Drug Crimes
San Antonio Drug Crimes Lawyer Mounts an Aggressive Defense
Tenacious Texas lawyer fights possession, distribution and other drug charges
Proven advocate handles a range of drug offenses
A drug crime generally refers to any offense that involves controlled substances. These may include illegal street drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine or marijuana as well as prescription drugs such as Xanax or Vicodin. Specific criminal offenses related to drug crimes that I handle in San Antonio include:
When the quantities of drugs are large enough, federal authorities including the DEA, FBI and U.S. Department of Justice generally exercise jurisdiction, and the case goes to federal court. Fortunately, I have extensive criminal defense experience in federal court and can ably represent you there.
Drug possession
01
Simple possession involves small amounts of a drug presumed to be for personal use.
Possession with intent to sell
02
Slightly larger volumes of drugs carry the presumption that the person in possession intended to sell the product to someone else.
Drug distribution and trafficking
03
When large quantities of a drug are found, authorities charge trafficking, a serious felony with lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.
Prescription drug fraud
04
Certain drugs with valid medical use are still illegal without a valid prescription. Faking a prescription to deal these drugs is a serious crime.
Driving under the influence of drugs
05
DWI does not only refer to alcohol. A person under the influence of a drug, even a perfectly legal prescription, can be charged with DWI.
The type of drug
01
Illicit drugs are listed on Schedules from I to V, with Schedule I drugs (heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine) being the most strictly enforced.
The amount of drug
02
Small amounts of drugs are charged as simple possession, but larger amounts can create a presumption of intent to sell, and great amounts trigger trafficking charges.
Whether minors were involved
03
Drug sales to minors trigger penalty enhancements.
Where the offense occurred
04
Places like public parks and schools are protected zones, so drug crimes committed there receive enhanced treatment.
Whether violence or other crimes were involved
05
Violence or the use of a deadly weapon in a drug crime will bring enhanced penalties.
Factors that determine drug crime penalties
Whether a drug offense is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, and how severe the penalty might be, depend on a variety of factors, such as:
Prosecutors always look for circumstances that allow them to overcharge an offense, because this gives them leverage to compel a plea to a lesser charge. When I represent you, I can explain these and other tactics and counsel you against taking actions against your own interest.