If caught in the possession of narcotics and illegal substances such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine or Ecstacy in Texas you may be facing serious charges. The actual type of drug and amount will be factors in determining the severity of the possible consequences - and whether it will be considered a misdeamnor or felony offense.
Texas law has divided possession into 5 separate penalty groups and, separately, marijuana. Some drugs are considered illegal without a prescription such as Valium or Ritalin. Others, such as LSD, are banned outright.
Offenders should know that the police do not necessarily need to find the drugs on your body or clothes in order to make an arrest. If they find drugs in a place for which you have access such as your car or, for instance, in a seat which you recently vacated they can make the claim that you were in ‘constructive possession’ of the drug.
A conviction of drug possession can result in hefty fines and possible lengthy jail or prison terms. This scenario may cost a person their job, home and family. Needless to say, the best offense is to avoid using illegal substances of any kind. Too, one should avoid the company of those who are known drug abusers.
If you have fallen into illegal drug use then the best advice is to seek professional intervention. There are a number of organizations that help drug abusers fight and overcome their addictions and then ’stay clean and sober’ in the long term. Contact your local social services for more information. Contact a reputable attorney for legal support.
David Breston is a Houston narcotics defense attorney. If you need a Houston narcotic defense lawyer call David Breston at 713 224 4040.
