Drug trafficking in Fort Worth, TX, is considered a serious offense, often leading to lengthy prison terms and heavy fines. If you’ve been accused of trafficking, it can feel overwhelming as you try to understand the laws and potential penalties. Knowing your legal options is essential before making decisions that could impact your future.
A lawyer familiar with Texas drug laws can help defendants avoid common pitfalls and protect their rights. Let our team help you if you’re charged with drug trafficking in Fort Worth, Texas. Call (682) 777-3336 or contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a consultation with a Fort Worth drug trafficking lawyer.
How Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You’re Arrested For Drug Trafficking
If you’re facing charges of drug trafficking in Fort Worth, TX, it’s important to reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. With more than 60 years of combined experience, we are ready to fight to protect your rights. Attorneys Cody Cofer and Pam Boggess are Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Here’s how our team of Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys can help:
- We look for flaws in the prosecution’s case, question how evidence was collected, and identify potential legal arguments to weaken the case or get some or all of the charges against you dismissed.
- Our team examines whether law enforcement followed proper protocol during your arrest and searches. If your rights were violated, we push to have evidence suppressed.
- We represent your interests during discussions with prosecutors, aiming to reduce charges whenever possible and avoid a trial, which can be unpredictable.
- If your case proceeds to trial, we present a strong defense to a judge or jury to try to obtain an acquittal.
If you’re facing drug trafficking charges in Fort Worth, Texas, contact us today to speak with a Fort Worth drug trafficking lawyer.
Overview of Drug Trafficking in Texas
Under Texas law, drug trafficking typically includes manufacturing, delivering, or having possession of an illegal substance with plans to distribute it. There’s no requirement that law enforcement actually catches you selling the drug in order to face a conviction.
Even without direct proof that you were selling or trafficking drugs, prosecutors can use indirect evidence like scales, packaging materials, ledgers, or large sums of cash to suggest you were preparing to deliver the substance.
Understanding the basics of this offense helps you know what to expect if you’re facing these charges.
What Are the Penalties For Drug Trafficking in Fort Worth, Texas?
Drug trafficking offenses in Fort Worth, Texas, carry harsh punishments that can change your life forever. Understanding what you’re facing is essential before taking your next legal steps.
State Jail Felony
If you’re convicted at the state jail felony level, you could receive a sentence ranging from 180 days to two years in a state jail. You may also face a fine as high as $10,000.
First-Degree Felony
For the most severe drug trafficking offenses, you could be charged with a first-degree felony. Sentences can range from 15 to 99 years or even life in prison, plus a fine that can reach $250,000.
The length and severity of your sentence usually hinge on how much of the drug was in your possession or under your control. You should contact an experienced attorney to help you understand your legal options if you’re facing drug trafficking charges.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested For Drug Trafficking?
Facing drug trafficking charges can be frightening. Knowing the defense options available can help you and your criminal defense lawyer plan your next moves.
Common legal defenses include:
Lack of Knowledge
Sometimes, people are unaware they even have drugs in their possession. For instance, if a friend or family member placed narcotics in your home or car without telling you, this can show that you lacked the intent to traffic anything.
Unlawful Search and Seizure
If the police gathered evidence by violating your Fourth Amendment rights, you may be able to get that evidence thrown out. Law enforcement must either have a valid warrant or a legitimate basis (probable cause) for a search. If the court agrees the search was illegal, prosecutors may struggle to prove their case.
Entrapment
Entrapment happens if an officer or informant improperly pressures or tricks you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t commit. Proving this usually requires showing that you had no prior intention to traffic drugs and only did so at their suggestion. While not common, it can be useful if law enforcement acted unfairly.
If you’ve been arrested for drug trafficking, you should speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your situation and start building a solid defense strategy.
Schedule a Case Evaluation With Our Fort Worth Drug Trafficking Lawyers
Being accused of drug trafficking can feel overwhelming, and it’s totally normal to worry about what comes next. It’s helpful to know your legal options and make informed choices throughout the process. From examining evidence to preparing potential defenses, an attorney can explain what you should do next.
You do not have to handle these charges by yourself. If you’re facing drug trafficking allegations, contact Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a consultation with a Fort Worth drug trafficking lawyer.
