When facing a drug charge, it can be confusing to understand various classifications, penalties, and regulations. The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC, is here to help you understand the penalties and definitions for drug charges in Georgetown, TX.
About Us
At The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC, we are dedicated to helping the people of Georgetown and communities throughout Williamson County in their drug crime cases. Lytza Rojas is a former prosecutor and has over two decades of experience handling criminal matters throughout Texas. She is Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and maintains a top rating on Avvo.
Overview of Texas Drug Crime Rates
Drug crimes encompass the possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking of controlled substances. In 2024, there were 141,719 drug arrests in Texas, or a rate of 454.75 per 100,000 people. Georgetown, TX, had 156 controlled substance arrests, with a lower statewide average of 174.34 per 100,000. Georgetown felony drug charges are handled at the Williamson County Justice Center, located at 405 Martin Luther King Jr Street, Georgetown, TX 78626.
Drug Penalty Groups
Texas defines each controlled substance into distinct Penalty Groups. These are used to dictate the level of offense and corresponding punishment. The following are the groupings used in state courts:
- Penalty Group 1 includes drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
- Penalty Group 1-A covers LSD and similar types of psychedelics.
- Penalty Group 1-B is for fentanyl and its derivatives.
- Penalty Group 2 encompasses amphetamines and hallucinogenic substances such as mescaline and MDMA.
- Penalty Group 2-A is comprised of synthetic cannabinoids.
- Penalty Group 3 includes hydrocodone, Ritalin, and prescription benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium.
- Penalty Group 4 covers opiates and narcotics not included in other groupings.
- Marijuana does not fall into a penalty group and uses a separate legal framework.
Drug Possession
Drug possession is categorized as the control, custody, care, or management of a controlled substance. The threshold for a felony amount of each drug depends on the penalty group. Possession of four or more ounces of marijuana or Penalty Group 2-A substance is a felony, while it takes 28 grams or more of a Penalty Group 3 or 4 drug to become a felony. Any quantity of a drug in Penalty Group 2 or above is a felony.
Drug Distribution
Drug distribution charges cover the manufacturing, delivery, sale, or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. These cases carry higher penalties than simple possession and have lower minimum amounts. For instance, the delivery of marijuana becomes a felony for more than one-fourth of an ounce.
The distribution of any quantity of a non-marijuana-controlled substance is a felony. Penalties for drug distribution range from state jail offenses, carrying terms of 180 days to two years, up to first-degree felonies with the potential for life in prison.
Aggravating Factors
Aggravating factors may escalate the level of charge you face beyond what is dictated by the intent or quantity seized. Examples include:
- Drug possession or distribution in a drug-free zone, such as a school or park
- A deadly weapon is shown or possessed during a drug crime
- Previous violent or drug-related felony convictions
- Drugs manufactured around a child
- Controlled substances delivered to a child
- Delivery of a drug that leads to serious bodily harm or death
Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer
Felony drug charges can have drastic consequences on your life. Hire a drug crime lawyer to help you through this difficult period. Your Georgetown drug crime attorney can be at your side from initial arrest to court verdict and appeals. They can build your defense, challenge the prosecution’s arguments, and represent you in all court hearings.
FAQs
How Much Does a Drug Crime Lawyer Cost in Texas?
How much your Texas drug crime lawyer costs depends on the severity of charges you face, the complexity of your case, and the work hours for the firm. A first-time offender arrested for a small amount of marijuana with an early plea bargain typically costs less than representation for allegations of widespread drug trafficking. In your initial consultation, your attorney can provide an estimate for your final bill.
How Long Do You Go to Jail or Prison for Drug Possession in Texas?
How long you may go to jail or prison for drug possession in Texas depends on the quantity and type of substance for which you are arrested. A conviction for a Class B misdemeanor level of marijuana may result in up to 180 days in jail, while a case involving possession of 1-4 grams of methamphetamine can lead to 2-10 years in state prison. Your attorney can review your case and determine the likelihood of imprisonment.
Can You Get Probation for a Felony Drug Charge in Texas?
In Texas, you may qualify for probation for a felony drug conviction based on your criminal record, factors involved in the case, and intent. A defendant arrested with less than a gram of cocaine with no prior convictions is more likely to qualify for deferred abduction or probation compared to someone in possession of over 100 grams of the same substance with multiple felony convictions.
How Long Does a Felony Drug Charge Stay on Your Record in Texas?
One common concern for those facing felony drug charges in Texas is the length it may appear on their record. In most cases, felony-level convictions as an adult remain permanently on your criminal conviction. Deferred adjudication cases may be sealed if court orders are followed. Dismissed charges or cases with not guilty verdicts can be expunged from arrest records.
Speak With a Georgetown Drug Crime Attorney Today
At The Law Office of Lytza Rojas, PLLC, we know how frightening it can be to face a drug charge. Lytza can work directly with you for all aspects of your case and use her decades of experience, knowledge, and skills to make a positive difference in your case.
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, during which we can learn your story, the charges you face, and provide potential strategies for moving forward in your case. You may also visit our office, located in town on South Austin Avenue, south of Blue Hole Park, north of Williamson County Courthouse, and west of VFW Park.
