Drug Cases
Drug charges are among the most serious and complex to defend. San Antonio drug case attorneys Christine & Mario Del Prado know that if you are facing drug charges the potential harm to your career, reputation, and ability to find housing can be significant. We are able to draw on many years of trial law experience in effectively defending our clients.
Drug Charges
The Controlled Substances Act (1970) is the federal provision covering manufacture, import, possession, and distribution of drugs. Texas law reflects much of the tenor and purpose of this Act, as delineated in the Health and Safety Code, Chapter C, § 481-483.
The four major categories of drug charges as codified in the state Health and Safety Code are 1) Marijuana; 2) Dangerous Drugs; 3) Controlled Substances; and 4) Simulated Controlled Substances (so-called synthetic drugs). Charges brought in any of these categories will most likely involve one of the following:
- Distribution/Sales
- Possession
- Manufacture
- Trafficking
- Public Intoxication
- Illegal Possession of Prescription Medications
An issue which can add complexity to how your San Antonio drug case attorneys will handle your defense is that often peripheral crimes are charged along with the drug offense. Among such crimes are fraud, theft, conspiracy, and assault.
Penalties
The potential penalties for drug and associated charges are many—too many to be outlined here. However, keep in mind that prosecutors will throw every possible charge your way initially. Some of these may be meant more as negotiating tools for a possible plea bargain. For instance, if the evidence against you is not solid, the prosecutor may “beef up” your charges to frighten you into taking a plea agreement.
Nonetheless, penalties can range from a fine to many years in state prison. If a deadly weapon was used in the commission of the crime, and/or someone was injured, the penalties will increase accordingly. Moreover, if you have a previous conviction for a drug offense, another conviction is almost sure to mean a longer sentence.
Possible Defenses
San Antonio drug case attorneys Christine & Mario Del Prado will explore every aspect of your case to determine the best defense. A common defense is that of unwitting possession; this may be argued if the drugs in question were found in your possession or belongings—for instance, under a seat of your car. The argument would then be that someone else placed the drugs there, and that you had no knowledge of them. Among other defenses are coercion and illegal police procedures.
If the evidence against you is overwhelming, it is possible in certain circumstances to arrange alternative sentencing. This would generally involve either community service or participation in a drug treatment program in lieu of jail.
If You Are Facing Charges
We know how difficult it can be for individuals facing drug charges. San Antonio drug case attorneys Christine & Mario Del Prado will do the utmost to help you through this tumultuous time of your life by providing the highest quality legal services. We will work with you to protect your good name. Call us to arrange a free consultation today at 210-698-3533.
