What You Need to Know About Drug Trafficking Charges in Texas

Drug trafficking is a serious drug crime that carries significant penalties in the State of Texas. While every state has its own laws and regulations governing drug trafficking, Texas has some of the strictest laws in the nation. Understanding the potential consequences and what to expect if you are charged with drug trafficking in Texas can help you prepare for the legal process and potentially beat the drug charge or at least minimize your risk of punishment.

What Constitutes Drug Trafficking?

In Texas, drug trafficking is defined as the sale, manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver a controlled substance. Unlike simple possession charges, which involve carrying drugs for personal use, drug trafficking charges are typically much more serious and can escalate to an enhanced or aggravated drug offense. The severity of the charge depends on several factors including type and amount of drugs involved and whether any weapons were found in connection with them. Furthermore, certain types of drugs classified as “controlled substances” may carry harsher penalties than others. For example, while marijuana is considered an illegal substance in most states including Texas, possession of small amounts of it may be treated less harshly than possession of hard drugs such as heroin or cocaine.

Potential Penalties for Drug Trafficking Charges

The potential penalties for a drug trafficking conviction vary depending on several factors including prior criminal history and type and amount of drugs involved. Generally speaking though, those convicted face hefty fines ranging from $10-50K depending on the circumstances as well as long prison sentences often between 10-99 years. Additionally, many times those convicted must pay restitution to cover costs associated with their arrest and prosecution such as investigative fees or court costs. In extreme cases involving particularly large amounts of drugs or multiple prior convictions related to drug offenses or violent crimes like assault or murder, judges may impose life sentences without parole eligibility or even death sentences depending on state law.

Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges

There are several defenses available against drug trafficking charges in Texas that can be used either alone or together to reduce potential sentence outcomes if found guilty such as lack of knowledge (i.e., not knowing that they were carrying a controlled substance), entrapment (i.e., being coerced by law enforcement into committing an act they would not have otherwise committed), duress (i.e., being forced by another person under threat into engaging in criminal activity) among others depending on the specific circumstances pertaining to each case. It is important to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney who specializes in these types of cases if you find yourself facing such charges so that you can build the strongest possible defense strategy for your case given your particular set of facts and circumstances.

Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney for Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking is a serious offense which carries significant penalties throughout all 50 states—and especially so within the State of Texas where some of nation’s strictest laws apply when it comes to these types of offenses . If you find yourself charged with drug trafficking in Texas it is important that you understand what constitutes this offense as well as what potential punishments could result with a plea bargain or if you should be found guilty at trial.  That way, you can best prepare yourself both legally and emotionally for what lies ahead during this difficult time in your life. Speak with a criminal defense attorney at The Fox Firm who specializes in these types cases today who can provide personalized guidance regarding your individual situation.  They can make sure you have every opportunity possible at minimizing any potential outcome resulting from your involvement with this matter and move forward into what will hopefully be brighter days ahead!