What Are the Charges for Drug Trafficking in Texas?

Considered one of the most serious drug crimes in Texas, drug trafficking can put you behind bars for a long time. Whether you’re caught manufacturing, delivering, or possessing an illegal drug with the intent to deliver, you will be arrested for drug trafficking.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the penalties for this crime. As you’ll notice, drug trafficking charges are directly proportional to the type of drug and the amount that’s involved. Hire a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney who understands drug trafficking laws to build a strong case with the goal of protecting your future and freedom.

Substances in Penalty Group 1

Under Texas law, the following drug trafficking charges are imposed if a person is caught trafficking Substances in Penalty Group 1: cocaine, oxycodone, heroin, opium, methadone, ketamine, GHB, methamphetamine, and GHB, among others:

· Trafficking <1 g of drugs: State jail felony punishable by 180 days to 2 years in prison and less than $10,000 in fines

· Trafficking 1–4 g of drugs: Second-degree felony punishable by 2–20 years in prison and a fine of less than $10,000

· Trafficking 4–200 g of drugs: First-degree felony punishable by 5–99 years in prison and less than $10,000 in fines

· Trafficking 200–400 g of drugs: Life felony punishable by 10–99 years in prison and less than $100,000 in fines

· Trafficking less than 400 g of drugs: Life felony punishable by 15–99 years in prison and less than $250,000 in fines

Substances in Penalty Group 1-A

If you’re caught trafficking Substances in Penalty Group 1-A (LSD), the penalties are as follows:

· Trafficking <20 abuse units of drugs: State jail felony punishable by 180 days to 2 years in prison and less than $10,000 in fines

· Trafficking 20–80 abuse units of drugs: Second-degree felony punishable by 2–20 years in prison and a fine of less than $10,000

· Trafficking 80–4,000 abuse units of drugs: First-degree felony punishable by 5–99 years in prison and less than $10,000 in fines

· Trafficking >4,000 abuse units of drugs: Life felony punishable by 15–99 years in prison and less than $250,000 in fines

Call a Lawyer Today

There are other penalty groups that include less common drugs, such as DET, synthetic cannabis, amphetamine, magic mushrooms, narcotic drugs, and so on. To understand their charges, talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest.

Recommended Read: 3 Critical Steps to Take If You Get Charged with Drug Possession in Texas

Attorney JL Carpenter has worked on hundreds of drug trafficking cases both as a prosecutor and, now, as a criminal defense attorney. She has a reputation for building strong, aggressive defenses for her clients.

Take a closer look at her track record to understand why she could be the right criminal defense lawyer for you. When you’re ready, schedule a consultation with JL.

She serves clients in Friendswood, Clear Lake, Houston, and the surrounding neighborhoods. Her practice areas also include DWI, BWI, domestic violence, and family violence, among others.