The US is known for its many amazing cities that drive its large economy and house millions of its population. One of those behemoths is Houston in the state of Texas. Houston is the country’s fourth-largest city, with an area of 600 sq. miles extending into other counties. Its well-planned infrastructure and facilities have ranked it 50 in the livability index.
It has a dark side, however, which is rocked by crime and accidents. It does have a drug problem due to various reasons. Its proximity to the US-Mexico border is one of those. Distribution cartels for the same add to its prevalence. The laws put many crimes related to drugs under its ambit, with different punitive action levels for each.
Possession of drugs falls under that category. Be it for self-use or distribution, you could face serious jail time if found with even minute quantities. This rule applies to marijuana which is also illegal in the state. If caught for possession, you should get the help of a Houston Drug Crime Lawyer.
Means of Escape with Help
While the law against possession of drugs is strict, a Houston drug crime lawyer can help you escape its grip in many ways. Depending on the severity of the charges, you can very well walk free with just a fine or have your sentence reduced. Your lawyer will be by your side at every step of the process.
Understanding the Law
You must have a good idea of what you’re up against in terms of the laws applicable. The Texas Controlled Substances Act reigns supreme in these matters. Possession is classified as a punishable offense under it, along with manufacture and distribution.
The statue has a list of controlled substances that are deemed dangerous. If you’re in possession with the intent to distribute it, you will be charged under the class A misdemeanor offense category.
You’ll end up in a state jail if you’ve been caught previously for similar reasons, or a third-degree felony if convicted earlier two or more times. If you only possess on purpose, then you’ll be charged with a class B misdemeanor even for substances not listed in a penalty group.
The Legal Procedure
After you’ve hired an attorney to help you with your drug possession charges, they’ll go through the following steps:
- All evidence about the case is collected to build the strongest case possible in your favor.
- A decision about whether or not a plea negotiation is valid in your case is made.
- A hearing will be conducted by a prosecutor many months later. There, the prosecutor will go through the evidence and decide if your case warrants a dismissal, a suppressed hearing, a plead-out, or a trial.
- If the case goes to trial, your lawyer will follow suit and fight for release or sentence reduction in the court.
The laws might be stacked against you when it comes to drug possession in Houston, but they are not unbeatable. Your Houston Drug Crime Lawyer will ensure that your life will not suffer needlessly over such a matter. They will go to the maximum extent possible to free you from the laws breathing down your neck.
