A conviction for a drug-related crime can put a significant strain on a person’s future. If you are facing accusations for drug possession, you could be feeling somewhat intimidated and/or overwhelmed by the process. You probably consider the concept of spending time in prison and having a criminal record as less than ideal, and wish to protect yourself from potentially devastating consequences.
Chances are, you may have limited knowledge of the process and everything involved, and you could be wondering what comes next. Numerous factors can influence the outcome of your current predicament. Whatever your circumstances may be, you will probably want to obtain legal counsel for advice on how to proceed.
Penalties and possible defenses for drug possession
In Texas, laws concerning possession are strict and have dire consequences. These can include up to a year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines for misdemeanor charges, while felony charges are significantly more severe. The penalties you might face will likely depend on the variables that were allegedly present at the time of arrest. Certain factors that often play a part in determining the penalties for possession are as follows:
- Previous conviction
- Type of narcotic
- Amount in possession
- Concealment/storage
- Presence of drug paraphernalia
If you are facing criminal charges, and maintain your belief of innocence in the matter, you are probably searching desperately for assistance to avoid suffering the consequences. A person may be innocent of pending charges in several circumstances. Certain aspects of a defense strategy geared toward reducing or dropping the charges might include the following:
- Unknowingly in possession of drugs
- Intention of use for drugs
- Approval and/or exemption concerning use
- Prescription/Medicinal purposes
Protecting your future with legal guidance
With the gravity of the potential consequences for possession of narcotics, you may feel the need to proclaim your innocence through a statement in response to allegations. However, you may want to refrain from such an action until you obtain legal counsel. This process can be extremely intricate, and you do not have to go through it alone.
By speaking with a defense attorney before responding to the charges, you can obtain some much-needed guidance for the road ahead. An attorney can thoroughly examine the charges and evidence against you, along with the procedures used during the search, and assist you in forming a strategy for use during criminal proceedings. A strong defense strategy may help reduce the charges you’re facing, or in some cases, get them dropped altogether.