Drug Crimes

Arlington Drug Crime Attorney

Defending Against Drug Crime Charges in Texas

Drug crimes are taken very seriously in Texas. If you are convicted, you could face severe penalties, including jail or prison time, fines, probation, and more. Additionally, a drug crime conviction can have a lasting impact on your personal and professional life, making it difficult to find employment, secure housing, and even obtain certain loans. If you are facing drug charges, you must reach out to a knowledgeable and skilled attorney as soon as possible.

At the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, we have been serving the Arlington community for many years. Our experienced drug crime lawyer is well-versed in Texas drug laws and has a long track record of success. We can help you understand your legal options and work to build a strong defense on your behalf.

Call (817) 497-8148 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation with our drug crime attorney in Arlington.

Types of Drug Crimes in Texas

Drug crimes encompass various illegal activities related to controlled substances. In Texas, drug crimes typically involve the possession, distribution, manufacturing, trafficking, or cultivation of illegal drugs or controlled substances.

Common types of drug crimes in Texas include:

Possession: Unlawful ownership or control of illegal drugs or controlled substances for personal use. Possession can be classified as simple possession or possession with intent to distribute, depending on the quantity and other evidence.
Distribution or Sale: Selling, delivering, or providing controlled substances to others. This includes street-level dealing as well as larger-scale distribution operations.
Manufacturing or Cultivation: Illegally producing, cultivating, or manufacturing drugs. This involves processes like growing marijuana, producing methamphetamine, or creating other controlled substances.
Trafficking: Involves the transportation and movement of illegal drugs across state or national borders. It typically involves large quantities of drugs and can result in severe penalties.
Prescription Drug Fraud: Illegally obtaining prescription medications through fraudulent means, such as forging prescriptions or doctor shopping.
Drug Paraphernalia: Possession or sale of equipment, tools, or materials used in the consumption, production, or distribution of drugs. This includes items like pipes, bongs, syringes, etc.
Conspiracy: Involvement in a plan or agreement with others to commit a drug-related crime, even if the crime itself hasn't been carried out.

Drug crimes can be charged as either a state or federal offense. The specific charges you face will depend on the type and amount of drugs involved, as well as other factors, such as whether you were in possession of drug paraphernalia or if you were caught selling drugs near a school.

The penalties for drug crimes in Texas vary based on factors such as the type and amount of the substance involved, prior criminal history, and other circumstances. They can range from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences, especially for more serious offenses or repeat offenders.

What are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Texas?

As previously mentioned, the penalties for drug crimes in Texas can be quite severe. The specific penalties you face will depend on the type and amount of drugs involved, as well as other factors, such as whether you have any prior drug convictions on your record.

Some of the most common penalties for drug crimes in Texas include:

Drug possession: Drug possession is typically charged as a misdemeanor in Texas. However, if you are found in possession of a large amount of drugs, you could face felony charges. The penalties for drug possession can include jail or prison time, fines, probation, and more.
Drug manufacturing/cultivation: Drug manufacturing/cultivation is a felony offense in Texas. The penalties for drug manufacturing/cultivation can include several years or even decades behind bars, as well as substantial fines, probation, and more.
Drug sales: Drug sales is a felony offense in Texas. The penalties for drug sales can include several years or even decades behind bars, as well as substantial fines, probation, and more.
Drug delivery: Drug delivery is a felony offense in Texas. The penalties for drug delivery can include several years or even decades behind bars, as well as substantial fines, probation, and more.
Drug trafficking: Drug trafficking is a felony offense in Texas. The penalties for drug trafficking can include several years or even decades behind bars, as well as substantial fines, probation, and more.
Prescription fraud: Prescription fraud is a felony offense in Texas. The penalties for prescription fraud can include several years or even decades behind bars, as well as substantial fines, probation, and more.
Possession of drug paraphernalia: Possession of drug paraphernalia is typically charged as a misdemeanor in Texas. The penalties for possession of drug paraphernalia can include jail or prison time, fines, probation, and more.

Common Defenses to Drug Charges

If you face drug charges in Arlington, a well-developed defense can impact the outcome of your case. Attorneys closely examine every detail of the arrest, with special attention to whether law enforcement respected your legal rights. Many drug cases involve concerns related to illegal searches or seizures, which can reduce the prosecution's evidence against you. Your defense might focus on whether police had a valid warrant, whether the drugs in question were actually yours, or if multiple people shared the location where officers found the substances.

In Tarrant County courts, prosecutors must prove every element of a charge. When they cannot show you intended to possess or distribute drugs, or the drug testing and handling appear flawed, your legal position can change. Texas penalty groups and recent state law changes often influence defense approaches. When you work with an attorney familiar with Arlington police practices and courtroom trends, you improve your chances of challenging the government's case. Every defense depends on the unique facts involved, so knowing the specifics of local courts and procedures keeps you better prepared.

Why Choose Us?

If you are facing drug charges, you need an experienced attorney on your side. At the Law Offices of Mark M. Childress, we can help you understand your legal options and work to build a strong defense on your behalf. Our Arlington drug crime lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation into your case, gather all available evidence, and help you determine the best course of action. We will fight tirelessly for you every step of the way.

Our firm can help you with all of the following and more:

Reviewing the details of your arrest
Investigating the circumstances surrounding your arrest
Challenging any illegally obtained evidence
Working to get your charges reduced or dropped
Negotiating with the prosecution on your behalf
Representing you in court, if necessary

Our team understands what is at stake, and we will do everything we can to help you secure a favorable outcome. We are available to answer your questions and address your concerns throughout the legal process.

What are My Rights After Being Arrested?

Being arrested for a drug crime could feel overwhelming, but you still have important constitutional rights that protect you throughout the process. Understanding these rights could help you avoid making mistakes and protect your defense.

The Right to Remain Silent

Under the Fifth Amendment, you have the right not to answer questions that could incriminate you.

You can clearly say: “I am invoking my right to remain silent.”
Do not explain, argue, or try to talk your way out—anything you say can be used against you.

The Right to an Attorney

The Sixth Amendment guarantees your right to legal representation.

You can request an attorney immediately.
If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed.
Once you ask for a lawyer, questioning should stop.

Protection Against Unreasonable Searches

The Fourth Amendment will protect you from illegal searches and seizures.

Police generally need a warrant or a valid exception.
You can say: “I do not consent to a search.”
Evidence obtained unlawfully may be challenged in court.

The Right to Know the Charges

You have the right to be informed of the charges against you. This usually happens at your arraignment, where you’ll hear the formal accusations and enter a plea.

The Right to a Fair and Speedy Trial

Also protected under the Sixth Amendment, you are entitled to:

A public trial
An impartial jury
The opportunity to confront witnesses

Protection Against Excessive Bail and Punishment

The Eighth Amendment ensures:

Bail cannot be unreasonably high
Punishment cannot be cruel or unusual

The Right to Due Process

The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees fair treatment under the law at every stage of your case.

FAQs About Drug Crimes

What Do I Do If I was Arrested for a Drug Crime?

After an arrest in Arlington for a drug-related charge, moving quickly helps protect your rights throughout the legal process. Remain calm and avoid answering questions about your case or any substances until you have legal counsel present. Do not make statements to Arlington police or investigators, as these statements may appear in court. Pay close attention to what happens during your arrest, including where you were stopped and what the officers said or did.

Write down important details soon after your arrest, as this information will help your attorney prepare for your case. Save all paperwork or citations given to you by Arlington Police or Tarrant County Sheriff's deputies, and give these to your legal team as soon as possible. Each drug charge goes through specific stages in the local court system, so having a clear timeline and accurate facts is critical. If you do not know your rights at any point, consult a criminal defense attorney before making decisions that may affect your outcome.

Can I be charged with a felony for possessing a small amount of drugs?

In Arlington, possession of a small amount of certain drugs can result in felony charges. State law divides drugs into penalty groups, and the consequences depend on the substance and amount. Charges may grow more serious if you are arrested in a restricted area like a school zone.

How does Texas law treat marijuana differently from other drugs?

Texas classifies marijuana separately from other controlled substances and sets its penalties based on the amount. Possession of small amounts may result in a misdemeanor, but larger quantities or an intent to distribute can lead to felony charges. Arlington law enforcement follows state law but may focus resources on drug cases based on local priorities.

Will a drug charge affect my record and future opportunities?

A conviction for a drug charge in Arlington could remain on your record and make it harder to find a job, rent a home, or pursue other opportunities. The consequences depend on the specific charge, the result in court, and whether Texas law makes you eligible to seek expunction or sealing of your record.

Contact Our Drug Crime Attorney in Arlington Today

If you or someone you love has been charged with a drug crime, it is important to take immediate action. The consequences of a conviction can be very severe, but you do not have to face this situation alone. Our Arlington drug crime attorney is ready to protect your rights, build a strong defense, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the guidance and representation you need during this difficult time.

Contact us today at (817) 497-8148 to schedule a free consultation with our Arlington drug crime lawyer.

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"My questions were heard and answered without having to ask twice."
Value a capable team with experienced staff. For the past 9 months, the folks at the Law Offices of Mark Childress handled my case with class and empathy. My questions were heard and answered without having to ask twice. I felt like I was kept in the loop and always briefed properly. As I move forward with other ventures I wouldn't be surprised if we crossed paths again. And hats off to Konner, THANK YOU!

- Cody C.
"Mark was there to answer every question, every phone call and did it in a way that I felt as if I were his only client."
I needed an attorney who would stand up for me and my child during a very hard time. Mark was there to answer every question, every phone call and did it in a way that I felt as if I were his only client. He was very knowledgeable not only about the law but about the opposing attorney and the judge. He prepared me well and we won our case. I would recommend Mark Childress to anyone who is fighting for custody or in need of child support.

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I called in inquiring about a divorce and how it all happens. I had 2 people call me back within an hour and in an hour maybe 2 I was talking with the lawyer. I highly recommend him and his staff. They are courteous, prompt and they care. Divorce is the hardest thing we will go through minus losing a kid and his team will be retained. He even called me back himself the next day to see how I was. Great service.

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"This guy is amazing. In a matter of minutes, he accomplished what no other attorney could in 6 years."
This guy is amazing. In a matter of minutes, he accomplished what no other attorney could in 6 years. He had my case figured out in 1short conversation and had what he called "a convoluted mess" fixed. I'm pretty sure my ex felt like he'd been hit by a bus. My family is finally in tact and everyone is finally happy.

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