Texas Health and Safety Code (481.115) makes it illegal to possess, manufacture or deliver any amount of cocaine in Texas. Cocaine punishments depend on the amount of cocaine involved in the arrest and whether the person was manufacturing or delivering the cocaine.
Possession of cocaine
Possession of cocaine under 1 gram is a state jail felony, punishable by a sentence of 6 months to 2 years in state jail. First-time offenders are eligible for probation, meaning they probably won’t have to serve any time in jail.
Possession of 1 to 4 grams of cocaine is a third-degree felony. A third-degree felony has a punishment range of 2 to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Possession of 4 to 200 grams of cocaine is a second-degree felony. A second-degree felony has a punishment range of 2 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Possession 200 to 400 grams of cocaine is a first-degree felony. A first-degree felony has a punishment range of 5 to 99 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Delivery of cocaine
Delivery of cocaine, Texas Health and Safety Code (481.112), under 1 gram, is punishable by a sentence of 6 months to 2 years in state jail. This increases significantly when the amount of cocaine delivered is over 400 grams, and punishable by a sentence of 15 to 99 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
Manufacturing cocaine
For a legal consultation with a drug possession lawyer serving Houston, call 713-225-1900
Manufacturing cocaine, Texas Health and Safety Code (481.112), under 1 gram, is punishable by a sentence of 6 months to 2 years in state jail. This increases significantly when the amount of cocaine delivered is over 400 grams, and punishable by a sentence of 15 to 99 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
Harris County RIC Court
Possession of a controlled substance less than 1 gram is a state jail felony. In Harris County, RIC Court has been created for these lower level drug offenses. RIC stands for Reintegration Court.
The prosecutors in RIC court know they don’t go to trial. If a case is set for trial or a suppression hearing in RIC court, it is transferred back to the home court. For this reason, any suppression issues or guilt innocence issues can take longer in RIC court.
Texas Marijuana Laws & Punishments
Yes, marijuana is still illegal in Texas!
Despite widespread public support for marijuana legalization, Texas lawmakers maintain harsh punishments for the illegal substance. Such punishments depend on the charge and amount of marijuana.
Lawyer for Possession of a controlled substance & Possession with intent to deliver in Houston: Don’t Get Caught Without An Experienced Attorney
Have you been charged with possession of a controlled substance in Houston? Charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute? If so, it’s critical that you contact an experienced possession of a controlled substance defense lawyer in Houston as soon as possible. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be facing very serious penalties if convicted.
That’s where Jay Cohen can help. As a knowledgeable, experienced possession of a controlled substance defense attorney, I will review the details of your case carefully, educate you on what your charges mean and what the best method of defense is, and fight vigorously on your behalf to ensure you are represented better than anyone else.
Whether you’ve been charged with possession of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine, dangerous drug, or any other schedule of drug, I can aggressively defend you so you a chance to beat your charges or significantly reduce any penalties you might be facing.
Charged With Possession of a Controlled Substance In A School Zone?
Under federal law, penalties for possessing controlled substances in a school zone can be increased. Texas law considers a school zone anything within 1,000 feet of school property. Getting caught with drugs in this area can have you facing a serious felony charge that can rob you of your freedom.
That’s why it’s so important that you hire a Houston possession of a controlled substance defense lawyer with an understanding of school zone possession violations and who offers experience in courts throughout Houston. I will scrutinize all of the evidence surrounding your case, looking for holes in the evidence and the prosecution’s case to help increase your chances of having your charges dismissed or significantly reduced.
Schedule Your Confidential Case Evaluation Today
If you’ve been charged with possession of a controlled substance or school zone possession in Houston, you are innocent until proven guilty. Now is the time to make sure your rights are protected. Now is the time to fight back. Let Jay Cohen take a closer look at your case, so you can get on the path to preserving your freedom.
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