If you are facing drug charges for the first time, surely, you’re going to want to know which laws apply to you. You’ll also want to know the sentencing and fines for your particular charges. As you conduct your search, you may find the laws a bit complicated. This is essentially because it can be difficult for laymen to discern the state’s drug statutes.
In Texas, the state’s drug laws are addressed in the Health and Safety Code, but it’s also known as the Texas Controlled Substances Act. In the Texas Controlled Substances Act, drugs are placed into the following categories:
- Penalty Group 1
- Penalty Group 1-A
- Penalty Group 2
- Penalty Group 3
- Penalty Group 4
There are literally dozens, if not hundreds of drugs in the penalty groups listed above. Of the five penalty groups, Penalty Group 1 is the most serious, and therefore the penalties associated with drugs in that group are the harshest. Some of the drugs categorized in Penalty Group 1 include: heroin, raw opium, opium extracts, oxycodone, and methadone. LSD is in Penalty Group 1-A.
Drug Offenses in Texas
In Texas, drug offenses are basically separated into manufacturing, delivery and possession. The penalties for drug-related offenses vary depending upon which Penalty Group the drug is in. Here is a breakdown of the drug-related offenses in Texas:
- Manufacture or Delivery of Substance
- Manufacture of Substance
- Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession of Misc. Substance
- Delivery of Controlled Substance or Marijuana to Child
- Possession or Delivery of Drug Paraphernalia
Are you or someone you love facing drug-related charges in Plano, Dallas or Fort Worth? If so, we urge you to contact our firm to meet with a Plano drug possession lawyer. We can explore your legal defenses as well as the possibility of a plea bargain and alternative sentencing based on the facts of your case. Call today to see how we can help you.