Charged With a Drug Crime in Fort Bend County? Act Quickly.
A drug crime arrest in Sugar Land can place your freedom, career, and reputation at serious risk, even if the charge involves “simple” possession of a recreational substance. Texas prosecutors aggressively pursue drug cases, and a conviction can follow you for years. If you are under investigation or have already been charged, you’ll want a defense team that moves quickly to protect your rights and challenge the State’s evidence.
At Lance Kennedy Law, we understand what is at stake for you when drug charges are brought against you. We bring former prosecutor insight, trial experience, and strategic preparation to every case we handle, so you can trust that we’re ready to fight for you throughout your case.
Call us at (737) 324-7540 today for a free, confidential consultation and begin your DWI defense case with our Sugar Land attorneys.
Types of Drug Crimes Prosecuted in Texas
Texas law criminalizes a wide range of conduct involving controlled substances. Depending on the facts of your case, prosecutors may pursue misdemeanor or felony charges, and in some situations, federal charges may apply.
Common drug crimes we defend include:
Drug possession
Drug manufacturing
Drug distribution
Drug trafficking
Crimes related to any of the above
The specific charge often depends on the type of substance, the quantity involved, and the circumstances of the arrest. Regardless of the specifics, though, you can be sure that our team will be ready to tackle it head-on.
Penalty Groups & Weight Brackets for Drug Crimes
Texas classifies controlled substances into Penalty Groups or PGs, which are similar to but different than the Schedules used by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The group assigned to a drug significantly affects the severity of the charge. Substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and many opioids are placed in higher Penalty Groups, which carry harsher potential penalties. Marijuana is treated separately under Texas law, but it can still lead to serious consequences, especially in larger quantities.
In addition to Penalty Groups, Texas law uses weight brackets to determine the level of the offense. Even small increases in weight can dramatically elevate a charge from a misdemeanor to a felony, or from a lower-level felony to a higher-level felony with even more prison time. The alleged aggregate weight may include fillers, packaging, or other materials, making it essential to scrutinize how law enforcement calculated the amount.
Penalties for Drug Crime Convictions in Texas
Drug crime penalties vary widely depending on the classification of the offense. However, both misdemeanor and felony convictions can have long-term consequences beyond jail or prison time.
Potential penalties if you are convicted of a drug crime may include:
County jail sentences for misdemeanor drug crimes
State jail or prison sentences for felony offenses
Fines ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars
Probation or community supervision
Mandatory drug treatment or counseling
Permanent criminal record
Loss of professional licenses or employment opportunities
A felony drug conviction can also limit your ability to secure housing, obtain certain loans, or pursue specific career paths. That is why you should fight such a charge however you can, starting with coming to our law firm for help.
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When you hire us, we can begin our defense work by carefully examining how the case against you was built. As a firm led by a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and former Assistant District Attorney, we understand how prosecutors evaluate drug cases and where weaknesses in their arguments may exist.
Our approach to drug crime defense strategies often includes:
Reviewing whether the traffic stop or search was lawful
Challenging search warrants and consent searches
Examining chain-of-custody procedures
Analyzing laboratory testing methods and results
Filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
Preparing strategically for negotiation or trial
Our familiarity with courts and procedures in Sugar Land and throughout Fort Bend County allows us to anticipate how local cases are handled. We can craft your defense to the specific facts of your case, the applicable law, and the forum in which your case is pending. We do not rely on one-size-fits-all solutions, and we think the benefit of that approach shows in everything we do.
Federal Drug Crime Defense
Some drug cases are prosecuted at the federal level, particularly those involving large quantities, interstate activity, conspiracy allegations, or federal investigative agencies. Federal drug charges often carry mandatory minimum sentences and are handled under a different set of procedural rules than state cases.
Our firm is uniquely positioned to defend federal drug cases. Attorney Lance Kennedy is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney who has handled federal jury trials and worked alongside agencies such as the FBI, DEA, IRS, ATF, and Border Patrol. We understand how federal investigations are conducted and how cases are presented in federal court. If you are facing a federal drug indictment or believe you are under federal investigation, you can count on his insight to help prepare your defense.
Call Our Law Firm Now to Start Your Drug Crime Defense
Drug charges should never be taken lightly. Your future, your record, and your livelihood may depend on the steps you take right now. We are prepared to stand between you and the prosecution, carefully examine the evidence, and advocate aggressively on your behalf, so don’t delay. Locally trusted attorneys are standing by to help.
This depends on the specifics of your case. While plea bargains can sometimes result in reduced charges or sentences, they’re not always in your best interest. Lance Kennedy will carefully evaluate any offers and advise you on the best course of action.
“Constructive possession” means you can be charged even if the drugs weren’t physically on you. However, this can be challenged in court. Lance Kennedy will work to prove you didn’t have knowledge or control of the drugs.
In some cases, yes. Texas law allows for expungement or sealing of records under certain circumstances. Lance Kennedy can evaluate your situation and advise on your options.
We understand that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and stressful. As dedicated federal criminal defense attorney with years of experience, I am committed to providing personalized legal counsel for your defense. My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you have an ally to help get your life back.
1
Get a Free Case Review
Let’s discuss your case, your goals, and what strategies are right for you.
2
Resolve Your Case
I will lead you every step of the way. Together, we will fight for a dismissal.
3
Get Your Life Back
Work to get the best results possible so you can get your life back.
Choosing the right criminal defense attorney in Austin is an important decision. At Lance Kennedy Law, our criminal defense attorneys understand the weight of this choice and the trust you place in your legal representative. Our promise to you goes beyond just words, it’s a tangible commitment to excellence, transparency, and relentless advocacy as we navigate your case together.
