The Woodlands Drug Crime Lawyer

The Woodlands Drug Crime Attorney

Whether you have a criminal history of drug charges or you’re a first-time offender, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Woodlands drug crime lawyers. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Surginer Stewart, PLLC, are prepared to counsel you every step of the way, ensuring your rights are protected and presenting a strong defense case on your behalf.

Drug Crime Cases in The Woodlands, Texas

In fiscal year 2023, approximately 29.9 percent of arrests across the country were drug-related, compared to the 17.9 percent of arrests in Texas that year that involved drug crimes. Of the federal drug cases in Texas in 2023, nearly half involved methamphetamine, followed by 26.3 percent of cases involving powder cocaine.

Following federal guidelines, Texas classifies drug crimes into different categories based on how likely the non-medically accepted or prescribed substance is to be misused and cause addiction. Meth and cocaine are in Schedule I, the most likely to be misused, along with heroin, ketamine, PCP, and other drugs. Depending on the category of drug, how much is involved in a case, and other factors, an offense is deemed a misdemeanor, a felony, or even a federal crime.

Misdemeanor drug violations in The Woodlands area are likely to be processed at the Montgomery County Courts at Law, located at 301 North Main Street in Conroe, TX 77301. Some cases, including felony drug charges, may instead be handled by the Montgomery County Drug Court, located at 207 West Phillips, Suite 103, Conroe, TX 77301.

Types of Drug Crimes Our Law Firm Handles

At Surginer Stewart, PLLC, our professional defense attorneys have extensive experience guiding clients through the criminal court process. No matter how simple or severe your circumstances may seem, we’re here to represent you every step of the way. These are some of the most common types of drug crimes we handle regularly:

• Simple possession: Being found with an illegal or controlled substance on your person (e.g., pocket, purse, backpack) or within property belonging to you (e.g., a vehicle, home, or locker).
• Possession with intent to distribute: Being found with such a large amount of a substance that it’s assumed you plan to sell or distribute the drugs instead of using them personally.
• Drug trafficking: Any travel across county or state lines with the purpose of transporting, distributing, or selling illegal substances.
• Drug manufacturing: Manufacturing, producing, or growing controlled substances or ingredients used to make illicit drugs.

Penalties and Defenses for Drug Violations

If you’re convicted of a drug offense in Texas, the legal penalties you may face can range in severity depending on the type and quantity of the substance, the specific charges, the intended purpose of possessing the drugs, whether you have a prior criminal history, and whether any weapons were involved.

More serious offenses tend to result in harsher punishment. In general, penalties for a drug conviction include a jail or prison sentence and a large fine, among any other terms deemed appropriate by the judge. Sustaining a conviction on your criminal record can also bring long-term repercussions beyond serving a sentence. Convictions are viewable on background checks, which can make it difficult to keep professional licenses or find new jobs and housing.

It’s crucial that you work with a seasoned defense attorney to avoid a conviction or unnecessarily harsh penalties. An experienced lawyer can review the details of your case to determine the strongest legal strategy.

Depending on the circumstances, there are various defense strategies your lawyer may employ. For example, your lawyer may argue that the search and seizure was illegally conducted or that there was a lack of intent to distribute the drugs.

FAQs

Q: Can I Be Arrested for Possessing Prescription Meds?

A: In The Woodlands, Texas, it is possible to be arrested for possession of prescription medications if there’s a large quantity of the controlled substance or if you can’t prove that a medical professional prescribed the medication.

Although prescription drugs are legal, it is still illegal to manufacture such medications or to sell lawfully obtained drugs. However, if you were found in possession of medication that you were properly prescribed, criminal charges are unlikely.

Q: Can Drug Charges Be Dropped in Texas?

A: Yes, it is possible for drug charges to be dropped in Texas, but it’s never guaranteed. Whether the drug charges against you can be dropped depends on the circumstances of your arrest and other details relevant to the case.

For example, if your defense lawyer discovers during their investigation that law enforcement conducted an illegal search and seizure, it’s possible that much of the prosecution’s evidence will be deemed inadmissible in court. Thus, the case may be dropped.

Q: How Do You Beat a Felony Drug Charge in Texas?

A: To beat a felony drug charge in Texas, it’s recommended that you entrust your case to a seasoned criminal defense lawyer. Your strongest chance of getting the charges dropped or enduring minimal penalties is by working with a legal professional who understands complex drug laws and various court procedures. Your attorney can build a strong defense case based on what evidence is available and which defense strategies are most effective given the circumstances.

Q: Is It Illegal to Make Drugs but Not Use or Sell Them?

A: Yes, it’s considered illegal to manufacture or cultivate drugs in Texas, regardless of whether you have sold or used the substances yourself. This is because manufacturing or growing illicit substances or ingredients needed to make controlled drugs implies that distribution or trafficking crimes are being committed by another party. However, you still have legal options if you’ve been charged with drug manufacturing. Your lawyer may argue that there was entrapment involved or secure you a plea bargain.

The Woodlands Drug Defense Lawyers

Facing drug charges is stressful no matter your circumstances, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our team at Surginer Stewart, PLLC, is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation with an understanding, skilled criminal defense attorney.