When you think of drug crimes, the first type of offense that may come to your mind is something along the lines of simple marijuana possession. While this is one of the most common drug-related crimes that are committed in Tarrant County, it’s important to remember the fact that there are plenty of other drug crimes that individuals can be found guilty of. Drug crimes consist of more offenses than simple offenses, such as drug trafficking.
The consequences of drug trafficking can be felt for years to come. This is a federal crime that can cause an individual to spend numerous years in prison while also being susceptible to hefty fees and a permanent criminal record. If you are ever accused of or charged with this crime, you will need to make sure you’ve aligned yourself with a criminal defense lawyer.
Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyer in Ft Worth, Arlington, Grapevine, Keller, and Southlake, TX
Unlike simple possession charges, drug trafficking can cause a world of pain. Federal prosecutors and investigators will stop at nothing to gather enough evidence to put you behind bars for years to come, and the longer you wait to hire a lawyer will have direct consequences on the quality of defense you’ll have in court. You need to contact an attorney as soon as possible so they can have enough time to study your case, learn more about your specific situation, and craft an elegant defense that will not be easily penetrated by the prosecuting party.
If you are in need of a criminal defense attorney, the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy are here to help you. Our team of experienced lawyers and legal professionals is ready to provide you with the assistance you have needed. We are experienced in federal law, and we’re knowledgeable about what may happen once the federal government gets involved with your situation. If you need help, our team can be there to handle your problems. Contact us at (817) 422-5350 to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.
Definition of Drug Trafficking
The Texas Health and Safety Code provides clear definitions and outlines for drug trafficking in the state of Texas. According to this, an individual can be charged with drug trafficking if they are found knowingly delivering or possessing (with intent to deliver) a substance that is considered a Penalty 1, Penalty 2, Penalty 3, or Penalty 4 drug.
Drugs that are found within the penalty group (as outlined by the Texas Controlled Substances Act) include, but are not limited to:
- Cocaine
- MDMA
- Xanax
- Ambien
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Oxycontin
- Heroin
- Methamphetamines
And more.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking
The penalties of drug trafficking will largely depend on the type of drug that was being allegedly possessed and/or trafficked.
For starters, Penalty Group 1 drug trafficking can be punished with a state jail felony classification, which comes along with a jail sentence ranging from 180 days to 2 years, in addition to a fine not to exceed $10,000. However, this penalty will quickly increase if the individual is accused of having a large quantity of the drugs in their possession at the time they were arrested.
Many individuals face first-degree felonies if they are found with four or more grams in their possession. Your charge may be classified as a second-degree felony if you have two to four grams in your possession, but first-degree felonies will carry dire consequences. If convicted, the defendant can expect to pay a mandatory fine of up to $10,000, in addition to serving a jail sentence that could be as long as 99 years.
Drug trafficking charges are dependent on not only the type of drug but also the amount that the defendant is allegedly trying to traffic and possess. Because these charges can lead to life imprisonment, it is important to remember that there are defenses that can be used during these types of cases. For starters, duress is one of the most popular defenses to drug trafficking charges that is used. If you and your lawyer are able to prove to the court that you were threatened with extreme injury and/or imminent death and were forced into possessing and trafficking drugs, you may be able to avoid a criminal conviction. This is one of the reasons why it is so important for you to hire a criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible; they will be able to study your case and make sure you have a defense that makes sense for your specific situation.
Resources for Drug Trafficking in Tarrant County, Texas
United States District Court: Northern District of Texas – If you are charged with drug trafficking, you will have to face a federal judge in a federal courthouse. This link takes you to the official website of Tarrant County, Texas, where you can find a list of federal courts in the area.
Fort Worth Police: Narcotics – Fort Worth Police work tirelessly to make sure communities are safe and secured from drug trafficking. This link takes you to the website of Fort Worth Police’s Narcotics division. Here, you can learn a little bit more about the details surrounding this division, as well as how you can make an anonymous tip if you ever catch wind of illegal activities taking place in your area.
Find A Tarrant County Defense Attorney for Drug Trafficking | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
Drug trafficking causes serious problems in communities around the world, and it will cause problems in your personal life if you are ever convicted of this crime. Being convicted of federal drug trafficking will undoubtedly turn your life upside down, and if you hope to avoid experiencing the hefty consequences of this crime, you will need to hire the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Serving Fort Worth, Arlington, Keller, Blue Mound, and many other areas within and surrounding Tarrant County, the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy are ready to provide you with elite legal counsel. For years, our law firm has provided Texans with the services they have been depending on when it comes to criminal defense.
Drug trafficking charges can absolutely derail your life if they are not handled properly. If you are unable to handle your problems and predicaments in a timely manner and you haven’t yet discovered where you should go for legal counsel, we are here to help. At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, our team of professionals can provide you with a comprehensive legal defense that will help you in a court of law. Our goal is to help you experience a favorable outcome in a court of law, and with thousands of charge reductions and dismissals under our belt, we are confident in our ability to properly represent you. For more information on how we can be of assistance, contact us today at (817) 422-5350 to schedule a consultation.