Been Arrested for Drug Trafficking?
Drug trafficking is the delivery of an illegal substance with knowledge of its contents. Typically, drug traffickers use private vehicles commercial trucks to smuggle unauthorized drugs through the state. They might use airports, airstrips, railroads, and ships to bring these substances in as well.
As a major crime in the state of Texas, drug trafficking charges and the sentence are very severe so it’s important to find a qualified lawyer to represent you. As a long-term Texas lawyer, Phillip Linder is on your side. You can expect the best outcome with your drug trafficking charges.
Understanding Trafficking Offenses
Several different crimes are tried under drug trafficking, and each crime has different stipulations and penalties. With Phillip Linder, he’s tried cases as a prosecutor and defender, meaning he can provide his clients with a thorough plan with the best chance of retaining freedom.
Here are the most common crimes that are considered drug trafficking:
– Illegal sale and trafficking
– Interstate trafficking or drug distribution
– Drug conspiracy
– Drug importation
Selling to Minors
Regardless of the crimes you’re charged with, additional penalties are levied if you’ve trafficked drugs to minors, which includes anyone under the age of 18. Providing illicit beverages to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor.
The penalty for trafficking drugs to minors will depend upon the type of drug, circumstances, and other factors. Ultimately, it’s important to know that the penalties are worse if minors are involved.
The Various Drug Trafficking Crimes
When it comes to the types of drugs being brought into the state of Texas, there is a range of severity of the charges.
Trafficking Marijuana
While there are states where trafficking marijuana is a small charge with fewer penalties, Texas isn’t one of them. If you’re arrested with marijuana, also commonly referred to as weed, in Texas, you may be punished with strict penalties and charges.
Unlike other drugs that are compiled into a penalty group, marijuana is in a category of its own. Your penalty for selling weed depends on the amount that was trafficked and the circumstances of the crime. Discover what marijuana trafficking charges are here in our state.
Minimum Charges for Trafficking Marijuana
Even being caught with the smallest amount of marijuana, you’ll receive the minimum charges in Texas. Here’s what to expect from the least amount of penalties for marijuana trafficking:
– Jail sentence of 180 days
– Fines of $2000 or less
If you’ve been busted for even the slightest amount of marijuana trafficking, call Phillip Linder. He’ll put up the best fight possible against your drug charges and get you the best winning chance.
Maximum Charges for Trafficking Marijuana
If you’ve been arrested for trafficking large quantities of marijuana, your punishment is likely to be more severe than in other states. For large amounts of weed, you may be subject to the following maximum penalties in Texas:
– Confinement in prison for 10-99 years
– Fines of up to $100,000
No matter how severe your marijuana trafficking charges, you’re going to need a lawyer. Attempting to defend your freedom alone can lead to a regretfully long jail sentence. You need a lawyer who knows the intricacies of the Texas drug laws, which Mr. Linder can definitely accomplish.
Trafficking Cocaine
Cocaine is a highly-addictive drug, and the penalties for selling it are severe, both federally and in Texas. Cocaine is part of Penalty Group 1, a group that also includes methamphetamines and heroin.
When it comes to the penalties and charges of cocaine trafficking, the amount of the drug that was distributed is a key component. Additionally, judges and juries consider factors like if you have a criminal record, whether there were ancillary charges, and other circumstances of your case.
Here are the 5 categories for cocaine charges along with their corresponding penalties:
Less than 1g
Getting arrested for trafficking less than a gram of cocaine counts as a state jail felony. This means that you could end up serving 180 days to 2 years in a Texas state jail. Additionally, fines of up to $10,000 are common.
Getting arrested for trafficking less than a gram of cocaine counts as a state jail felony. This means that you could end up serving 180 days to 2 years in a Texas state jail. Additionally, fines of up to $10,000 are common.
1-4g of Cocaine
Those who are charged with trafficking more than 1g but less than 4g of cocaine are facing a 2nd degree felony. Much more serious than the previous category, a 2nd degree felony in Texas can mean up to 20 years in prison and fines that total $10,000.
Those who are charged with trafficking more than 1g but less than 4g of cocaine are facing a 2nd degree felony. Much more serious than the previous category, a 2nd degree felony in Texas can mean up to 20 years in prison and fines that total $10,000.
4-200g of Cocaine
Selling or delivering more than 4g of cocaine is where the penalties start to get especially serious. In Texas, trafficking 4-200g of cocaine or other drugs in this penalty group counts as a 1st degree felony. Punishment for a 1st degree felony in Texas can mean 5-99 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.
Selling or delivering more than 4g of cocaine is where the penalties start to get especially serious. In Texas, trafficking 4-200g of cocaine or other drugs in this penalty group counts as a 1st degree felony. Punishment for a 1st degree felony in Texas can mean 5-99 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.
200-400g of Cocaine
For selling between 200 and 400 grams of cocaine, your penalty will greatly increase in severity. For example, the potential fines are 10 times higher in this category than in the next previous group. If arrested for trafficking 200-400g of cocaine in Texas, your prison sentence could range from 10-99 years, and your fines could be as high as $100,000.
400g or more of Cocaine
The most serious category for cocaine trafficking is for those who sell over 400g of the illicit substance. The sentences and fines for this crime are exponentially more severe than in lesser categories. For the charge of trafficking 400 or more grams of cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine, sentences can span between 15-99 years in prison, with fines totaling as much as $250,000.
Trafficking Club Drugs
Another group category of drug trafficking is Penalty Group 2 which includes MDMA, ecstasy, LSD, and other “club drugs.” These drugs are typically manufactured domestically and are dangerous because of the high death rates suffered by their users.
Often made with harmful ingredients to increase profits for the dealer, club drugs are considered a risk to the lives of our society and are punished heavily by Texas law.
With a wide range of drugs are covered under this penalty group, sentences will depend heavily on the conditions surrounding the case in addition to the amount that was trafficked and sold.
Here are the minimum and maximum penalties that can be given for club drug trafficking in Texas:
Minimum Penalty for Trafficking Club Drugs
– Jail sentence of 180 days
– Fines up to $10,000
Maximum Penalty for Trafficking Club Drugs
– Up to 99 years in prison
– Fines up to $250,000
Trafficking Prescription Medications
Trafficking prescription medications is a rapidly growing crime in Texas. Due to their convenience and easy ability to possess, prescription drugs kill an increasing amount of people each year. The penalties for trafficking prescription drugs depend on factors like dosage and amount.
Here are the minimum and maximum penalties you can expect from trafficking charges in penalty groups 3 and 4.
Minimum Penalty for Trafficking Prescription Medications
– Jail sentence of up to 180 days
– Fines of up to 10,000
Maximum Penalty for Trafficking Prescription Medications
– Jail sentence of up to 99 years in prison
– Fines of up to $250,000
Drug Trafficking FAQs
What qualifies as drug trafficking?
Drug trafficking is qualified as the transporting, storing, importing or exporting, and manufacturing or selling drugs illegally. This can include substances such as cocaine, marijuana, MDMA, prescription medications, and more.
In Texas, drug trafficking is considered a high penalty, and the crime is not taken lightly. If you’ve been charged with drug trafficking, Phillip A. Linder can help defend your case.
Is selling drugs a felony in Texas?
Depending on the quantity of drugs sold in Texas, it may be considered a felony. For example, selling anywhere from 7 grams to 5 pounds of an illegal drug is deemed as a felony.
Additionally, selling any amount to a person under the age of 18 is a felony as well. You will also get anywhere from two to 20 years in jail and a $20,000 fine.
What is the most used drug in Texas?
The most commonly used drug in Texas is marijuana. Second is cocaine and heroin takes third place. These drugs have been seen more and more across the state and the drug crime rates have continued to grow.
If you’ve been caught with illegal drugs, an attorney like Phillip A. Linder can help fight your case. He’s on your side and can get you the least amount of penalties as possible.
Where is the most drug trafficking?
Drug trafficking is happening across the entire world, but it’s definitely more prominently occurring in certain regions in Central America. Specifically, there are large amounts of drug traffickers along the Guatemala–Honduras border.
In the US, drug trafficking comes straight from the Mexico border. The Western and Southern Districts of Texas are among the top five districts sentencing drug trafficking offenders today.
Facing Drug Trafficking Charges? Call Phillip Linder!
Whether you’re caught selling even less than a gram of cocaine, a variety of club drugs, or more, the consequences can be life-altering. The intricacies of drug law in Texas are complex and only the most experienced lawyer can maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Seek help quickly from Phillip Linder today, a trustworthy attorney who has commitment across the Texas law community. Give him a call today for a free case review and the opportunity to change your sentence for the better – (214) 329-0376.