The Lone Star State has strict drug laws. This means that a conviction for possession or trafficking goes way beyond fines and jail time, and it can impact a person’s life for years to come. Here are some of the potential legal consequences.
Degrees of drug charges
Texas law, codified in the Health and Safety Code (Chapter 481), organizes substances into Penalty Groups (PG 1 through PG 4), with Group 1 (including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl) carrying the harshest penalties. Here is some more information about these charges:
- Class B misdemeanor: Possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
- State jail felony: Possession of even less than 1 gram of a Group 1 drug will lead to a penalty of 180 days to 2 years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Felonies: Larger amounts can quickly escalate to second- or first-degree felonies, with penalties ranging from 2 to 20 years or, in the case of large amounts, 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment and fines of up to $250,000.
As noted above, the penalty is determined by the type and weight of the drug, and increases dramatically with quantity.
The economic and professional impact
Apart from the charges, a conviction has other potential consequences that can impact a person’s ability to go on with their lives, including:
- License suspension: A drug conviction results in a mandatory suspension of a driver’s license, which can last up to 180 days.
- Employment and licensing barriers: A felony drug conviction can result in the revocation or denial of professional licenses by Texas regulatory boards.
- Asset forfeiture: Texas law allows for civil asset forfeiture (vehicles, cash, or property) if authorities believe these were involved in drug trafficking, even if there is no criminal conviction.
Also, if an accused person is not a U.S. citizen, a charge can trigger a deportation process, regardless of how long they have lived in the country.
A drug conviction in Texas has big consequences for an individual. That is why contacting an experienced lawyer is crucial for their future.