Were you arrested for possession of illegal drugs or medications without a valid prescription or another drug crime in Galveston? You’re likely scared and don’t know what to do next. But remember, you’re innocent until proven guilty. And Blass Law is dedicated to keeping it that way.
Get help from a Galveston drug charge lawyer at Blass Law today. Your consultation is confidential.
Why You Want Blass Law on Your Team
It’s incredibly important that you pick the right Galveston drug possession lawyer for your case. Jay Blass Cohen, founder of Blass Law, has the experience, knowledge, and skillset you won’t get with other firms.
Jay is dedicated to Keeping Innocent People InnocentⓇ and does so by staying a step ahead. He has obtained several different certifications to fight for the best outcome for his clients every time. These certifications include:
- ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist certification in forensic chromatography for both alcohol and drugs
- Drug Recognition Expert
- A certified practitioner and instructor in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
However, Jay isn’t just his certifications. His motto, Keeping Innocent People InnocentⓇ, shows his dedication to being proactive when fighting for clients’ constitutional rights. He’ll ensure your rights are protected and fight against the filing of charges entirely. If that doesn’t work, he’ll investigate and build a solid case against whatever criminal charges are filed.
His certification, experience, and dedication are what set him apart from other Galveston criminal defense lawyers.
Penalties for Drug Possession in Galveston
When you’re facing drug possession charges, it’s important that you know exactly what penalties you might face. Texas classifies drug offenses based on the type of drug and the amount you allegedly had on you.
Depending on your situation, you could face a relatively minor misdemeanor or a serious felony charge. Per the Texas Controlled Substances Act, controlled substances are organized into penalty groups. Possession of substances in Penalty Group 1 is typically more harshly prosecuted than substances in Penalty Group 4.
Marijuana is in its own category.
- Penalty Group 1: felony, the severity depends on whether it’s in Penalty Group 1, 1-A, or 1-B and the amount of the substance in question
- Penalty Group 2: misdemeanor or felony, depending on whether it’s in Penalty Group 2 or 2-A and the amount of the substance in question
- Penalty Group 3: class A misdemeanor or felony, severity depends on the amount of the substance in question
- Penalty Group 4: class B misdemeanor or felony, severity depends on the amount of the substance in question
- Marijuana possession can range from a class B misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, depending on the amount you allegedly possessed.
A possession charge involving a controlled substance can lead to serious consequences, including jail time and a permanent record. A Galveston possession of a controlled substance lawyer can help you fight the charges and work toward the best possible outcome.
Charges for drug possession can include:
- Class C misdemeanor: A fine of up to $500
- Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to a year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000
- State-jail felony: Between 180 days and two years in a state jail facility and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- Third-degree felony: Between two and 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- Second-degree felony: Between two and 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- First-degree felony: Between five and 99 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
However, certain circumstances and enhancements can increase the penalties you face.
A drug possession attorney in Galveston will help you understand what penalties you might be paying.
Penalties Extend Beyond Time Behind Bars and Fines
Most people focus only on the prison time or thousands in fines. However, the consequences can continue long after you have served your time. After a charge or conviction, you may:
- Lose your license
- Lose your job
- Have difficulty finding a new job
- Lose custody of your children
- Lose friends and family
- Be kicked out of school
- Lose your place at your dream school
Let our criminal defense lawyer protect you from these penalties.
What Jay Will Do For You in Your Galveston Drug Possession Case
There are several potential defenses that could apply in your case. Jay will use his knowledge, skills, and experience to determine which could lead to the best outcome. They may include:
- Analyzing the legality of the drug seizure: If cops violated your rights (e.g., illegal search) to get their hands on the drugs, we can get the evidence and your charges dismissed.
- Challenging the substance analysis: Jay will challenge the lab’s analysis of the substance in question (e.g., whether it is actually a controlled substance or if the amount in question is accurate). This can also be beneficial if you have been accused of or charged with possessing drugs laced with other controlled substances (e.g., marijuana laced with fentanyl). His training in forensic chromatography and as a Drug Recognition Expert allows him to do this effectively.
- Arguing that you were not aware that you possessed a controlled substance: This could involve arguing that the drugs belonged to someone else or that they were planted.
This could allow us to persuade the prosecution to forgo filing charges or to dismiss them. We can’t always get charges dismissed entirely. In this case, we’ll fight for a charge or penalty reduction. We have handled many possession cases, getting the charges dismissed before or during trial, while protecting our clients’ rights, freedoms, and futures. Let us fight for the best possible result for you.
Call Our Galveston Drug Possession Lawyer Today
Drug possession charges are no joke. You could face a lifetime in prison and tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. You don’t want to put your future in the hands of an inexperienced drug possession lawyer in Galveston. You want Jay Blass Cohen. He’s dedicated to protecting Galveston County residents navigating the legal system, fighting to keep them innocent.
Call Blass Law today for a confidential consultation. We’ll put our experience, certifications, and knowledge to work for you.