Dayton Drug Crime Lawyer

Dayton Drug Crime Attorney

If you find yourself facing charges of an alleged drug crime, you are likely feeling uncertain about your future. These are normal reactions, and it might help to know that you don’t have to face these charges alone. You deserve the legal counsel and representation of an experienced and skilled Dayton drug crime lawyer who can aggressively fight for your future and protect your rights. It is crucial to fight for your innocence with the same level of dedication the prosecution will devote to finding you guilty.

These crimes are often taken very seriously in the state of Texas. Criminal penalties can range from probation and fines to several years of jail time. There are also likely to be consequences that affect your day-to-day life, like preventing future employment, disqualifying you from housing, modifying your child custody rulings or your rights to child visitation, or having a permanent criminal record. With so much at stake, it is essential to have someone on your side who takes your interests to heart.

Common Drug Crime Cases in Dayton

The penalties you face for a drug crime conviction often are based on the crime itself. Typically, these crimes are punished depending on the kind of drug allegedly in your possession, the quantity of the substance, and your alleged intent with the drug. Common kinds of drug crime cases seen in Texas include:

• Drug Possession: Even the possession of a small volume of certain drugs can lead to a felony conviction. If you end up facing only misdemeanor charges, penalties can still be severe, including fines, jail time, and court-ordered participation in certain classes.
• Cocaine: A conviction that occurs as a result of a drug charge related to cocaine is taken seriously by the courts in Texas. Your future is often on the line, as even a small amount of cocaine can land you in prison for a significant period of time.
• Marijuana: Based on the amount in your alleged possession, penalties for a marijuana possession conviction can range in severity. There is a chance you might face a felony conviction, which could land you in state prison for a significant amount of time.
• Drug Sales: Most often, the harshest punishments are handed down for the sale of controlled substances. If children are involved in these convictions, penalties are even heavier.
• Drug Manufacturing: No matter the kind of drug, the manufacturer or cultivation of a controlled substance is considered a felony offense. Penalties can vary widely based on the amount being grown or created, but they can be severe, like life imprisonment in state prison.
• Ecstasy: Even with a minimal amount of this drug in your possession, felony charges can be handed down. These can end in a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines, and being a convicted felon.
• Prescription Drugs: Crimes involving prescription drugs can include actions of doctor shopping, illegal possession, fraudulent prescriptions, and sales of these types of drugs. Potentially abused drugs include Ritalin, Adderall, Oxycodone, and Xanax.
• Drug Trafficking: A charge of drug trafficking can include the sale, delivery, or distribution of illegal substances. Even just the possession of a drug with the intent to partake in trafficking can have heavy penalties. Punishments could include up to a sentence of life imprisonment.

Experienced and Skilled Representation From the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC

If you or a loved one are facing drug charges in Dayton, Texas, the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, is here to help. With over a decade of experience working with clients and representing them through a wide range of criminal charges, we have the experience and skill necessary to fight these charges and pursue a positive outcome for our clients, no matter the nature of the charges they are facing.

Consequences of a Dayton Drug Crime Conviction

Drug crime charges often result in either misdemeanor or felony charges. The following is a breakdown of specific classes of misdemeanors and degrees of felonies in the state of Texas and their corresponding penalties:

• Class A Misdemeanor: Penalties for this include confinement in jail for no longer than one year, fines that do not exceed $4,000, or a combination of both.
• Class B Misdemeanor: Penalties can include confinement in jail for no longer than 180 days, a fine that does not exceed $2,000, or a combination of both.
• Class C Misdemeanor: Penalties include a fine that does not exceed $500.
• Third Degree Felony: Penalties can include imprisonment lasting no longer than ten years and no less than two, fines that do not exceed $10,000, or a combination of both.
• Second Degree Felony: Penalties include imprisonment lasting no longer than 20 years and no less than two, fines that do not exceed $10,000, or a combination of both.
• First Degree Felony: Penalties can include imprisonment for life, or for no more than 99 years, fines that do not exceed $10,000, or a combination of both.

FAQs About Dayton, TX Drug Crime Laws

What Are Some Common Defenses for a Drug Charge in Texas?

There are quite a few defenses that your criminal defense attorney might be able to use in order to build you a solid defense strategy and represent you in a court of law. These include unlawful search and seizure, a breakdown in the chain of custody, lack of control or possession, lack of knowledge, or issues with the analysis of evidence by a crime lab.

What Are Some Common Illegal Drugs or Controlled Substances in Texas?

In the state of Texas, there are several substances that fall under the umbrella of illegal drugs or controlled substances. These can include heroin, marijuana, LSD, MDMA, cocaine, methamphetamines, bath salts, hashish, GHB, ketamine, PCP, magic mushrooms, opium, Rohypnol, or over-the-counter or prescription drugs like Oxycodone, Adderall, Vicodin, and Valium.

What Are the Laws Related to Marijuana in Texas?

In the state of Texas, marijuana crimes are treated seriously. Possession, growing, trafficking, delivery, or sale of marijuana products can have significant penalties. Even having a small amount in your possession can be charged as a Class B misdemeanor and result in up to 180 days in county jail, fines, and probation.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Misdemeanor Drug Possession in Texas?

In the state of Texas, the Statute of Limitations on a misdemeanor drug possession charge is two years. This means that the state has exactly two years to bring these charges against a defendant. If charges are not brought against you in this time frame, they are typically dismissed.

Contact a Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Walking the path of drug crime charges in Dayton can seem like a daunting task. The good news is that you don’t have to walk it alone. Contact the Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, to schedule a free consultation. We can review your case and the charges brought against you to help determine the correct course of action in your defense. With your future on the line, there is no time to waste.