Texas is one of the states with the harshest penalties for all types of drug charges – the tolerance for any drug crime is low. Even for minor offenses like possession, you could face prison time and high fines. Prosecutors often use the threat of these harsh penalties to incite the accused to sign plea agreements to reduce the charges. While this may be the best option in some circumstances, it is not something you should decide without counsel. At MC Criminal Law, we have the best Dallas drug crime attorneys at your disposal – we will advise you on the best course of action.
A drug conviction on your record could prevent you from securing gainful employment, getting a loan, and severely limit your housing opportunities. One drug-related conviction can derail your entire future. Let us help you make an informed decision on whether to fight the charges or take another course of action. Do not assume the prosecutor’s case is strong – there are many defenses that our experienced drug crime attorneys can employ. Even if you think it is an open and shut case, there is something we can do.
Maybe the police did not honor your constitutional rights when gathering evidence and it can be thrown out, maybe you were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time, or maybe the quantity is insufficient to be charged with a certain crime. Even if it comes down to signing a plea agreement, our lawyers can almost certainly negotiate a better deal than you could without any support.
Your future is worth a phone call to an attorney – contact us today to speak to experienced drug crime attorneys in Dallas.
The punishment for drug crimes in Texas depends on the classification of the controlled substance; there are six penalty groups:
| Penalty Group | Examples |
| PG1 | cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ketamine |
| PG1-A | lysergic acid and LSD |
| PG2 | mushrooms and psilocybin |
| PG2-A | compounds that mimic cannabinoids |
| PG-3 | anabolic steroids, Xanax, Lorazepam |
| PG-4 | compounds with small amounts of codeine or opium |
| Marijuana/Marihuana | While marijuana in all of its forms is illegal in Texas, the state recognizes it as a separate matter. |
Drug possession is one of the most common drug-related crimes a person can be charged with. The potential penalty will depend on factors like the type of controlled substance, the penalty group it falls into, and the quantity found in possession. The charges can range from a class B misdemeanors, which carries a sentence of up to 180 days in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,000, to a first-degree felony, which carries a sentence of five to 99 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000. We have experienced drug possession attorneys in Dallas who can defend you from all drug possession charges.
Possession of drugs in a school zone is a more serious offense in Texas. The possession of drugs within 1,000 feet of school property, a school bus, youth centers, or playgrounds, or within 300 feet of swimming pools and video arcades enhances the charges and elevates the penalties; class B misdemeanors can become class A misdemeanors, while these can be upgraded to state jail felonies, and these further to third-degree felonies. However, these are general guidelines, the actual circumstances of each case determine the severity of the penalty. At MC Criminal Law, you will find attorneys who know how to parse the details of your case to provide the best defense possible.
There are many viable strategies that can be employed to serve your interests. There may be just cause to have your case dismissed or we might be able to obtain a reduction of the charges. If it comes to trial, we know which criminal defense has the highest likelihood of success. You have rights and we will defend them. Don’t give up before you speak to experts. Reach out to our Dallas drug crime attorneys and let us create a plan to protect your future.
With more than 30 years of criminal experience and 300 trials between them, Messina Madson and Kendall Castello know how to analyze and defend these kinds of criminal prosecutions. They know the issues involved as well as many of the prosecutors and judges.
As First Assistant and Administrative Chief for the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, Messina and Kendall helped build and implement the nation’s largest DA-led diversion program, which offers expunction or non-disclosure to many offenders who complete state rehabilitation requirements. They know the options available to deal with an allegation and keep it off their clients’ records.
MC Criminal Law is committed to providing extensive, personalized attention to every client. Unlike law firms that depend upon high volumes of cases, they choose to work with few clients for exceptional results. They use their extensive experience as both prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys to zealously fight for their clients. If that sounds like what you are looking for, they are an ideal firm.
When you are accused of a criminal offense, nothing speaks louder than the results an attorney earns. Here are a few examples of results we have received in recent cases:
Police were called when unknown individuals entered a client’s home to steal drugs and assault him badly. By showing a lack of a criminal record and former military service where the client was injured, the prosecutor agreed to reduce the charge to possession and admit the client into a diversion program.
By demonstrating that a client’s fiancé was the actual dealer, the charges were reduced to possession of a controlled substance. The prosecutor agreed to allow the client into a diversion program. The case was dismissed and expunged.
A teenage client with no record and with plans to enter the military in about a month was charged with possession of marijuana. Negotiated an immediate dismissal to allow for his joining the military.
The client was holding a backpack for a friend who was a drug dealer. We verified that the client was not the drug dealer and demonstrated that he only used marijuana. The indictment was for possession of a controlled substance and the client was allowed into a diversion program. The case was dismissed and expunged.
We intervened with police on behalf of a client by providing an explanation of events that led to the arrest and proof of clean drug tests. The police did not file the case with the DA’s office.
Kendall is an extraordinary attorney with great legal knowledge, experience, common sense and judgement. The quality of Kendall’s character is equally outstanding. He deeply cares about his clients and doing the very best for them. Kendall was an invaluable counsel and resource in in our difficult domestic child abuse case. I am honored to know
Messina Madson is the greatest!! She not only knows the law in and out, but truly cares for her clients. Messina was up front and honest about everything happening throughout my case. I spoke to Messina for the first time while I was in jail and thought I had zero chance of getting out on
My loved one had a very serious charge, and I wanted to do everything I could to make sure he got the best outcome possible. After almost a year, the plea deal stayed the same, and I was frustrated. Also getting his bond reduced was denied over and over. Someone I work with told me
When I first learned I needed a defense lawyer for some very serious charges I was lost and scared, and feared the worst. I saw my life spinning out of control with the possibility of losing everything and even jail. I had never needed a lawyer and didn’t know who to turn to. Kendall Castello
No, marijuana is illegal in Texas, including the possession of marijuana. However, it is classified into a penalty group separate from other controlled substances.
In such cases, this can be a viable criminal defense against drug charges, however, you would need to prove that you had no knowledge and control of the drugs.
No, felony convictions for drug-related crimes will permanently remain on your record unless the conviction is overturned or you are personally pardoned by the governor. This is one of the reasons it is crucial to have experienced Dallas drug crime attorneys defend you.
