Brownsville Drug Crime Lawyer

In the state of Texas, drug charges are taken very seriously. Even relatively minor offenses can be harshly punished, and serious drug offenses can result in life sentences and six-figure fines. If you have been accused of a drug crime, contact our experienced drug crime attorneys as soon as possible. The quicker you contact an attorney, the more options you have for your defense. Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers has over 50 years of combined legal experience, fighting hard in the courtroom, and producing results.

Call us at (956) 225-2509 to begin discussing your case with a Brownsville drug crime lawyer during a consultation.

Types of Drug Charges We Handle

Our experienced Brownsville drug crime attorneys have successfully defended clients against a wide range of drug-related charges, including:

• Drug Possession: For substances like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and prescription drugs without authorization.
• Possession with Intent to Distribute: Charges involving larger quantities of drugs or items like baggies, scales, and large sums of cash.
• Drug Trafficking and Distribution: High-stakes cases involving the transportation or sale of controlled substances.
• Manufacturing and Cultivation: Producing illegal substances such as methamphetamine or cultivating marijuana without proper licensing.
• Drug Paraphernalia Possession: Charges related to items like pipes, syringes, or rolling papers used with illegal drugs.
• Prescription Drug Fraud: Obtaining prescription medications through forgery or false representation.

Texas Controlled Substances Act

The war on drugs has been a widespread response to the issue of drug addiction, designed to scrutinize the use and sales of drugs in America. As a result, the majority of drug offenses can lead to significant fines and years in prison. The Texas Controlled Substances Act of 1973 was a response to drug use becoming more prevalent in the country. The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) thus categorizes drugs into different well-known schedules.

The following are the schedules for drugs:

Schedule I: High Risk of Abuse

Drugs or substances that have no currently accepted medical use in the United States and have a high potential for abuse. There are no over-the-counter medications available that are coincidentally associated with such List I substances.

Such substances maintain a high risk of dependency on the individual. Heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), peyote, N-ethyl-3-piperidyl benzilate, and gamma hydroxybutyric acid all fall under Schedule I.

Schedule II: High Risk of Abuse

Drugs or substances that: have a high potential for abuse; have a currently accepted medical use or treatment with severe restrictions; and have a potential for severe psychological and physical dependency. Opioids, such as hydrocodone and morphine, and their respective salts all fall under this regulation.

Stimulants, such as methamphetamine, also fall under this class.

Schedule III

Drugs or substances that have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Substance containing less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodone per dose unit (Vicodin), products containing not more than 90 milligrams of codeine per dose unit (Tylenol w/codeine), ketamine phenobarbital, and anabolic steroids are categorized under Schedule III.

Schedule IV: Low Risk of Abuse

Drugs or substances that are less dangerous than those substances listed in Schedule III and have a low potential for abuse. Xanax, Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium, Ativan, Talwin, Ambien, and other similar substances fall under this category.

Schedule V: Low Risk of Abuse

Drugs or substances with lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV or a currently accepted medical use in treatment. These substances contain limited quantities of certain narcotics, and have specific combinations of over-the-counter and other market substances that can be sold without a prescription in Texas, though they are controlled substances.

Building a Strong Defense

At Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers, we employ proven strategies tailored to your specific case. These may include:

• Challenging Evidence: Examining how evidence was collected and whether your rights were violated during a search or arrest.
• Proving Lack of Knowledge: Demonstrating you were unaware of the presence of the controlled substance.
• Disputing Intent: Arguing against claims of intent to distribute or traffic drugs.
• Exploring Diversion Programs: Negotiating for alternatives such as rehabilitation or pre-trial diversion programs for first-time offenders.

Why Choose Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers?

• Experienced Representation: Our Brownsville drug attorneys have deep knowledge of both state and federal drug laws.
• Personalized Approach: We develop customized defense strategies to fit your case’s unique circumstances.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We fight relentlessly to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through negotiation or courtroom litigation.

Contact Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers Today

Don’t face drug crime charges alone. Ried Pecina Trial Lawyers are here to provide the aggressive and knowledgeable defense you need. Let us fight to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Call us at (956) 225-2509 to begin discussing your case with a Brownsville drug crime lawyer during a case consultation.

Texas Drug Crime FAQs

1. What is the difference between possession and trafficking charges?

Possession involves having a controlled substance for personal use, while trafficking refers to selling, distributing, or transporting drugs. Trafficking carries more severe penalties.

2. Can I be charged for drugs found in a shared space, like a car or apartment?

Yes, but the prosecution must prove you had knowledge and control over the drugs. We can challenge this evidence to protect your rights.

3. Are there alternatives to jail for first-time offenders?

Yes, Texas offers diversion programs such as drug treatment or probation for eligible first-time offenders. We can help you explore these options.

4. Can a drug conviction be removed from my record?

Some convictions may qualify for expungement or record sealing under Texas law. Our attorneys can assess your case for eligibility.

5. How does federal involvement affect my drug case?

Federal charges typically involve larger quantities of drugs or trafficking across state lines. Penalties are more severe, and federal cases require experienced legal defense.