Criminal drug charges in Arlington, Texas, can lead to severe penalties and collateral consequences upon conviction. If you are currently facing a drug charge, you need skilled legal counsel in your corner representing you every step of the way.

Our knowledgeable Arlington drug defense lawyers at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys can aggressively defend you against your charge and pursue the best possible result in your case.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced drug defense attorney in Arlington, please contact us online today.

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Why Select Us for Representation?

Facing a criminal drug charge can be a scary prospect. However, you don’t have to face the process alone. The experienced Arlington drug defense attorneys at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys can handle every step of your case for you, explain your options, and formulate a strong legal defense on your behalf.

Several of our attorneys are former prosecutors, and we know how to view a criminal case from every angle. Also, we are not afraid to take your case to trial if that step becomes necessary.

Our lawyers regularly achieve favorable results for our clients in both felony and misdemeanor cases. You can view some of our most recent client reviews by clicking here.

We currently have physical office locations in Fort Worth, Bedford, and Weatherford. Let us represent you during your criminal case and pursue the best possible result on your behalf.

Common Legal Defenses You Can Raise to an Arlington Drug Charge

If you are facing a drug charge in Arlington, you can raise one or more legal defenses at your trial. Here are some defenses to consider:

• Unlawful Search and Seizure – If law enforcement conducts a search without a warrant or probable cause, any evidence obtained may be deemed inadmissible in court. This violation of your Fourth Amendment rights may lead to a complete dismissal of your charges.
• Lack of Possession – You may also argue that you weren’t actually in possession of the drugs in question or you didn’t have control over them. For example, if the drugs were found in a shared area or belonged to someone else, you can claim a lack of knowledge or control.
• Entrapment – If law enforcement coerced or induced you to commit a drug-related offense, you may argue entrapment. This means showing that you wouldn’t have committed the crime without undue influence from the authorities.
• Illegal Police Conduct – Any misconduct by law enforcement, such as coercion or fabrication of evidence, can be raised as a defense. This includes violations of your Miranda rights or the use of unreliable informants.
• Medical Necessity – If you possessed drugs for medical reasons – like having a valid prescription or for treating a medical condition – you may argue medical necessity as a defense.
• Duress or Coercion – If you were forced to possess or distribute drugs due to threats or coercion, you could raise duress or coercion as a defense. This requires demonstrating that you had a reasonable fear for your safety or the safety of others.
• Mistaken Identity – If there’s doubt about whether you were the person involved in the drug-related activity, you can assert mistaken identity as a defense. This can occur if witnesses or law enforcement officers misidentify you.
• Crime Lab Analysis – Challenging the accuracy or reliability of the crime lab analysis used to identify the substance as an illegal drug can also be a defense. This may involve questioning the chain of custody or the methods used in testing the substance.

Knowing these common legal defenses can help build a strong case and protect your rights when facing a drug charge in Arlington. At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, we can determine the best defense strategy for your specific situation.

Common Categories of Arlington Drug Charges You May Face

When dealing with criminal drug charges in Texas, it helps to understand the common categories you may encounter. Some of the most common types of drug charges include:

• Drug Possession – This involves being caught with illegal substances like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs without a valid prescription. Possession can be either actual, where the drugs are found on you, or constructive, where they’re found within your control, like in your car or home.
• Possession with Intent to Distribute – If you’re found with a large quantity of drugs, cash, or other evidence suggesting that you intended to sell or distribute drugs, you may face charges for possession with intent to distribute. To secure a conviction, prosecutors need to prove that you planned to sell the drugs rather than just having them for personal use.
• Drug Trafficking – Trafficking involves distributing, transporting, or selling illegal drugs across state or international borders. Because of the large quantities and organized nature of this activity, trafficking charges often come with severe penalties upon conviction.
• Drug Manufacturing – Making drugs like methamphetamine or MDMA (ecstasy) falls under drug manufacturing. This includes operating meth labs, growing marijuana, or synthesizing controlled substances.
• Drug Paraphernalia – Possessing items like pipes, syringes, scales, or other gear used for consuming or preparing drugs is also illegal. Even if you don’t have actual drugs, having drug paraphernalia can lead to criminal charges.

• Prescription Drug Offenses – Illegally obtaining, possessing, or distributing prescription medications without a valid prescription is another common offense. This includes actions like forging prescriptions, “doctor shopping” (visiting multiple doctors to get prescriptions), or selling prescription drugs.

If you’re in legal trouble, seek guidance from our qualified Arlington drug defense lawyers. At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, we can help navigate the legal system and work to protect your rights and future.

Potential Legal Penalties and Collateral Consequences of an Arlington Drug Conviction

If you’re convicted of a drug offense in Arlington, you can face a range of legal penalties and collateral consequences that can significantly affect your life. Here’s what you might expect:

• Fines—Drug convictions often result in hefty fines, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the offense.
• Probation – Instead of or in addition to jail time, you may be placed on probation. This typically involves regular check-ins with a probation officer, drug testing, and compliance with the court's specific conditions.
• Jail or Prison Time – You can face incarceration depending on the nature and severity of the alleged offense. Jail sentences for drug offenses may range from a few days to several years, but these prison sentences are typically reserved for more serious (felony) offenses or repeat offenders.
• Community Service – Courts may also order you to perform a certain number of hours of community service as part of your sentence.
• Driver’s License Suspension – A drug conviction can further result in the suspension of your driver’s license, making it challenging to commute to work or school and affecting your ability to maintain employment.
• Loss of Professional Licenses – Certain professions, such as nursing, teaching, or law enforcement, all require professional licenses. A drug conviction can lead to the loss or suspension of these licenses, jeopardizing your career prospects.
• Difficulty Finding Employment – A drug conviction can also make it challenging to secure employment, as many employers conduct background checks and may be hesitant to hire individuals with criminal records.
• Housing Issues – Some landlords conduct criminal background checks on prospective tenants, and a drug conviction can make it difficult to find housing or result in eviction from current housing.
• Ineligibility for Financial Aid – A drug conviction can also affect your eligibility for federal student loans and grants, potentially hindering your ability to pursue higher education.
• Immigration Consequences – Non-citizens convicted of drug offenses may face deportation or other immigration consequences, including being deemed inadmissible to the United States.

At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, we can protect your rights and work to lessen the potential effects of a criminal drug charge on your life.

Negotiating a Plea Deal in an Arlington Drug Case

Negotiating a favorable plea deal in a drug case can minimize potential consequences and achieve the best possible outcome. Here are some steps to help you navigate this process:

• Consult with an Experienced Arlington Drug Defense Attorney – Before entering into plea deal negotiations, it’s essential to consult with a qualified attorney who regularly handles drug cases. At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, we can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case, advise you on potential legal defenses, and guide you through the negotiation process.
• Understand Your Options – We will also explain the charges against you, the potential penalties you face if convicted, and the available options for resolving your case. This may include pleading guilty to lesser charges, entering into a diversion program, or negotiating for a reduced sentence.
• Gather Mitigating Evidence – To strengthen your position during plea negotiations, it’s important to gather any evidence that may help mitigate the severity of your charges or influence the prosecutor’s decision. This may include evidence of your cooperation with law enforcement, completion of drug treatment programs, or testimonials from family, friends, or employers.
• Assess the Strength of the Prosecution’s Case – Our lawyers will carefully review the evidence against you and assess the strength of the prosecution’s case. If there are weaknesses in the evidence or legal issues that can be raised at trial, this may provide leverage during plea negotiations.
• Negotiate with the Prosecutor – We will also engage in negotiations with the state prosecutor to reach a mutually acceptable plea agreement. This may involve discussing potential concessions, such as pleading guilty to a lesser offense or agreeing to specific conditions in exchange for a more favorable outcome.
• Evaluate the Terms of the Plea Deal – After reaching a plea agreement, we will review the terms of the deal with you to ensure you understand the consequences and implications. It’s important to carefully consider the terms and weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks before accepting the deal.
• Appear Before the Judge – If you agree to the plea deal terms, you will appear before the judge to formally enter your plea. The judge will review the agreement and ensure that you enter it voluntarily – and fully understand the consequences.

Negotiating the right plea deal requires careful planning, strategy, and legal experience. At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, we can increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome and minimizing the effect of drug charges on your life.

Steps to Take after an Arrest for a Drug Charge in Arlington

After being arrested for a drug charge in Arlington, taking immediate and strategic steps can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Here are some important steps to consider:

• Remain Calm and Cooperative – It’s essential to remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement officers after the arrest. Resisting arrest or becoming confrontational can escalate the situation and potentially lead to additional charges.
• Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent – You have the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. Avoid making any statements or admissions to law enforcement without the presence of an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
• Contact an Attorney – As soon as possible, contact an experienced Arlington drug defense lawyer. At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, we can provide crucial legal advice, protect your rights during questioning, and represent you throughout the legal process.
• Avoid Discussing the Case—Do not discuss the details of your case with anyone other than us. This includes family members, friends, or fellow inmates. Privileged conversations with an attorney are protected.

• Gather Information – Try to gather as much information as possible about the circumstances surrounding your arrest, including the arresting officers' names and badge numbers, the arrest's location, and any witnesses present.
• Document Everything – Keep detailed records of all interactions with law enforcement, court appearances, and correspondence related to your case. This documentation can serve as valuable evidence and help us build a strong defense strategy.
• Attend Court Hearings – It’s crucial to attend all court hearings and follow the court's instructions. Failing to appear can result in additional charges and the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.
• Follow Legal Advice – Listen to our advice throughout the legal process. We will advocate for your best interests every step of the way and work to achieve the most favorable outcome possible.

Protecting Your Property: Asset Forfeiture in Drug Cases

Drug charges in Arlington, TX can lead to more than just criminal penalties. The criminal justice system often employs asset forfeiture laws to seize property allegedly connected to drug crimes. As experienced Arlington drug defense lawyers, we fight tirelessly to protect your constitutional rights and your property.

Understanding Asset Forfeiture in Drug Cases

Law enforcement can seize various assets, including:

• Cash
• Vehicles
• Real estate
• Personal property

They only need to suspect these assets are linked to drug offenses. This process can occur even before a conviction, leaving you fighting both criminal charges and the loss of your property.

How Our Arlington Criminal Defense Attorneys Protect Your Assets

At our law office, our criminal defense lawyers employ proven strategies to challenge asset forfeiture:

1. Contesting Probable Cause: We scrutinize whether law enforcement had legitimate reasons to seize your property.
2. Proving Innocent Ownership: We demonstrate that your assets were obtained through legal means, unrelated to any alleged drug crimes.
3. Challenging Unlawful Searches: If the police conducted an unlawful search, we move to suppress evidence and reclaim your property.
4. Negotiating with Prosecutors: Our attorneys often negotiate plea deals that include the return of seized assets.
5. Litigating in Court: When necessary, we take your case to court, presenting a robust defense against both criminal charges and asset forfeiture.

Why Choose Our Criminal Defense Firm

Our Arlington drug crime attorneys bring a wealth of experience to your case:

• Deep understanding of Texas drug laws and federal statutes
• Proven track record in criminal defense cases
• Aggressive representation in both state and federal courts
• Comprehensive approach addressing both criminal charges and asset forfeiture

Don't let drug charges strip you of your freedom and your property. Our criminal defense lawyers in Arlington, TX are ready to fight for you. Contact our law firm today for a free initial consultation. We serve clients throughout North Texas, including Fort Worth and Tarrant County.

Remember, facing drug charges doesn't mean automatic asset forfeiture. With an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side, you can protect your rights, your freedom, and your property.

Talk with Our Experienced Arlington Drug Defense Lawyers Today

If you face a drug charge in Arlington, you want an experienced legal team in your corner aggressively advocating for your rights. At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, we can explain all of your legal options, answer your questions, and pursue the best possible result for your case and circumstances.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with our Arlington drug defense attorneys, please call us at (817) 877-3030 or contact us online right away.

Schedule a Free Consultation