Brownsville Drug Crimes Lawyer

Drug crimes are a common category of criminal charges prosecuted in Texas courts. Individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life are arrested daily and charged with simple possession of drugs ranging from marijuana to methamphetamine, cocaine, synthetic “designer drugs,” and prescription medical drugs, such as oxycodone, Adderall, Xanax, Valium, and other opioids, depressants, and stimulants. 

If you or someone you love has been arrested and charged with a drug crime, it is essential to bring in a dedicated criminal defense lawyer. At The Law Office of Mauricio Garcia, our attorney is highly knowledgeable in both state and federal drug crime laws, the legal process, and how courts operate in such cases. Attorney Garcia can help you navigate the complex legal system and aggressively advocate for you in seeking favorable results. 

Schedule a free case assessment with our Brownsville drug crimes attorney by contacting us online or at (956) 395-3314. Hablamos español.

Illegal Drugs in Texas

The Texas Controlled Substances Act governs Texas drug crimes. Like the federal Controlled Substances Act, this Act classifies drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs into several categories, known as schedules, based on their potential for abuse and addiction, as well as their accepted medical use.

Examples of the Schedules I through V in Texas:

• Schedule I: Substances with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use (e.g., heroin, LSD).
• Schedule II: Substances with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence, but with some accepted medical use (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine).
• Schedule III-V: Substances with a progressively lower potential for abuse, more accepted medical uses, and varying degrees of dependence when abused (e.g., ketamine, anabolic steroids).

Among these are synthetic drugs created to mimic the effects of illegal drugs while attempting to evade classification as illegal substances. These compounds undergo slight modifications in their chemical structures to produce effects similar to those of traditional illegal drugs like ecstasy or cocaine. These designer drugs are often unpredictable and can be significantly more dangerous due to their unregulated production and long-term effects on the human body.

Common Drug Crimes in Texas

Drug crimes in Texas can include:

• Simple possession of a controlled substance
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Manufacturing or delivering controlled substances
• Trafficking of controlled substances
• Prescription fraud
• Conspiracy
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

State vs. Federal Drug Crimes

The main difference between state and federal drug crimes lies in their jurisdiction. State drug crimes are violations of specific Texas laws, while federal drug crimes violate laws enacted by the U.S. Congress. For example, drug trafficking that crosses state lines is generally a federal crime. 

Federal drug crimes generally involve more significant quantities of substances and harsher penalties. Federal agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are typically involved in the investigation and prosecution of federal drug crimes. 

Penalties for Drug Crimes

Penalties for drug crimes in Texas depend on several factors, including the type and amount of substance, the crime committed (e.g., possession, trafficking), and your criminal history. Penalties can range from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences, especially for charges involving large amounts of controlled substances or trafficking.