The laws surrounding controlled substances, illegal drugs, and marijuana can be
both complex and tough in our state, and Texas is well-known for being especially
tough on drug crimes. In fact, the Texas Department of Public Safety statistics
reveal that nearly 89% of all arrests in Texas in 2009 were for drug-related crimes
with over half of those drug-related arrests involving user-level marijuana possessions.
The attorneys of Sullo & Sullo, LLP have wide-ranging experience in representing
clients who have been charged with drug crimes in Texas. If you’ve been charged
with drug possession or possession with the intent to distribute it is essential
that you contact a highly experienced drug defense attorney in Houston.
Federal or State?
Should your drug charges be prosecuted at the state level, felony drug charges are
typically classified in degrees such as first degree, second degree, third degree
and state jail felony with first degree charges being the most serious and carrying
a maximum sentencing of life in prison. With your future at stake it just doesn’t
make sense to leave those charges to chance or an inexperienced attorney. Federal
court bases sentencing on a complex point system making it even more imperative
that you have an attorney in your corner who is experienced in the federal criminal
system and can navigate through the complex—and often unfair—drug crime
point system.
While Federal and state drug laws have some overlap they are not mirror images of
one another, and, contrary to popular belief, the Federal justice system is not
merely a larger version of the Texas justice system. If you are being charged with
a federal drug crime or are under investigation or suspicion of such a crime you
will require a drug defense lawyer who has meaningful experience in both federal
and state drug laws.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent!
If you have been charged with a drug violation you should exercise your right to
remain silent until your chosen attorney arrives. It is very likely that you have
rights you are not fully aware of, and a reputable drug defense attorney will aggressively
defend those rights. Should law enforcement merely want to “talk” to
you, but have not yet arrested you, it is likely they lack sufficient evidence to
charge you and are expecting you will implicate yourself by talking to them. Contact
an experienced drug lawyer at Sullo & Sullo immediately if the police ask to
speak with you regarding a drug-related crime.
The Strength of the Evidence against You
The strength in drug crime cases is typically the physical evidence, such as the
drugs which were seized during the arrest, or test results conducted by police officers.
In some cases a knowledgeable drug crime attorney can defend you against drug charges
simply by challenging the validity of the evidence as relating to how it was obtained,
found, seized or tested. You need the experience of attorneys who will work to disqualify
the evidence against you, negotiate with the prosecution to minimize the possible
penalties, reduce the charges against you, or even possibly negotiate a rehab program
in place of other, much more severe, penalties.
Property or Possessions Forfeiture
Perhaps the government has taken steps to have your possessions or property forfeited
under the assertion that items which facilitated a drug trade or were purchased
from the profits of drug sales are subject to civil forfeiture. You must understand
your rights under such claims as well as retaining a Houston criminal defense attorney
who will take decisive action on your behalf to protect your property and your freedom.
The attorneys of Sullo & Sullo will do just that and will never simply allow
you to go down without a fight.
Drug Charges in Texas
The most common drugs charged against Texas residents are cocaine, methamphetamine
and marijuana. Both Cocaine and Meth are charged under the laws for Penalty Group
1 Drugs, however marijuana has its own code. Penalty Group 1 drugs carry some of
the most serious ranges of punishment for Texas drug crimes while the possession
of marijuana carries a range of punishments from simple Class B misdemeanors to
more serious felony charges, depending primarily on the amount found in your possession.
Other Consequences of a Texas Drug Charge
Conviction and sentencing for drug possession in Texas can have far-reaching and
unintended consequences. You could lose your driver’s license, could be denied
loans for student education or other loans which are federally insured or could
find it difficult or impossible to rent a place to live and obtain gainful employment.
You could spend considerable time in jail or prison, be subject to extensive fines,
mandatory rehab, community service and extensive probation. If you live in a smaller
community, you will have to deal with public speculation surrounding your charges,
and you could even face losing your family over these drug charges.
Protect Your Future: Call Sullo & Sullo
Before you allow your future to be taken away, you should be aware that an experienced
drug defense lawyer who is well-versed in federal and state drug laws can effectively
fight your drug charges with every resource available. Our attorneys have comprehensive
backgrounds in Texas drug charges and are fully aware that a poor outcome could
follow you for years and years to come.
If we are able to secure a dismissal or acquittal of your drug charges we won’t
stop there, but will work to have your case expunged so you do not have to spend
months or years worrying about whether your arrest will cost you the job you desire.
If you’ve been arrested on a drug charge, you are likely confused, upset and
anxious about your future. Time is of the essence, so hire a drug offense attorney
who will advocate tirelessly and aggressively on your behalf—the attorneys
of Sullo & Sullo, LLP.
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