Plano Drug Crime Lawyer

Plano Drug Crime Attorney

The moment law enforcement becomes involved, everything changes. A single traffic stop or search can suddenly lead you to face charges that could impact the rest of your life. This can be intimidating and overwhelming to manage, especially when considering how tough the drug laws and penalties are in Texas. With such high stakes, it’s important to hire an experienced Plano drug crime lawyer. They will represent your legal interests and ensure your rights are protected.

At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, we appreciate how distressed you might be feeling in this situation. Dealing with a drug charge can be a very isolating experience. However, it doesn’t have to be. When you hire us to take on your case, you are immediately granted access to years of experience representing clients who were once in a similar predicament. Your future is worth protecting, and we have the skills and resources you need to help make it happen.

Understanding the Legal Landscape of Drug Charges in Texas

It’s true that Texas has a reputation for having some of the strictest drug laws in the country. While the overall drug abuse arrest rate did drop by over 30% in 2020, law enforcement still continues to heavily police drug-related activity. This is especially true in high-priority areas like North Texas, where Plano is located. This falls within a designated high-intensity drug trafficking area, which means the region is monitored closely for suspicious behavior.

Some key factors to understand that influence drug crime charges in Texas include:

• The type of substance involved, such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or synthetic drugs like fentanyl or THC
• The quantity of the drug, which can influence whether the charge is classified as a misdemeanor or felony
• Intent, which includes whether law enforcement believes the drug was for personal use or distribution
• Location of the offense, as locations such as a school, daycare, or public housing can all bring forth their own set of enhanced penalties

How Law Enforcement Tries to Build a Drug Case Against You

It’s important to take time and understand how police and prosecutors build cases. This can help you and your lawyer pinpoint any areas where your rights may have been violated in the process. For instance, in Texas, agencies are required to report drug seizures regularly. This level of oversight can sometimes result in rushed or overly aggressive enforcement practices, especially in areas that have a federal task force collaboration, like Plano.

Some common tactics used in these instances to build a case include:

• Traffic stops and vehicle searches, often based on alleged “reasonable ”
• Search warrants executed at homes or businesses
• Undercover buys or informant tips, which can sometimes lack credibility
• Digital evidence, such as text messages, social media activity, or surveillance footage

The strongest defenses start with challenging how this evidence was collected in the first place and questioning if your rights were upheld during the process.

Why Timing and Legal Strategy Matter in These Cases

Drug charges can move quickly in Plano, Texas. Even the simplest of mistakes, such as speaking to a law enforcement officer without your lawyer present, can be difficult to understand. Even if you are certain you are not guilty of what you are being accused of, it doesn’t take away from how severe the consequences you face are.

If you are in this situation, consider the following:

• Always request legal counsel before making any statements that can be used against you later in court.
• Document every detail of your interaction with police and other
• Ask your attorney about suppression motions, especially if there is reason to believe that some evidence might have been obtained illegally.
• Explore alternatives, like diversion programs or treatment options, to try to reduce the penalties you face if a case dismissal doesn’t seem likely.

FAQs About Plano, TX Drug Crime Laws

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

A: To successfully beat a felony drug charge in Texas, you need to first identify what flaws you plan to go after in the prosecution’s case. This could include challenging how the evidence was collected, questioning how reliable certain witnesses are, or proving that your rights were violated during the search or arrest.

Having a defense lawyer on your side will be critical, as they will explore every angle, from requesting evidence suppression to negotiating with the prosecution.

Q: Can Drug Charges Be Dropped in Texas?

A: Yes, it is possible for drug charges to be dropped under certain circumstances. This often happens when the prosecution doesn’t have enough proof beyond a reasonable doubt to prove guilt. If you believe your rights were violated during the search or arrest, your attorney will need to produce their own argument for why the evidence should be suppressed and the case dismissed. Prosecutors may also drop charges as part of a plea agreement or diversion program, especially for first-time offenders.

Q: Can I Be Arrested Even If the Drugs Weren’t Mine?

A: Yes, it is possible to be arrested even if you had drugs on you that were not yours. This happens often in shared spaces like cars, apartments, or group settings where it’s unclear who had possession. Even if you were arrested, prosecutors still have the responsibility to prove that you indeed had knowledge of the drugs. A defense attorney can combat this effort by presenting evidence that shows you had no connection to the drugs.

Q: Will a Drug Charge Show Up on My Background Check?

A: Yes, even if you were never formally convicted, a drug charge can still appear on your criminal record and be visible in background checks. This can impact your ability to secure a new job, apply to rent a house or apartment, or even be admitted into college. However, there could be an opportunity to seal or expunge the record, depending on your specific circumstances. A defense attorney can help you better understand if you’re eligible for an option like that.

Contact Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC Today

If you have recently been accused of a drug crime in Plano and are unsure what to do next, contact our firm now. We are standing by, ready to learn more about how we can help you seek the justice you’re looking for.