000
More than 50 pounds of marijuana, up to 2,000 pounds: Second-degree felony
- 2 to 20 years in prison and/or
- Fines up to $10,000
More than 2,000 pounds: Enhanced first-degree felony
- 5 to 99 years in prison and/or
- Fines up to $50,000
Avoiding a Marijuana Possession Charge
Avoiding a marijuana possession charge is always the best possible scenario. Do not drive with marijuana in your car, avoid unknown substances at parties, and do not carry or use marijuana in public places.
If you are found with the drug in your possession, contact an experienced and aggressive drug defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can review the situation as a whole and then plan a defense strategy that has the best chance of giving you a positive outcome for your unique situation.
Before meeting with an attorney, you can help your situation by doing the following:
- Exercise your right to remain silent until you have an attorney present
- Be polite and civil when dealing with law enforcement
- Do not talk about the issue on social media platforms
- Contact a drug defense attorney immediately
Once you have an attorney on your side, they will begin the process of reviewing the evidence against you. An attorney will also want to evaluate how evidence was collected. Did law enforcement have probable cause to stop and search you? Was the search conducted following proper protocol? Were you made aware of your rights during the process? The answers to these questions can have a major impact on your case. The answers may also help you avoid a possession charge altogether. Evidence gathered improperly may be excluded from your case. In some instances, charges can even be dropped.
Depending on your case, there may be other viable defense strategies that an attorney can deploy to help you achieve the best possible result for the circumstances of your situation.
Contact an Experienced Drug Defense Attorney Today
Being charged with marijuana possession can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. A conviction can alter your life and place certain opportunities out of your reach. Do not let a marijuana charge turn into a marijuana conviction. Allow yourself to fight back and get in touch with the aggressive drug defense team at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter.
At the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, we strive to protect your rights and help you mount a strong and compelling defense. We are committed to giving you the best opportunity to maximize your chances of avoiding a marijuana possession charge or conviction. Contact our office today by calling (214) 845-7007 to get started.
