Irving Drug Crime Lawyer

Irving Drug Crime Attorney

There can be a lot of uncertainty after being charged with a drug crime, including what consequences you will face if found guilty. This can range anywhere from fines to probation or time spent in jail, depending on the severity of the crime and your criminal history. However, not every drug crime accusation will end up in a conviction. Sometimes, these allegations are reduced or dismissed after involving the help of an Irving drug crime lawyer.

At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, that is exactly our intent. We strive to help each of our clients find the most effective strategies to reduce the impact this experience has on their lives. After taking a detailed look at the evidence stacked against our clients, we begin assessing each possible defense option to see which has the power to yield the greatest benefit. At the end of the day, we work hard to make our clients feel seen and protected throughout their case.

Understanding Drug Crime Charges in Texas

Drug crime charges in Texas carry a wide range of offenses, ranging from misdemeanor possession to felony-level manufacturing and trafficking. The severity of your own charge will depend on several key factors, such as:

• Type of substance: Drugs are categorized into penalty groups under the Texas Controlled Substances Act. The harshest penalties are reserved for Group 1 substances, which include drugs like heroin and cocaine.
• Amount in possession: Larger quantities may trigger intent-to-distribute or trafficking charges, which come with enhanced sentencing.
• Location of the offense: A drug crime charge could be elevated if the alleged offenses happened near a vulnerable location, such as a school, playground, or other designated drug-free zone.
• Prior criminal history: If someone is dealing with repeated offenses, it’s not unusual to face more severe consequences.

In 2020, Texas had a drug abuse arrest rate of 302.6 per 100,000 residents. This is a 31.6% decrease from 2019. While that drop could reflect changing enforcement priorities, the legal risks for those accused remain high. This is especially true for those managing cases that involve felony substances.

Drug Possession and Enforcement Trends in Irving

Possession charges make up a significant portion of drug-related arrests across Irving. These offenses typically involve scenarios where someone was carrying or controlling an illegal substance without a prescription. While some might view this as a minor crime, the legal consequences can still have an impact on someone’s life.

Some key points to understand about possession charges include:

• No intent to sell is required. Simply having the drug on hand is enough to be charged.
• The penalties will vary. A small amount of marijuana might result in a fine or mandatory diversion program, while possession of methamphetamine or prescription opioids without authorization can result in felony charges.
• There can also be some collateral consequences to be aware of. For instance, a conviction could affect job prospects, housing eligibility, and student loan access.

From 2013 to 2023, 18% of all arrests in Irving were specifically due to drug possession. 65% of all arrests involved low-level, non-violent offenses. These figures highlight the widespread impact of enforcement on individuals who may be better served by treatment or community-based alternatives rather than incarceration. It’s important to speak with your Irving Drug Crime Lawyer about these options early on so that they are aligned with your case goals.

The Broader Impact of Drug-Related Offenses

Drug crimes are often a symptom of a deeper issue, including mental health challenges, trauma, and a lack of access to treatment. Sometimes, a prosecutor will try to impose punitive measures as punishment that do little to prevent future harm instead of addressing the root causes.

With over 6,022 drug overdose deaths across Texas, it’s important to view drug-related charges through a legal and health-focused lens. When a defendant shows a promising attitude toward rehabilitation, it should be presented as an alternate option to sentencing.

FAQs About Irving, TX Drug Crime Laws

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

A: To successfully beat a drug charge in Texas, you need to produce a strong legal defense with your attorney. First, examine whether your constitutional rights were violated during the search, arrest, or questioning. If so, you could exclude that evidence from consideration. In some cases, it might be possible to negotiate reduced charges or pursue dismissal based on how serious a procedural error was.

Q: What Happens If You Are Convicted of a Drug Offense in Texas?

A: If you are convicted of a drug offense in Texas, the consequences will depend on the classification of the charge and the circumstances of your case. You could face time in jail, be issued fines, serve a probation period, or be required to fulfill a drug treatment program or community service. A conviction could also leave a permanent mark on your criminal record. This is why it’s important to connect with a defense lawyer to minimize what happens.

Q: How Much Does a Felony Defense Attorney Cost in Texas?

A: The total cost to hire a felony defense attorney in Texas depends on how complicated a case is, how many years of experience an attorney has, and where they are physically located. Some attorneys charge a flat fee to support an entire case, while others choose to bill hourly. It’s important to have upfront conversations about fees and payment plans to ensure you can afford their services before hiring them.

Q: Can I Be Charged With Drug Possession If the Drugs Weren’t Mine?

A: Yes, it is still possible to be charged with drug possession even in scenarios where the drugs didn’t belong to you. In Texas, prosecutors only need to prove that you had knowledge of the substance and exercised some level of control over it. This is known as constructive possession. For example, if the drugs were found in a shared car or apartment, more than one person could be charged. Work with your defense attorney to clarify your lack of involvement.

Contact Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC Today

If you have been recently charged with a drug crime in Irving and are unsure where to turn, contact our firm today for quality support. We won’t rest until you feel comfortable knowing that you have solid legal representation on your side.