Practice Areas
Greater Houston Drug Crimes Lawyer
In Houston, drug-related offenses carry serious legal consequences, including jail time, fines, and long-lasting implications like trouble finding work or housing. If you are facing criminal charges related to the possession, distribution, or manufacture of a controlled or illicit substance, an experienced Houston drug crimes lawyer can help you protect your rights, freedom, and future.
At the Law Office of Amanda Skillern, PLLC, our dedicated Houston drug crimes lawyers fight to reduce the impact of a drug-related arrest on your life. When appropriate, we will seek dismissed charges or reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or a plea agreement. To learn more about how we can help, contact us today at 832-954-4722.
Types of Drug Offenses in Houston
Texas state law recognizes a wide range of drug offenses, but most related charges fall into one of the following three categories.
Possession
Possession of illegal drugs is one of the most common drug-related crimes in Houston. This charge ranges from simple possession – where someone is found with a small amount of a controlled substance for personal use – to possession with intent to distribute, where the police believe there is evidence suggesting the drugs were intended for sale or distribution. You can also face possession charges for drug paraphernalia, such as devices used for the consumption or production of illegal substances.
In Texas, possession of even small amounts of certain drugs can result in serious legal penalties, including fines, probation, and incarceration. Possession with intent to distribute carries even harsher penalties. The severity of the penalties depends on numerous factors, including the type and quantity of drugs involved, your prior criminal history, and whether there were aggravating factors such as possession near a school or in a drug-free zone.
Attorney Amanda Skillern can provide invaluable assistance if you’re facing possession charges. She will carefully review the evidence, challenge any illegal searches or seizures, and work to negotiate reduced penalties or alternative sentencing options to protect your future.
Distribution
Distribution offenses involve the sale, delivery, or transportation of illegal drugs. This can range from street-level dealing to more organized operations involving large quantities of narcotics. Individuals involved in distribution activities face severe penalties under Texas law, including prison sentences and substantial fines.
The specific penalties depend on the amount and type of the controlled substance. Depending on these factors, you could face between 180 days in jail and a life sentence in prison, along with fines ranging from $10,000 to $250,000.
In addition to these criminal penalties, those accused of drug distribution offenses may also face civil asset forfeiture under Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The police may seize property like cash, vehicles, and other assets that they believe are connected to the drug trade, even if you have not been charged with a drug crime.
Amanda Skillern has extensive experience defending clients against distribution charges. She will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and fight to protect your rights and assets.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing a controlled substance is an offense that involves the production, cultivation, or synthesis of illegal drugs. This can include the manufacturing of drugs like methamphetamine or the cultivation of marijuana plants. Manufacturing charges are taken very seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors in Houston, as they often involve significant quantities of drugs and may be linked to larger criminal operations.
When you’re facing manufacturing charges, Amanda Skillern will strive to dismantle the prosecution’s case, challenge the validity of evidence, and seek a favorable resolution for your situation. With her on your side, you can approach the legal process with confidence and peace of mind.
How Can a Greater Houston Drug Crimes Lawyer Help?
Whether you have been charged with possession of a drug, distribution of a drug or controlled substance in the Greater Houston area, your future is on the line. Houston criminal defense attorney Amanda Skillern is here to provide the skilled legal representation that can make a difference in how your charges proceed.
Building a Strong Defense
Amanda Skillern will work diligently to build a robust defense. She will examine the details of your case, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and develop strategies to challenge those weaknesses.
Challenging Evidence
One of the key aspects of Amanda Skillern’s approach is scrutinizing the evidence against you. She will look for any signs of unlawful searches or seizures, errors in the handling of evidence, or other procedural mistakes that could work in your favor.
Negotiating Plea Agreements
If a plea agreement is in your best interest, Amanda will negotiate on your behalf to achieve the most favorable terms possible. Her goal is to reduce the charges or penalties you face and help you to protect your future.
Amanda Skillern is dedicated to providing personalized attention to each client. She will take the time to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and keep you informed throughout the process. Above all, she is committed to protecting your rights. She will ensure that you receive fair treatment under the law and work tirelessly to defend your interests.
Texas Drug Penalty Groups
Chapter 481 of the Texas Controlled Substances Act regulates and penalizes possession of drugs from all five federal scheduling categories in the following six penalty group categories.
Penalty Group 1
Penalty Group 1 includes highly addictive and dangerous drugs with no accepted medical use, such as opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, mescaline, and psilocybin. Possession of these substances can result in penalties ranging from state jail felonies for less than 1 gram to enhanced first-degree felonies for more than 400 grams, with prison terms from 180 days to 99 years and fines up to $100,000. Manufacturing or delivering these drugs carries similar severe penalties.
Penalty Group 1-A
Penalty Group 1-A focuses on LSD and its related compounds, which are measured in units rather than grams. Possession of LSD can result in state jail felonies for fewer than 20 units to enhanced first-degree felonies for over 4,000 units, with penalties including prison terms from 180 days to 99 years and fines up to $100,000. Manufacturing or delivering LSD carries similar penalties.
Penalty Group 2
Penalty Group 2 mainly includes hallucinogens such as ecstasy and mescaline. Possession of these substances can result in state jail felonies for less than 1 gram to first-degree felonies for over 400 grams, with prison terms from 180 days to 99 years or Life in prison and fines up to $50,000. Manufacturing or delivering these drugs carries similar penalties.
Penalty Group 2-A
Penalty Group 2-A includes synthetic cannabinoids like K2 and Spice. Possession of these substances can result in class B misdemeanors for less than 2 ounces to first-degree felonies for over 2,000 pounds, with penalties ranging from up to 180 days in jail to 99 years or Life in prison and fines up to $50,000. Manufacturing or delivering synthetic cannabinoids carries similar penalties.
Penalty Group 3
Penalty Group 3 covers certain opioids, anabolic steroids, benzodiazepines, and sedatives not listed in Penalty Group 1. Possession of these substances can result in class A misdemeanors for less than 28 grams to first-degree felonies for more than 400 grams, with penalties including up to 1 year in jail to 99 years or Life in prison and fines up to $50,000. Manufacturing or delivering these drugs carries similar penalties.
Penalty Group 4
Penalty Group 4 includes a variety of prescription medications and compounds with potential for abuse. Possession of these substances can result in class B misdemeanors for less than 28 grams to first-degree felonies for more than 400 grams, with penalties ranging from up to 180 days in jail to 99 years or Life in prison and fines up to $50,000. Manufacturing or delivering these substances carries similar penalties.
Speak to a Greater Houston Drug Crime Defense Lawyer Today
Whether you have been charged with possession, manufacture, delivery, or another drug offense in Houston, you may face severe penalties if convicted. It is therefore important to seek guidance from a knowledgeable Houston drug crimes defense lawyer who can help you build a strong defense, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and negotiate a plea agreement, if applicable.
At the Law Office of Amanda Skillern, PLLC, we have extensive experience representing clients in a wide range of Houston drug crime cases. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and achieving the best outcome for your situation. Give us a call today at 832-954-4722 to discuss your case in a free consultation.
