Fort Worth Drug Crime Attorney Providing You Legal Advice For Your Serious Charge

In a time when many states across the United States are easing up on drug-related laws, you may think you are safe to use recreational drugs, even in the confines of your own home. The ugly truth is, however, that you may end up being charged with drug possession, anyway. While some areas across the country that have legalized certain drug use are considering pardoning drug crime offenders, you may not be so lucky. In Tarrant County, possession and use of a now largely legalized drug like cannabis would be met with drug crimes such as drug possession.

In Tarrant County, if you have been arrested on drug possession charges and you have no prior criminal history, you may be eligible to enter a special program that can have your drug possession case dismissed. Through the First Offender Drug Program, you can have your drug charges dropped if you do not have any previous criminal indiscretions on your file. If you fall under this criteria, contact a law firm with a drug crimes defense attorney at the ready to take on your case and guide you through the First Offender Drug Program process.

Is Drug Possession a Common Drug Crime?

There is a varying degree of drug-related crimes that one could commit. Committing any one of those crimes can mean plenty of legal troubles and hassles for you. It is important to be aware of the common types of drug crimes you could be accused of committing. Remember, even if you are accused of committing any one of the following crimes, you are not guilty until your case is heard. However, enlisting the services of an experienced law firm with drug crime lawyers can help you explore all your options and give you a step ahead in your drug crimes case.

Drug possession charges are considered to be one of the most frequently seen drug charges in court cases. According to the Texas Controlled Substance Act, drug possession is the care, management, or control of a controlled substance. Marijuana possession is one of the most commonly found drugs during drug possession arrests. The reason marijuana possession is so prevalent in Tarrant County is because of the recreational aspect of marijuana and the loosening restrictions of marijuana across the country. Drug laws in Tarrant County are strict, and this includes tough restrictions imposed on marijuana, even if it is legally bought in a state that allows it and brought back into Tarrant County. If you bring back marijuana legally purchased elsewhere and are arrested in Tarrant County with it, you will be charged with marijuana possession as if it came from another illegal source. Even though marijuana is becoming more commonplace in society on a legal basis, the drug possession charges stemming from it will still be relatively severe in Tarrant County. Find a law firm with drug possession lawyers that can help fight your charge and give you a good chance at dodging a drug possession conviction.

It is important to note that drug possession does not mean you will automatically be charged if you were in an area where there were illegal drugs; you need to knowingly be in possession of the drugs themselves. For example, if you are hanging out with your friends and one of them has marijuana in their possession, just being with them does not necessarily make you an accomplice or mean you are in any trouble. If you find yourself in a situation where you have been accused of drug possession simply by association, you should seek legal help from a law firm in Tarrant County with criminal defense lawyers so they can help reverse your charges and restore your liberties.

Are All Drugs Classified Equally?

Some drugs are legally classified as controlled substances. These controlled substances are separated into different classes based on the severity or potency of the controlled substance. Marijuana is not considered a controlled substance and exists in its own separate class with its own separate legal penalties. Controlled substances are divided into penalty groups in Tarrant County. These groups go from Penalty Group 1, which may feature the most aggressive, dangerous, and highly potent drugs, all the way down to Penalty Group 4, which feature drugs that are considered less potent but still have the potential for danger and abuse. The complete list is as followed:

• Penalty Group 1 – Penalty Group 1 features hard drugs like cocaine, ketamine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, heroin, and many more. A subsection of Penalty Group 1 called Penalty Group 1-A features the hallucinogenic drug LSD.
• Penalty Group 2 – Penalty Group 2 includes cannabis-based drugs like hashish, MDMA (otherwise known as Ecstasy), and PCP. The Penalty Group 2 subsection called Penalty Group 2-A includes synthetic marijuana.
• Penalty Group 3 – The controlled substances found in Penalty Group 3 include common but potentially addictive prescription drugs like Ritalin, Xanax, Valium, and anabolic steroids.
• Penalty Group 4 – The least severe tier, Penalty Group 4 features a mixture of chemical compounds and prescription medications that have an addictive quality to them and have the potential for abuse.

What are the Penalties for Being Caught with a Controlled Substance?

If you or someone you know are facing jail time stemming from drug possession charges, you may face stiff consequences based on the controlled substance you are charged with possessing. A controlled substance charge on your criminal record will hurt your chances of gaining lawful employment and may affect your overall quality of life. Going through the criminal justice system with a knowledgeable drug crimes attorney may help you get off the hook from your drug crime charges. Depending on the controlled substance you are accused of possessing in your drug possession charge, you may receive as little as a fine and as much as multiple years of jail time. An adept defense attorney cannot be underestimated for a drug possession charge. The following are the possible penalties for a controlled substance charge in Tarrant County:

• Penalty Group 1 and 1-A – If your controlled substance charge ends in a conviction, you may face at least two years in prison and be fined at least $10,000.
• Penalty Group 2 and 2-A – If you are convicted of drug charges, you may be sentenced to at least two years in prison.
• Penalty Group 3 – A conviction on a controlled substance charge may net you at least a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
• Penalty Group 4 – If your drug possession charge results in a conviction, you may be imprisoned for at least a year and fined at least several thousands of dollars.

What Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Do for My Case?

Drug charges can derail your life, even if you believe your actions did not warrant legal trouble. With the fluidity of drug laws across the nation, many people have questions and concerns about their own drug possession charges. There are instances where your rights may have been violated by the police and as a result, your drug possession charges may be unlawful. Experienced defense attorneys know the criminal justice system and can be a helpful ally during your case by giving you legal advice and defending you in court. Drug crimes are common in Tarrant County, but many of them can be winnable cases as long as the defendant has a seasoned criminal defense attorney at their disposal. A law firm with experienced criminal defense lawyers should be the first place you go to following drug charges. Hardy Law Group, PLLC can help you prove your innocence and restore your faith in the justice system.

The law office of Hardy Law Group, PLLC fields a team of experienced lawyers ready to heed your call for help. Whether your case revolves around recreational drugs like marijuana or more illicit narcotics such as methamphetamine or heroin, Hardy Law Group, PLLC will represent your needs and do what it takes to get your charges reduced or cleared entirely off your criminal record. Consulting with criminal defense attorneys from Hardy Law Group, PLLC can make the difference between a life with no limits and a life behind bars. You can schedule a no-hassle, no-commitment free consultation by calling(817) 222-0000. The law office of Hardy Law Group, PLLC is committed to aiding you every step of the way and providing you with the assurance that your drug crime charge does not mean you’re guilty and that every person deserves their day in court.