Were you arrested for a marijuana-related crime in Fort Worth, TX? Drug charges can carry serious consequences. A conviction can jeopardize a defendant’s freedom and future opportunities, affecting life in many ways. It’s essential to have a skilled defense attorney by your side from the very start.
With 60 years of combined experience, Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers knows the local courts, the law, and the strategies that work best for marijuana cases. Call us at (682) 777-3336 today to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Cofer Luster if I’m Arrested for Marijuana Crimes?
Being charged with a marijuana crime in Fort Worth, Texas, is an overwhelming experience. With Cofer Luster, you get more than just legal representation; you gain a team dedicated to fiercely protecting your future and your freedom when everything feels uncertain. Here’s how we set ourselves apart:
- Our firm features attorneys who are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential that demonstrates advanced knowledge and commitment to criminal defense in Texas.
- We are members of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and other distinguished legal organizations.
- Marijuana offenses aren’t always simple. With a background in state and federal cases involving controlled substances, our Fort Worth drug crimes lawyers can help you no matter the situation.
Taking on marijuana allegations without the appropriate legal help is a risk that you shouldn’t take. Our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys have the knowledge and resources to protect you and fight against these charges.
Contact our law office today to schedule a consultation.
Overview of Marijuana Crimes in Texas
Marijuana remains illegal under Texas law and is treated as a controlled substance, with penalties based on the amount possessed or delivered. Both possessing and distributing marijuana can bring serious legal consequences, even in small amounts.
Possession of Marijuana
Getting caught with marijuana in Texas can result in criminal charges. For small quantities, possession is usually a misdemeanor, which still puts you at risk for serious penalties. Possession of larger amounts (usually over four ounces) can be prosecuted as a felony.
Delivery of Marijuana
A person commits a criminal offense in Texas if they knowingly or intentionally deliver marijuana to someone else. Delivery doesn’t just mean selling it for profit – it also includes giving or sharing marijuana with another person, even if no money changes hands.
Facing marijuana charges of any kind can have serious and lasting consequences.
What Are the Penalties for Marijuana Crimes in Texas?
The penalties for marijuana crimes in Texas vary widely depending on the specific charge, the quantity of marijuana involved, your prior record, and whether there are aggravating factors like being near a school or involving children.
Potential consequences include:
Prison Time
For larger amounts of marijuana, intent to distribute, repeat offenders, or cases where aggravating factors apply (like distribution near schools), a felony conviction can result in years behind bars.
Jail Sentences
Possession of a small amount is usually charged as a misdemeanor. Jail time for these cases can run from a few days to one year. Misdemeanor convictions still create a criminal record and may impact your future opportunities.
Probation
Judges might order probation instead of jail or prison, especially for first-time or lower-level cases. Probation comes with strict guidelines, like regular check-ins with an officer, restrictions on travel, drug testing, maintaining a job, and avoiding new legal charges.
If you’re facing charges, the best move you can make is to speak with an experienced drug crimes defense lawyer as soon as possible.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Marijuana Crimes?
If you’re facing marijuana charges in Fort Worth, you probably feel a bit lost. Fortunately, there are ways you can defend yourself. Some of the most common legal defenses your criminal defense lawyer can raise on your behalf include:
- Unlawful Search or Seizure: If the police found marijuana without a warrant or probable cause, your lawyer may be able to argue that the evidence should be suppressed. This means the state can’t use it against you for their case, which would likely make their case fall apart.
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent: You may have genuinely not known marijuana was present. For example, if you borrowed a car or shared an apartment where marijuana is found. If it’s possible to show that you had no idea about its existence, that can create doubt in the case.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement officers coerced or tricked you into committing a crime you weren’t otherwise going to commit, your lawyer could raise entrapment as a defense.
- Chain of Custody Issues: If there are problems with how the evidence was handled or stored, your lawyer could challenge the integrity of the evidence. This could lead to it being suppressed and prohibited from being used against you.
The best way to determine what defense should be used for your case is to speak with a lawyer immediately.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Fort Worth Marijuana Crimes Lawyer
Fighting marijuana charges without the right lawyer exposes you to unnecessary risks, both now and down the line. Cofer Luster will treat your case with the seriousness it deserves. Contact our team today to discuss your defense options during a consultation with a Fort Worth marijuana crimes attorney.
