Convictions for drug crimes, including possession, possession with intent to distribute, and trafficking, can all result in serious penalties and collateral consequences. If you are currently charged with a drug crime in Southlake, Texas, you need experienced legal representation by your side.
Our knowledgeable defense team at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys can meet with you to discuss your charge and arrest, determine your legal options, and fight for your rights.
For a free case evaluation with our experienced Southlake drug defense attorneys, please contact us online today.
Why Choose Us for Representation?
If you currently face one or more criminal drug charges, you want a skilled legal team to advocate for you throughout your case. In that regard, you should look no further than our experienced lawyers at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys.
Our lawyers not only have strong criminal defense backgrounds, but several of our attorneys are former prosecutors. Therefore, we can view every case from both perspectives and understand how prosecutors build cases against criminal defendants. We then use that knowledge to our clients’ advantage when advocating for them.
Our lawyers also regularly obtain favorable results for our clients in both misdemeanor and felony 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 help you immediately obtain the best possible result in your Southlake drug case.
Common Legal Defenses to a Southlake Drug Offense
Facing a drug charge in Southlake, Texas, can be a daunting experience, but there are several legal defenses you can use. The availability of each defense will depend upon the specific details of your case. Some of the most common defenses to drug charges include:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure – The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable and unlawful searches and seizures. If the police searched your property or person without a warrant or probable cause, any evidence they found may be inadmissible in court. This means that the prosecution cannot use it against you, which may lead to your charges being dropped.
- Lack of Possession – To be convicted of a drug charge, the prosecution must prove that you actually possessed the drugs. If you can show that the drugs were not yours and that you did not know about their presence, you can avoid a conviction. This defense is often used in cases where drugs are found in a shared space, like a car or apartment.
- Mistake of Fact – If you were unaware that what you possessed was an illegal substance, you may have a valid defense. For instance, if someone gave you a package to hold and you genuinely didn’t know it contained drugs, you may argue that you made a mistake of fact.
- Entrapment – This defense applies if law enforcement induced or tricked you into committing a crime that you otherwise would not have committed.
- Insufficient Evidence – Sometimes, the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt – which is a high standard to overcome. You can challenge the strength and credibility of the evidence against you, which can lead to your charges being reduced or dismissed.
- Medical Necessity – If you were using a controlled substance for medical reasons, and a licensed doctor prescribed it, you may use medical necessity as a legal defense. This can be complicated, so it’s important to have proper documentation and legal support.
Our experienced Southlake drug defense lawyers at Fulgham Hampton, Criminal Defense Attorneys, can determine your eligibility for raising one or more of these defenses and can plan the best strategy for your case.
Common Types of Drug Offenses in Southlake
Texas law takes drug charges very seriously, and there are several common types that you may face. Some of the most common include:
- Possession of Controlled Substances – This is one of the most common drug charges. It involves having illegal drugs on your person or property. The severity of this charge depends on the type and amount of drug found. For instance, possessing a small amount of marijuana may result in a misdemeanor, while having larger quantities of substances like cocaine or methamphetamine can lead to felony charges.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute – If you’re caught with a large amount of drugs, packaging materials, scales, or large amounts of cash, you may be charged with possession with intent to distribute. This charge implies that you were planning to sell or distribute the drugs, which carries much harsher penalties than simple possession.
- Drug Trafficking – This charge is more severe than possession with intent to distribute. It involves the production, distribution, and sale of large quantities of drugs. Trafficking charges can result from crossing state or national borders with drugs or being involved in a large drug operation. These charges often lead to long prison sentences and substantial fines.
- Manufacturing Drugs – This charge involves the production or creation of illegal drugs. If you’re caught operating a meth lab or growing marijuana plants, for example, you can face drug manufacturing charges. These charges are severe because they imply an active role in the drug trade.
- Drug Paraphernalia – Possession of items used to consume, manufacture, or distribute drugs can also result in charges. Items like pipes, bongs, syringes, or scales can lead to a drug paraphernalia charge. This charge is generally less severe than possession or trafficking but can still result in fines and a criminal record.
- Prescription Fraud – This involves illegally obtaining prescription medications through forgery, deception, or theft. It includes activities like forging a doctor’s prescription or doctor shopping to obtain multiple prescriptions.
If you are currently facing any of these drug charges, our Southlake drug defense lawyers at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Common Penalties and Collateral Consequences for a Drug Conviction
A drug crime conviction in Southlake, Texas, can result in severe legal penalties and significant collateral consequences.
Legal Penalties:
- Fines – Depending upon the severity of the offense, you may face substantial fines. Misdemeanor drug convictions can result in fines up to $4,000, while felony convictions can lead to fines as high as $10,000 or more.
- Incarceration – Jail or prison time is also a common penalty for drug convictions. Misdemeanors can lead to up to one year in a county jail. Felony convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, ranging from two years to life imprisonment for the most serious offenses, like drug trafficking.
- Probation – Instead of serving time in jail or prison, you can be placed on probation. This means you must comply with certain conditions, such as regular meetings with a probation officer, drug testing, and possibly attending drug education or rehabilitation programs. Violating probation terms can lead to incarceration.
- Community Service – Courts often require offenders to complete community service hours. This is typically part of probation or in addition to other penalties.
Collateral Consequences:
- Employment Challenges – A drug conviction can make finding and keeping a job difficult. Many employers conduct background checks and may be hesitant to hire someone with a criminal record – particularly for drug-related offenses.
- Housing Issues – Landlords also perform regular background checks, and a drug conviction can lead to being denied housing. This can be especially challenging for those with records of felony convictions.
- Education Barriers – A drug conviction can affect your eligibility for federal student aid, scholarships, and admission to certain colleges or universities. Some institutions have policies against admitting students with criminal records.
- Loss of Professional Licenses – If you hold a professional license, such as for nursing or teaching, a drug conviction can result in suspension or revocation of that license, severely affecting your career.
- Driver’s License Suspension – Certain drug convictions may also lead to the suspension of your driver’s license, making it difficult to commute to work, school, or other important places.
Given these severe penalties and long-lasting consequences, seek immediate legal advice to explore all possible defenses.
Accepting a Plea Deal in a Southlake Drug Case
Deciding whether to accept a plea deal in a Southlake, Texas, drug case is a critical decision that can significantly affect your future. Here’s how to approach this decision:
Evaluating a Plea Deal:
- Understanding the Offer – A plea deal typically involves pleading guilty to a lesser charge or receiving a reduced sentence in exchange for avoiding a trial. Understanding the exact terms of the offer is essential, including the potential penalties and any conditions attached.
- Comparing Risks and Benefits – Weigh the pros and cons of accepting the plea deal versus going to trial. Accepting a plea deal can result in a lesser sentence and avoid the uncertainty of a trial. However, it also means having a criminal record and admitting guilt, which can have long-term consequences. You also give up your right to a trial by jury.
- Considering Evidence – Assess the strength of the prosecution’s case. If the evidence against you is overwhelming, accepting a plea deal may be a safer option. Conversely, if there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or potential defenses, going to trial might be worth considering.
How Our Lawyers Can Help:
Our experienced Southlake drug defense lawyers at Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys can advise you on the strengths and weaknesses of your case, the likelihood of a conviction, and the possible penalties you can face if convicted at trial. This will help you make an informed decision.
We can also negotiate with the state prosecutor to get you the best possible deal. This may include reducing the charges, minimizing the penalties, or securing favorable conditions such as probation instead of jail time.
We will also explain the various legal and personal consequences of accepting a plea deal, including how it may affect your employment, housing, and other aspects of your life.
Finally, if you decide to reject the plea deal, we can prepare your defense for trial, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and develop a strong strategy to contest the charges.
Ultimately, deciding whether to accept a plea deal is a personal decision that should be made with careful consideration – and with the guidance of our experienced lawyers.
Steps to Take after Drug Arrest in Southlake
If you’ve been arrested on a drug charge in Southlake, taking the right steps immediately can make a big difference in your case. Here are some important actions to consider:
- Remain Calm and Respectful – Stay calm and be polite to law enforcement officers. Resisting arrest or behaving aggressively can make an already bad situation significantly worse.
- Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent – Once taken into custody, you have the right to remain silent. Do not discuss your case or make any statements without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
- Request an Attorney – Clearly state that you want to speak with an attorney. Do not answer questions or sign documents until a lawyer is with you.
- Document Everything – Write down everything you remember about the arrest as soon as you can. Include details about the officers, the location, the time, and anything that was said or done. This information can be crucial for your defense.
- Contact a Lawyer – Reach out to our experienced drug defense attorneys in Southlake. At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, we can advise you on your rights, guide you through the legal process, and build a strong legal defense to your charge.
- Follow Legal Advice – Carefully follow our instructions and advice. Attend all court dates, and avoid discussing your case with others.
By following these steps, you significantly improve your chances of securing a favorable outcome in your case.
Contact Our Trusted Southlake Drug Defense Lawyers Today
If you were recently arrested or charged with committing a drug crime in Southlake, Texas, our skilled criminal defense lawyers can help. At Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys, we can promptly evaluate your legal options, help you make important decisions throughout your case, and pursue the best possible result on your behalf.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable drug defense lawyer in Southlake, please contact us online or at (817) 877-3030 today.
Southlake
771 E Southlake Blvd Suite 105,
Southlake, Texas 76092, United States