Cocaine Possession
Cocaine Defense in Houston
Cocaine is a serious drug that is classified as a Schedule II narcotic by the United States DEA. Due to its strong addictive properties it can affect a person’s judgment and ability to function normally, the possession and sale convictions in Texas regarding this drug ware punished severely.
If you have been charged with a cocaine-related offense, the types of penalties that you could be facing will depend on the nature of the crime and the amount of the drug that was recovered at the time of your arrest. A simple ‘possession’ charge would have a different range of penalties than those of a ‘possession with intent to distribute’ charge.
Cocaine Possession in Houston
If you have been accused of possessing any amount of cocaine, you could be up against some pretty serious penalties. Depending on the nature of the offense that you have been charged with, you could be facing several years in jail, so it is highly recommended that you enlist the help of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney as early on as possible.
| Amount of Cocaine | Offense Classification | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 gram | State jail felony | Up to 2 years in prison and $10,000 |
| 1 gram- 3.99 grams | 3rd degree felony | 2-10 yrs. in prison and $10,000 |
| 4- 199 grams | 2nd degree felony | 2- 20 yrs. in prison and $10,000 |
| 200- 399 grams | 1st degree felony | 5- 99 yrs. in prison and $10,000 |
| 400 grams + | Enhanced 1st degree felony | 10- 99 yrs. in prison and $100,000 |
If you have been charged with the lowest cocaine offense, you could be facing up to two years in jail, hefty fines and mandatory probation. If you have been charged with a more serious offense, a conviction could result in up to 20 years in prison. The penalties vary, so you should waste no time in contacting a lawyer if you are hoping to avoid time behind bars, or get a reduced sentence.
Texas drug courts offer offenders an alternate way of resolving their cocaine possession charges. We may be able to assist you avoid a jail sentence by pushing for a diversion alternative, like:
- Enrollment in a rehabilitation program
- Plea Agreement
Cocaine Sale Laws in Texas
If you are accused with selling cocaine, you could be convicted with a felony if you are proven guilty. The severity of the charge will depend on several factors, including the amount of drugs that you allegedly sold or intended to sell. Criminal sale of a controlled substance is a much more serious charge than criminal possession of the same amount of the chemical in question, and you could face increased penalties if the allegedly sale took place on school grounds. For this reason, you should not hesitate to consult with a legal professional as soon as you have been placed under arrest.
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Speak to an experienced lawyer today
If you have been charged with either possession or sale of cocaine in Houston or Harris County, you need to ensure that your rights are protected. You should speak with a drug defense lawyer at Zavala Texas Law as soon as you know that you are going to be charged with a drug offense. With the help of your attorney, you can work together to build a case that will maximize your chances of a successful outcome in your specific case.
We may be able to push for leniency or the reduction of your charges if circumstances allow, so do not hesitate to get started today. The sooner you give us a call, the sooner we can begin to build a solid case on your behalf.