Fort Worth Drug Crimes Attorney
Aggressive Defense Against Drug Charges in Texas
Texas is one of the few states that punish drug crimes particularly harshly. Many people spend years in prison for drug possession offenses involving small amounts of marijuana and end up suffering the consequences for decades. Other states may only impose fines and up to one year in jail for similar offenses, demonstrating the seriousness of drug crimes in Texas. As such, prosecutors waste no time in building their cases against the accused and work hard to put suspected drug offenders behind bars and off the streets.
You need a drug attorney in Fort Worth who works relentlessly to defend your freedom and preserve your future. Our team understands how profoundly a drug crime accusation can damage your livelihood, reputation, and relationships. As an established drug defense attorney in Fort Worth, we will exhaust every strategy necessary to minimize or prevent negative consequences. The most important decision you can make while your case or investigation is pending is to hire a dedicated Fort Worth drug crime attorney to represent your best interests and advocate for a favorable outcome on your behalf.
The sooner you contact The Alband Law Firm, the better. Call (817) 997-4366 and schedule a FREE initial consultation with our drug attorney in Fort Worth. Let us champion your rights!
Types of Drug Charges Our Drug Attorneys in Fort Worth Defend Against
Texas categorizes drugs as narcotics, depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens. You could face various types of drug charges in Texas, all of which depend on the nature of your reported crime, including the type and amount of drugs allegedly involved.
Common offenses that our Fort Worth drug crime lawyer defends include:
Common Defenses Against Drug Charges in Fort Worth
Building a strong defense strategy for drug charges begins with a thorough review of all circumstances involved in your arrest and of the evidence collected by law enforcement. In Fort Worth, police officers must follow strict procedures during searches, traffic stops, and warrant executions—missteps during these protocols are often a key focus for defense. The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful search and seizure, and if law enforcement failed to secure a valid warrant or exceeded the scope of a search, any evidence obtained may be suppressed. Our team of drug attorneys in Fort Worth also scrutinizes every aspect of the arrest, looking for issues such as coerced confessions or mishandling of substances—both of which can significantly impact the outcome of a drug case in Tarrant County courts.
Beyond challenging procedural errors, our Fort Worth drug crime attorneys analyze whether the prosecution can prove possession, knowledge, or intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Many drug arrest cases hinge on whether the accused had actual or constructive possession of the substance involved. Our defense approach evaluates every fact at hand, looking at factors like proximity, ownership, or possible alternative explanations for the presence of drugs. Our attorneys also review opportunities for diversion programs or treatment options, especially for first-time offenders. Attorney Navid Alband's background as a former prosecutor gives us the unique insight needed to anticipate the prosecution’s tactics and deliver defense strategies tailored to the details of your case in Fort Worth.
Understanding Texas Drug Crime Penalties
Texas categorizes controlled substances into penalty groups 1, 1-A, 2, 2-A, 3 and 4. Each penalty group categorizes drugs based on their danger and dependency level, and involves harsh consequences for those who break the law. Lower penalty groups, 3 and 4, are punished less harshly than their higher counterparts, penalty groups 1 through 2-A. For example, if you commit the following offenses, you could go to prison and be subject to steep fines:
Manufacture or Delivery of Penalty 1 Substance
- Less than 1 gram: State jail felony
- 1-4 grams: First-degree felony
- 4-200 grams: First-degree felony
Possession of Penalty 2 Substance
- Less than 1 gram: State jail felony
- 1-4 grams: Third-degree felony
- 4-400 grams: Second-degree felony
Manufacture or Delivery of Penalty 3 or 4 Substance
- Less than 28 grams: State jail felony
- 28-200 grams: Second-degree felony
- 200-400 grams: First-degree felony
Possession of Penalty 4 Substance
- Less than 28 grams: Class B misdemeanor
- 28-200 grams & 200-400 grams: Felony level determined by the judge
- More than 400 grams: First-degree felony
If convicted of a drug crime in Texas, you could suffer the following legal punishments:
- First-degree felony: 5-99 years or life in prison; $10,000 fine
- Second-degree felony: 2-20 years in prison; $10,000 fine
- Third-degree felony: 2-10 years in prison; $10,000 fine
- State jail felony: 180 days to 2 years in prison; $10,000 fine
- Class A misdemeanor: 1 year in jail; $4,000 fine
- Class B misdemeanor: 180 days in jail; $2,000 fine
- Class C misdemeanor: $500 fine
Federal & Texas Drug Schedule Explained
Texas follows the federal drug schedules when determining the classification of illegal controlled substances. There are five drug schedules, or categories, recognized by the federal government that classify controlled substances on the abuse rate, accepted medical use, and likelihood for psychological or physical dependence.
Schedule I: Drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are heroin, LSD, marijuana, ecstasy, methaqualone and peyote.
Schedule II: Drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. These drugs are considered dangerous and include combination products with less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodone per dosage unit (Vicodin), cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, fentanyl, Dexedrine, Adderall and Ritalin.
Schedule III: Drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence and an abuse potential that is less than Schedule I and Schedule II drugs but more than Schedule IV. Examples include Products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine), ketamine, anabolic steroids and testosterone
Schedule IV: Drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Some examples include Xanax, Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium and Tramadol.
Schedule V: Drugs with lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. They are typically used for antidiarrheal, antitussive, and analgesic purposes.
Contact Our Fort Worth Drug Crimes Lawyer Today
As you can see, Texas can be unforgiving when penalizing drug crimes. It is one of the handfuls of states that prosecutes drug charges to an extremely harsh degree, therefore you need a seasoned advocate who can stand up for your rights and champion your freedom. It takes a fearless, experienced drug crime attorney in Fort Worth to increase your chances of getting your charges reduced or dropped altogether. That’s why you can depend on The Alband Law Firm to represent you.
Reach out today! Our legal team is ready to study your case and assist you with all you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Rights Do I Have After Being Arrested for a Drug Crime in Fort Worth?
After an arrest in Fort Worth, you have several vital rights designed to protect you throughout the criminal justice process. These rights include the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to be informed of the charges against you. You are also entitled to a prompt appearance before a magistrate, typically within 48 hours, where bail may be set.
It's important to avoid discussing your case with anyone except your drug attorney in Fort Worth, as anything you say can be used against you in court. Additionally, you have the right to challenge any evidence obtained unlawfully by law enforcement—such as through an illegal search or seizure. At The Alband Law Firm, we guide clients through each step, ensuring they are protected from law enforcement’s first contact through every stage of their case.
How Does The Criminal Court Process Work for Drug Cases in Fort Worth?
Drug crime cases in Fort Worth proceed through several key stages, beginning with arrest and booking, followed by a magistrate hearing and possible arraignment at courts such as the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center. Next come pretrial motions, discovery, and often plea negotiations before trial. If your case proceeds to trial, it may be heard by a judge or jury. Sentencing, if applicable, is determined by a judge according to Texas sentencing guidelines and considering any relevant local or case-specific factors.
During each stage, representation from a drug crime lawyer in Fort Worth familiar with Tarrant County's procedures can be crucial, as prosecutorial approaches and timelines may vary. Our team ensures thorough preparation, strategic negotiations, and proactive communication to provide the strongest defense at every stage.
Can Alternative Sentencing or Diversion Programs Be an Option for Drug Charges in Fort Worth?
Yes, alternative sentencing and diversion programs may be available to eligible individuals facing drug charges in Fort Worth, especially for first-time or non-violent offenders. Programs such as pretrial diversion or drug court are designed to emphasize rehabilitation rather than punishment, sometimes enabling individuals to avoid incarceration or even have charges dismissed upon successful completion.
Eligibility often depends on several factors, including the nature of the offense, the accused’s record, and the discretion of the Tarrant County District Attorney. These alternatives can be key to rebuilding your life following a drug arrest in Fort Worth. At The Alband Law Firm, we evaluate every client’s case to determine what options are available and advocate for solutions that reduce the long-term impact of a drug arrest on your future.
Ready to discuss your case? Contact our skilled Fort Worth drug crimes lawyer at (817) 997-4366 today!
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