How long you go to jail for drug possession depends on several factors including the weight of the controlled substance and whether you have any prior convictions.
Drug possession is a serious crime, and Texas doesn’t treat it lightly. A possession conviction can change your whole life, from your plans for the future to how you spend time with your family. By working with a drug possession lawyer in Houston, TX, you can have your rights protected in court while your case moves forward.
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Chapter 481- Texas Controlled Substances Act defines a controlled substance as, “a substance, including a drug, an adulterant, and a dilutant, listed in Schedules I through V or Penalty Group 1, 1-A, 2, 2-A, 3, or 4. The term includes the aggregate weight of any mixture, solution, or other substance containing a controlled substance.”
The Texas Controlled Substances Act outlines the charges any person found guilty of possessing a controlled substance may face. If found guilty of possessing a substance in Group 4, defendants may face Class B misdemeanor charges. Per Penal Code Chapter 12. Punishments, offenders may receive jail time lasting no longer than 180 days, a fine that does not exceed $2,000, or both. Possession of substances in Groups 1 through 3 have longer potential time in jail for drugs.
The maximum sentences for these actions may result in sentences not exceeding 99 years (or life) and fines pushing upward of $250,000, according to the Texas Controlled Substances Act.
As marijuana becomes legalized in other states, both recreationally and medically, Texas has a different set of rules for the drug. If one is found to be in possession of marijuana, sentencing rests on the severity of the offense. The minimum punishment for this crime could include up to 180 days of jail time, a fine not exceeding $2,000, or both. Maximum sentencing could be up to 99 years in prison and a fine not exceeding $50,000.
How a Lawyer Can Help After Your Drug Possession Charge
You don’t want to face drug possession charges alone. You want someone on your side fighting for your future while you go through the legal process. Blass Law knows how to handle drug charges. Our goal is a fair verdict in your case, and we make sure your legal rights are protected the whole way through.
You have certain protections under the law. For example, you have fourth amendment rights, as illustrated in the Constitution. If you believe that law enforcement without a warrant or probable cause searched you or your property, we may be able to factor this element into your case.
Some of the other services that a lawyer can provide include:
- Examining the charges against you
- Developing a plan of action from the onset of your working relationship
- Collecting evidence that supports your account of events
- Analyzing legal precedents to determining what role they could have in your sentencing
- Establishing whether the evidence against you is admissible
- Advocating on your behalf
Having a dedicated legal team on your side can be all the difference when it comes down to your sentencing.
Steps You Can Take to Be Ready for Your Legal Fight
While a legal professional is handling your case, you may wonder what you can do to strengthen your chances of getting a favorable outcome, including:
- Discontinuing any drug or alcohol use
- Refraining from speaking about your case on social media
- Not sharing any information with any state representatives; instead, direct them to your legal team
- Not leaving the state, even if for recreational purposes
- Distancing yourself from other people who may be involved in your charges
There’s no guarantee these steps will get you a shorter sentence or lower fines. But they can keep you from being hit with additional penalties. A drug charges lawyer in Houston, TX can explain what other steps you can take to help resolve your case.
Blass Law Offers a Free Case Review
Blass Law has the resources to resolve your situation. We know what rights Texas law gives you, and we work to protect them. Once we’ve taken you on as a client, we’ll go over the charges against you. Tell us every detail, even the ones you’d rather not, so we can plan how we’ll approach your case.
The sooner you start working with our team, the sooner you’ll know someone is fighting for your rights. Call Blass Law today at (713) 664-4000.
A Houston DWI and criminal defense attorney since 2009 who has never worked for the prosecution. Jay is an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, a certified practitioner and instructor of Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, a certified Drug Recognition Expert, and trained in forensic chromatography. He is a member of the National College for DUI Defense, a founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association, and an appointee to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission by Gov. Abbott in 2024.
Last reviewed July 2026 · This article is legal information, not legal advice. Read Jay’s full bio →