Dallas Cocaine Possession Defense Attorneys
As one of the most aggressively prosecuted drug crimes in Dallas, cocaine possession charges can be exceedingly frightening. You will need to do everything you can now, while you still have the chance, to protect your future. With that in mind, the Dallas cocaine possession defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter will work with you to develop a legal strategy that actively challenges each and every aspect of the charges leveled against you.
Why do I need a cocaine possession lawyer?
A conviction for possession of cocaine could have a serious impact on your life and livelihood. Punishment could include heavy fines, incarceration, probation, and a permanent criminal record. Individuals who’ve been convicted of a felony often cannot pursue certain jobs in some professions or may miss out on other opportunities. To protect your reputation, your livelihood, and your freedom, be sure to hire an experienced attorney to defend you.
Your lawyer will work to build the strongest possible defense on your behalf. This might include arguing that you did not actually possess the drug or were not aware that the drug was on your person. A strong defense could also include questioning the nature of your arrest and identifying mistakes or errors in the case against you.
The charges you face are serious but know that you have the right to hire a lawyer to defend you. With so much on the line, don’t trust your defense to an apathetic, inexperienced, or overwhelmed attorney. Instead, turn to a lawyer who has a record of successfully representing people in situations similar to yours, and trust your case to someone who can put up a strong defense for you.
Possible Charges for Cocaine Possession
Texas has very strict penalties and enforcement mechanisms for drug possession charges. Under Texas law, those charged with cocaine possession are sentenced pursuant to Penalty Group 1 in this state, charges for the alleged possession of any amount of cocaine can be altogether devastating. Depending in large part upon the exact amount of cocaine one is alleged to have possessed, individuals in Dallas may potentially face the following:
- State jail felony—alleged possession of less than 1 gram
- 3rd degree felony— alleged possession of 1 to 4 grams
- 2nd degree felony— alleged possession of 4 to 200 grams
- 1st degree felony— alleged possession of 200 to 400 grams
- Life imprisonment—alleged possession of more than 400 grams
While these potential punishments may seem harsh, they aren’t set in stone. Though the potential consequences of any of these charges may be devastating, you must remember that you have not yet been convicted of anything yet. That’s why it’s so incredibly important to have a dedicated and professional team working by your side to mitigate the damage and help you recover from the charges against you. Our Dallas legal team will do everything they can to help keep you from the worst possible case scenario. Call our team today to help us help you.
Cocaine Possession in Texas
Texas law classifies cocaine as one of the most dangerous controlled substances to have in possession. If you are unsure of the laws regarding cocaine possession, you are not alone. Read on to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on this topic.
Is it legal to possess any cocaine in Texas?
No, it is not legal to possess cocaine in Texas in any amount. In fact, the least possible penalty for cocaine possession in the state is a state jail felony for less than 1 gram – resulting in jail time of up to 2 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
The crime classification, jail time, and fine all increase with the amount of the drug in possession. There may also be more strict sentences for those with past criminal records, particularly if they include other incidents of cocaine possession. Although the primary charge filed in these types of cases is cocaine possession, there’s a fair amount of overlap between drug possession and drug trafficking law in the state of Texas. Transportation of a Schedule II drug like cocaine with the intent to give it to another person, even if it’s just to a friend, can be enough to earn a drug trafficking charge. The same is true if you transport cocaine across state lines or even if you transport it accidentally. It’s especially dangerous if cocaine has been transported from one country into another. Though these types of charges can be especially concerning, there are legitimate avenues of defense to downgrade the charges and lessen the consequences.
What determines your exact sentence for cocaine possession?
While the volume of the drug gives a general guide to the penalty, there are really a number of factors that will affect the final sentence, including your criminal history, the judge, and the exact details of your particular case. While there are guidelines for the maximum sentence possible for each level of possession, there are no guarantees. In many cases, a high-quality lawyer can massively reduce or even completely avoid jail time. That’s why it’s so imperative you call our team at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter today – we can’t help you figure out how to decide on the proper defense techniques or help you answer difficult questions like this one until you get in touch with us.
Is it possible to avoid jail time for possessing cocaine in Texas?
Yes, it is entirely possible to have the charges against you reduced or dropped, and there is no guarantee that you’ll be forced to spend time in jail. It is critical to hire an attorney with experience defending those who are charged with cocaine possession. Your attorney will determine the best strategy to defend you and will advise you on all of your options, which could include taking the case to trial or negotiating for reduced charges or penalties.
Cocaine Possession Defenses
For a charge as serious as cocaine possession, your attorneys need battle-tested defense methods that are proven to work in the courtroom. There are a few lines of defense that are common and relatively successful across all areas of drug possession law. These include:
- Unwitting Possession – An unwitting possession defense entitles proving that the person charged with cocaine possession did not know they were in the possession of the drug. This normally entails another person slipping the drug into a package or something else innocuous that the individual who’s been charged delivers without knowing the true contents.
- Lack of Possession – Another possible defense is that the defendant has been charged with possession of a drug when they never had possession. This typically occurs when another individual, like someone renting their house, possesses a drug on the individual’s property without their knowledge.
- Abuse of Power by Law Enforcement – This defense constitutes a line of argument that the steps taken by law enforcement in this particular case did not comply with the law. Examples of this include failure to obtain a warrant and illegal search and seizure.
Consult with a Dallas Cocaine Possession Defense Attorney
If you are charged with cocaine possession in Texas, it is necessary to have a qualified and dedicated attorney by your side. These charges can have a serious effect on your future and livelihood, and the attorneys at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter are ready to help you fight for what you deserve. For more information about how to handle the consequences of drug possession in Texas, please contact us at (214) 845-7007.