Tough On Drugs Is An Understatement
It’s no secret that Texas is tough on drug crimes.
However, Smith County, in particular, has 3X more drug and alcohol related incarcerations than the rest of the state of Texas, according to PRC4. In other words, Smith County, Texas, takes drug crimes very seriously.
If you’re facing drug charges of any kind, it’s crucial to work with a drug lawyer in Tyler, TX who will meticulously investigate your case and relentlessly fight to protect your rights.
Contact Estrada Law today to schedule a consultation.
Experienced Drug Defense Lawyer in Tyler, TX
Edward Estrada has been defending clients facing drug charges for over 10 years. He is committed to ensure his clients are treated with fairness and respect.
Edward Estrada has been defending clients facing drug charges for over 10 years. He is committed to ensuring his clients are treated with fairness and respect.
Consequences For Drug Crimes
Consequences for drug crimes vary depending on the amount of drugs, the drug classification, and the type of illegal activity involved.
Types of Drug Classifications
In Texas, drugs are grouped into 4 categories based on risk of abuse and medicinal usage.
Group 1: Cocaine, LSD, and heroin
This group has a high risk of abuse and is not accepted as safe for medicinal purposes.
Group 2: Phencyclidine (PCP), psychedelic mushrooms, and ecstasy
This group has a high risk of abuse but is accepted as medically safe in some instances.
Group 3: Valium, Xanax, and Ritalin
This group has a lower risk of abuse than Group 2 and is accepted as medically safe in some instances.
Group 4: Opioids and codeine, including compounds
This group has a lower risk of abuse than Group 2 and is accepted as medically safe in some instances.
Marijuana: Marijuana has its own classification.
Amount of Drugs
Not only does quantity impact sentencing, it can also impact the type of charges you face. For example, suppose you have illegal possession of a large quantity of drugs. In that case, the prosecutor may assume you are trafficking drugs, and may charge you with a more severe crime.
Type of Activity
An illegal drug possession charge typically comes with a much less severe sentence than manufacturing. The type of criminal activity plays a significant role in sentencing.
Sentences for Drug Charges In Texas
Sentences for drug charges can range from a Class B misdemeanor, which is up to 180 days incarceration with a $2,000 fine, to a First Degree Felony, which comes with 5-99 years, or life, in prison.
That’s why it’s crucial to work with an attorney who won’t stop fighting for you until the case is over. Unfortunately, many attorneys have such a large caseload that they barely spend any time with their clients before trial. That’s not how we operate. At Estrada Law, we give your case the attention it needs to ensure the best possible outcome.
That’s why it’s crucial to work with an attorney who won’t stop fighting for you until the case is over. Unfortunately, many attorneys have such a large caseload that they barely spend any time with their clients before trial. That’s not how we operate. At Estrada Law, we give your case the attention it needs to ensure the best possible outcome.
Possible Defenses
One possible defense that is applicable in many cases involving drug crimes has to do with unreasonable searches and seizures.
The 4th Amendment of the Constitution protects US citizens from illegal searches and seizures. In other words, a law officer is not allowed to search you for drugs unless he has reasonable suspicion or a search warrant.
More often than you might expect, individuals get searched unlawfully. When this is the case, any evidence found against you cannot be used in your case. However, it takes a focused and experienced attorney to uncover the facts of the case in order to prove that the search was unreasonable.
Our East Texas law firm is here to help. Contact Estrada Law to speak with an attorney.
Schedule A Consultation With Our Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing charges for a drug offense and need to speak with a drug attorney in Tyler, Texas, please contact Estrada Law today.
