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An arrest for the possession of cocaine is a very serious issue, and should be treated as such from the moment of your arrest. Possession of even a small amount of cocaine is a felony in the state of Texas which more often than not results in serious repercussions. A felony conviction impacts every facet of your life, from your ability to find employment to your ability to vote. Additionally, some cases of drug possession may lead to federal charges. At Freedom Law Group, our cocaine possession defense attorneys in Houston handle all kinds of drug cases, from state to federal, always working toward the best result for our clients. It is mandatory you contact an experienced cocaine possession attorney in Houston as soon as possible after your arrest.
The knowing or intentional possession of cocaine leads to a criminal arrest in Houston. The state separates the substances in its Controlled Substances Act into 5 different penalty groups, each of which has penalties which range in degree of severity. Cocaine falls within Penalty Group 1, along with heroin, methamphetamine, and oxycodone.
The details about a drug arrest are very important when negotiating a plea deal or a trial and a Houston cocaine possession defense attorney can help you better understand your rights. An arresting officer must have reasonable cause to search an individual and must follow specific procedures during arrest. Failure to follow the law will impact the trial. Additionally, the amount of cocaine with which the defendant was arrested must be carefully weighed and measured. A small amount makes a big difference in drug cases.
The penalty range for the possession of cocaine in Houston depends largely upon the amount of cocaine which you are arrested with, as indicated in the below table:
| Amount | Felony Degree | Confinement/Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Less than one gram | State Jail Felony | 180 days – 2 years in state jail and/or up to a $10,000 fine |
| Greater than one gram and less than four grams | Third Degree Felony | 2-10 years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine |
| Greater than four grams and less than 200 grams | Second Degree Felony | 2-20 years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine |
| Greater than 200 grams but less than 400 grams | First Degree Felony | Life in prison or 5-99 years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine |
| Greater offenses | First Degree Felony | Life in prison or 5-99 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000 |
Repeat drug possession convictions can also lead to increased felony penalties and confinement periods.
The specific circumstances of your individual case will have a serious impact on the penalty range you face. Some state prosecutors will be lenient for first-time offenders and will impose fines and lengthy probation sentences in lieu of jail time. However, sentences will be harsher if the prosecution believes there was an intent to distribute drugs, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, oxycodone or OxyContin, rather than simple possession. Therefore, it is important to speak with experienced Houston cocaine possession defense attorneys as soon as possible.
If you have been arrested on drug possession charges related to possession of cocaine, do not hesitate to contact Freedom Law Group. Mary E. Conn is an experienced cocaine possession defense lawyer in Houston who has defended numerous clients in their cocaine possession cases. Mary E. Conn will examine the facts and circumstances of your case and determine whether any specifics about the arrest need to be re-examined during the trial period. In drug possession cases, a mistake of the substance weight by one gram can make a huge difference in the potential penalty range. Mary E. Conn will carefully review all of the facts and work with you to formulate your defense, keeping you well informed of any plea negotiations and the defense strategy. Contact us at our Houston office today on (713) 357-4190 for your initial free consultation.