Dallas Drug Crime Defense Lawyer
Drug Crimes in Dallas
You need the right Dallas drug crimes lawyer fighting for you. First, prosecutors go after drug cases aggressively. Second, drug offenses carry serious consequences like lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and a life long criminal record. Third, they often carry unexpected consequences most people don’t even think about. For example, a drug crimes conviction can lead to a driver’s license suspension and loss of financial aid eligibility. However, it is possible to fight back! An experienced Dallas drug crimes attorney can help protect your rights.
Dallas Drug Crimes Lawyer
Questionable police conduct is often at the center of drug crimes cases. In drug cases you want an experienced drug crimes lawyer in Dallas who knows the law and is willing to push back against government overreach. Furthermore, courts are finally starting to recognize that addiction causes many drug cases. You need a knowledgeable Dallas drug crimes lawyer who knows the court system and can work towards getting you help rather than prison.
A Different Kind of Lawyer
We approach our clients differently than a lot of lawyers. Above all, we believe that excellent legal representation means more than just getting you a great result. First, we base our entire representation around you. This means we start by truly listening to you to understand your case and your goals. Further, we work to provide you a client experience that is as easy and stress-free as possible. We answer your questions and keep you informed. Most importantly, we treat you as a person, not a number. Finally, we strive to find and achieve the best possible result. That result is the outcome that best fits you and your needs. If you’re looking for a different kind of lawyer to handle your drug crimes case in Dallas, you’ve come to the right place.
Our Case Process
Listen & Understand
Open Communication
Fight for Justice
Types of Drug Crimes Offenses in Dallas
Possession
Drug Possession charges are among the most common drug crimes offenses. These cases usually arise when drugs are found on you, near you, or in a building or vehicle that is in some way connected to you. Many possession cases also involve police misconduct of one type or another. Police bodycam footage has made it very clear that every single case should be thoroughly investigated.
For more information, see our pages on possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.
Possession with the Intent to Deliver
Intent to deliver cases generally involve possession of larger quantities of drugs and/or things like scales, individual baggies, and large quantities of cash. Punishment ranges for possession with the intent to deliver vary by drug and by drug weight. An experienced Dallas drug crimes attorney is vital when you’re facing possession with the intent to deliver charges.
For more information, see our page on possession with the intent to deliver.
Manufacture, Delivery, and Distribution
Manufacturing a controlled substance and delivery of a controlled substance carry heavier penalties and harsher prosecution than possession. Because law enforcement is so motivated to go after these cases, it is perhaps even more important to ensure that the police did not violate your rights. Punishment ranges for manufacture of a controlled substance and delivery of a controlled substance vary by drug and by drug weight.
For more information, see our page on manufacturing and delivery charges.
Penalties for Drug Crimes
Under Texas law, penalties for drug crimes are controlled by the Texas Controlled Substances Act which divides drugs into different penalty groups.
Group One
Cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine are penalty group one substances. Possession of controlled substance charges for a drug in penalty group one are charged as follows:
- less than one gram is a state jail felony
- one gram to four grams is a third-degree felony
- four grams to 200 grams is a second-degree felony
- 200 grams to 400 grams is a first-degree felony
- 400 grams+ is an enhanced first-degree felony
Group Two
Ecstasy (molly or MDMA), mescaline, hashish, and THC oil are penalty group two substances. Possession of controlled substance charges for a drug in penalty group two are charged as follows:
- less than one gram is a state jail felony
- one gram to four grams is a third-degree felony
- four grams to 400 grams is a second-degree felony
- 400 grams or more is a first-degree felony
Groups Three and Four
Illegal possession of prescription drugs such as hydrocodone, Valium, Xanax, Adderall, and Ritalin fall under penalty groups three and four. Possession of a controlled substance in penalty groups three or four charges vary based on weight. For instance, in group three, under 28 grams is charged as a Class A misdemeanor and 28 grams to 400 grams is charged as a second-degree felony. In group four, less than 28 grams is charged as a Class B misdemeanor and 28 grams to 400 grams is a third-degree felony.
Choosing The Right Drug Lawyer in Dallas
Finding the right Dallas Drug lawyer can be overwhelming. After all, you are choosing someone who will hold your life, your future, and your family’s future in their hands. You have to be comfortable with them and feel that you can trust the information and advice they give you. Lawyers are supposed to always work in their clients’ best interest. That shouldn’t just be meaningless talk.
Talk to several lawyers to get a feel for them and their staff. Do they take the time necessary to get to know you, to listen to what’s important to you, and answer your questions? Do they show you that you matter to them as a person and not just as a fee? Beware of lawyers who put the hard sell on you or who make big promises. No attorney should ever make a guarantee about a case. Absolutely avoid a lawyer who doesn’t communicate the scope of the work and their fee clearly in a written contract.
What Makes Mike Howard Different
Many lawyers take advantage of their clients’ ignorance of the criminal justice process. We take the opposite approach: a knowledgeable client is a happy client, so we provide a wealth of information in the way of articles about criminal offenses, blog posts, and videos for free on our website.
Resources and Information
See our criminal defense resource center for more information on fundamental rights in a criminal case, definitions of culpable mental states (intentionally, knowingly, etc), defenses to prosecution, and more.
Visit Our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.
Visit Our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.
Dallas Drug Crimes Attorney Mike Howard
Above all, I strive to help my clients through difficult times with compassion and integrity. In Dallas innocent people can get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have a Dallas drug crimes attorney fighting for them. I believe in standing up for people facing criminal accusations and helping them navigate all that comes with being thrown into the criminal justice system.
Client-Centered
The cornerstone of my law practice is focusing on my clients as individuals. I start by taking the time to understand not just the facts of their case, but who they are and what they need. Because I know the criminal justice system can be intimidating, I explain the process, their rights, and their options. Client communication is extremely important to me, so I make sure my team and I do everything possible to quickly answer questions and return messages.
Willing to Fight
Most importantly, I am willing to fight a case in court. I have a track record of delivering fantastic results at trial. While not every client and case needs to go to trial, it can make a difference. When your Dallas drug crimes lawyer has a reputation as a skilled trial lawyer who fights for their clients, however, it can make all the difference in the world.
A Proven Track Record
Dallas Drug Crimes Attorney
N.P. – Possession with the Intent to Deliver 4-200g
My client was charged with a first-degree intent to deliver drug case. The police showed up after a noise complaint and barged in to search. They argued they saw a gun and that made it legal. We investigated and it turned out to be a child’s toy. The judge agreed that the search was illegal and thew out the drugs. Case dismissed.
B.B. – Possession of a Controlled Substance 1-4 grams
My client had a serious heroin problem that was ruining his life. Besides this felony drug charge, he was also facing a serious of theft cases in multiple counties. We got him into a diversion program and got all his cases dismissed.
M.S. – Possession of Marijuana
Our client was a young man who simply got caught with a little marijuana on him. Rather than let it change the trajectory of his entire life, we got him into a diversion program and got the case dismissed.
T.G. – Possession of a Controlled Substance
Our client was a young lady got into an argument with her drunk boyfriend. The police arrive and arrest her for public intoxication. She had no idea that her boyfriend’s Adderall was in her purse. We convinced the grand jury to dismiss her case.
L.G. – Possession of a Marijuana 4oz – 5lbs
Our client had a felony weight of marijuana on him. This case could’ve wrecked his life completely. We were able to convince the prosecutor to reduce his case to a misdemeanor and avoid a conviction altogether. In the end, his case was dismissed.
Awards and Accolades
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Disclaimer: The information here is not legal advice. Reading this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with Dallas drug crimes lawyer Mike Howard. If you have a legal problem contact an attorney to get specific legal advice. Nothing on this site is intended to be legal advice or a substitute for legal advice.