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.

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