Dallas Drug Offenses Lawyers

There are a variety of criminal charges that individuals can face connected to the possession, manufacturing, and sale of narcotics, and the penalties for a conviction of any of these charges can be severe, affecting nearly every aspect of a person’s life. Even the most minor of charges can carry penalties such as thousands of dollars in fines and even time in jail. Contact a Dallas criminal attorney at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter to discuss your case today.

With penalties as serious as these, our team at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter believes that individuals in Dallas facing drug charges of any kind need to be equally serious about their defense. Being convicted of such a crime can be extremely difficult on you, your family, and your future, making it critical to have the guidance and knowledge of a Dallas drug defense attorney behind you.

Why Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?

Effectively defending yourself from a drug crime conviction necessitates legal representation. Attempting to represent yourself is not advisable. If you do represent yourself, the court will treat you as an attorney, and you will be expected to be fully aware of relevant laws and courtroom protocol. The vast majority of people who reject legal assistance in criminal trials are not able to represent themselves effectively.

When you hire a skilled, experienced drug defense attorney, you have a better chance of receiving a lighter sentence, being acquitted, or having the charges against you dismissed. An experienced attorney will have the skills and resources necessary to conduct a full investigation into your case, including finding witnesses and expert witnesses that can help the court see your side of the case.

You should not accept any kind of plea bargain from a prosecutor without consulting with an experienced drug defense attorney. While many drug crime cases do indeed end in favorable plea bargains, accepting a plea bargain is a serious decision that requires knowledgeable guidance. An attorney may be able to negotiate a better sentence for you or advise that you take your case to trial.

Why Should I Choose the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter?

Dallas criminal defense attorney Mark Lassiter is a tough, highly skilled attorney who is passionate about advocating for his clients. As a former prosecutor for the Dallas County District Attorney’s office, Mark Lassiter has experience on both sides of criminal cases, giving him a deep and nuanced understanding of criminal defense strategy.

Mark Lassiter is proud to have received numerous awards and accolades from legal organizations, including:

  • Member of the bar of the U.S. Supreme Court
  • Elected as a Texas Super Lawyer
  • Recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Listed in the ‘Who’s Who of America’

The Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter has a proven track record of obtaining successful results for clients, including hundreds of dismissed charges or not guilty verdicts, which you can read about in detail on our results page.

Common Types of Drug Offenses

The consequences of being convicted for a drug-related offense can continue to affect you and your freedoms long after your court-ordered penalties have been carried out. As such, it is imperative that anyone facing charges of this nature contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to have the best chance at having the charges against them reduced in severity or erased altogether.

Some of the most common types of drug offenses individuals in Texas find themselves facing include:

In particular, our legal team has experience representing individuals who have been accused of:

Drug crimes are aggressively prosecuted in both the state of Texas and throughout the country as prosecutors look to make an example of those convicted. As such, individuals facing any of the above charges need to make sure they have an experienced attorney on their side to make sure their rights and freedoms are protected as best as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are an individual facing drug charges in Dallas, the team at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter is here to help. Drug offenses come in a wide variety of forms, including possession, sales, and delivery. Penalties can be severe, depending on the type of offense and the substance involved. The state of Texas aggressively prosecutes drug offenses, and they will try to use their power and influence to make an example of you. To fight for your rights, you need a tough, skilled, and experienced attorney on your side. Dallas criminal lawyer Mark T. Lassiter has these qualities, and he has a deep understanding of Texas criminal law. Do not hesitate to call him at (214) 845-7007 for a free consultation. Below we have included a few frequently asked questions and answers regarding drug offenses for your review.

What is a drug-free zone?

If you commit certain drug offenses while in a drug-free zone, the punishment for that offense may be more severe. Some common drug-free zones include the following:

  • Playgrounds
  • Schools
  • School buses
  • Youth centers
  • Video arcades
  • Public swimming pools

Even if school is not in session, it is still classified as a drug-free zone. However, in order to punish you for committing a drug offense in a drug-free zone, the state of Texas must show that you were aware you were in a drug-free zone. This can be a very complicated issue, and it is important that you have an experienced attorney to help with your defense.

What determines the severity of a punishment for a drug conviction?

The Controlled Substances Act defines the different penalties for drug convictions. The law puts different types of drugs in different categories called “penalty groups.” Punishment ranges are determined by the category of the drug and the amount of the drug. The State will try to give you the maximum penalty possible allowed under the Controlled Substances Act. It is important to have an attorney on your side that has a deep understanding of the Act.

The following is a summary of the drugs in each penalty group and the corresponding punishments:

  • Penalty group 1 is the most heavily regulated drug group in Texas and includes opioids like codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone. It also includes methamphetamine, ketamine, mescaline, and other opium derivatives. Possession of any amount of these substances is always a felony and can result in anywhere from 180 days in jail to 99 years in prison, depending on the amount. Fines can range from $10,000 to $100,000.
  • Penalty group 1-A refers exclusively to LSD and its derivatives. Possession of LSD is always a felony.
  • Penalty group 2 mostly includes hallucinogenic drugs such as Ecstasy/MDMA, PCP, and peyote. It carries similar punishments as penalty group 1.
  • Penalty group 2-A includes the artificial chemical substances that mimic cannabinoids, such as “K2” and “Spice.” Possession of small amounts of these substances is a misdemeanor, but possession of over 4 grams is a felony.
  • Penalty group 3 includes opiates and opioids not listed in penalty group 1, including benzodiazepines, anabolic steroids, and other prescription drugs that have a stimulant or depressant effect. Possession of small amounts of group 3 drugs is a misdemeanor, but possession of more than 28 grams is a felony.
  • Penalty group 4 includes a variety of prescription medications with a high potential for abuse that are not already included in other penalty groups. Possession of small amounts of these drugs is a misdemeanor, and possession of over 28 grams is a felony.

What are some common marijuana offenses?

Marijuana is not included in the Controlled Substances Act, which is a law that defines the punishment for drugs based on what “penalty group” they are classified in. However, you can still be charged with possession, delivery, and other offenses that involve marijuana. Like the drugs defined in the Controlled Substances Act, the penalties for marijuana offenses are determined by the amount possessed, manufactured, or sold. For instance, you may be charged with a felony offense if you possessed a certain amount of marijuana. A conviction could result in many years in state prison. It is important to have a tough, skilled, and experienced attorney on your side for any drug charges, including marijuana charges. Mark T. Lassiter is the attorney you need on your side to fight for you and your rights.

Discuss Your Defense for a Drug Crime with a Dallas Attorney

At the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, our lawyers know how overwhelming it can be to face drug charges of any kind, and we are committed to helping you aggressively fight the charges you are facing. Learn more about our team and find out exactly what we can do to help you mount a strong defense by calling us today at (214) 845-7007.

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TESTIMONIALS

“He handled an unjust ticket for me and was very thorough and on time with notices, etc. His communication was short and to the point without false fluffy words or promises.”

Pat-

When my son received a DWI, I wanted to get him THE BEST lawyer I could find. I researched for two days, and then I found Mark Lassiter. I looked no further. As soon as I read about him, I knew that I found THE BEST. From the moment I met him, I had COMPLETE confidence in him. At the end of my son's trial, Mr. Lassiter came through with a defense case so impressive that the case was dismissed before the prosecutors finished their argument. I will always be grateful to him.

Susan-

Mark is a very intelligent professional defense Attorney on my DWI offense that Mark convinced the jury that i wasn't guilty i highy recommend Mark to my family and friends once again thanks Mark

Carlos-

I had my first DWI charge and I was unclear of next steps. I was getting propositioned left and right by less ethical lawyers and one even "claimed" my case and I missed my court date. However, Mark Lassiter and his amazing paralegal took care of everything. They were very prompt and clear with their communication on every step of the process. Also if anything came up I got a call right away and they let me know what I needed to do next. Honestly made this stressful situation manageable. I already recommend them to anyone who is going through the same situation as me. That said he does come at a premium cost but is worth every penny, and his team is willing to work with you on payment plans.

Anon-

I recently was referred to contact Mark Lassiter by a colleague and called him for a consultation related to a recent arrest for public intoxication in Dallas. He was terrific; I had never been arrested before and was unsure of what the appropriate next steps would be. He was detailed in his step-by-step approach and provided me sound legal advice on how he would handle this case. I elected to hire him as my attorney and it was the best decision. He handled my case and was able to get the charges dismissed. As a professional it was imperative to be able to get this charge removed from my record. If you are in need of a criminal defense attorney, I would highly recommend Mark's services.

PS-

I am a very satisfied and a relived client. After meeting with various lawyers Mark was the one who won me over. Walking into his office you will be impressed of all his credentials. He is professional and aggressive which is what everyone looks for in a attorney. Every other lawyer I interviewed mentioned to "plea deal", I knew that meant settling. A DWI on my record was the LAST thing I wanted. I was very hopeless and scared (considering it was my first offense) but Mark always reassured me that I had a very good case. Ultimately, Mark did a phenomenal job in the court room (he had the prosecutors speechless), which resulted in a dismissal. I recommend this man to everyone I know. Thank you Mark, I owe you my life.

NG-