Bryan Drug Trafficking Attorneys

Seek Experienced Representation from Our Committed Legal Team

Anti-drug trafficking efforts have intensified in Texas, especially considering the state’s proximity to Mexico, a significant source for many illegal substances entering the U.S. The Justice Department estimates drug sales by Mexican and Colombian cartels generate between $18 billion to $39 billion annually. Cartels are active in numerous U.S. cities, with many of their operations focused in Texas.

As drug trafficking remains a high priority for federal law enforcement, wrongful arrests and convictions are unfortunately common, with penalties often involving lengthy prison sentences, fines, and lasting criminal records.

At Shane Phelps Law, our Bryan drug trafficking lawyers understand how crucial it is to have experienced legal representation when facing serious charges. Our team can assess your case, review the evidence, and devise effective defense strategies to help reduce charges or even secure a dismissal.

Is Drug Trafficking a Felony in Texas?

Drug trafficking is a felony offense in Texas, and those convicted of distributing, manufacturing, or aiding the trafficking of illegal drugs face severe consequences. Trafficking often involves drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription medications. Even possessing a large quantity of drugs can lead to trafficking charges, regardless of intent for personal use.

The severity of penalties depends on the type and amount of drugs involved, as well as factors like prior convictions or whether weapons were present. Convictions can result in penalties ranging from probation to life in prison, especially in federal court where penalties tend to be harsher.

What Legal Factors Must Be Present to Charge Someone with Drug Trafficking in Texas?

Several key factors may escalate a drug possession charge to drug trafficking in Texas. These include:

Quantity of drugs: Large amounts of drugs often lead to trafficking charges under Texas law.
Drug paraphernalia: Items like scales, baggies, or cutting tools can support trafficking charges.
Drug packaging materials: Packaging materials associated with the distribution of drugs may also result in trafficking charges.
Weapons or large amounts of cash: The presence of weapons or large sums of cash can strengthen the prosecution’s case for trafficking.
Incriminating communications: Texts, emails, or wiretaps mentioning drug sales can contribute to trafficking charges.

Legal Implications of Drug Crimes in Texas

Drug crimes in Texas, including trafficking, are treated seriously and carry severe consequences. These crimes can affect your future and professional life. Aside from the legal penalties—fines, probation, or prison time—those convicted of drug trafficking face challenges obtaining housing, student loans, and employment. In some cases, professional licenses may be jeopardized, and a criminal record can damage personal and professional reputations.

Consequences of Texas Drug Crime Convictions

The consequences of a drug trafficking conviction can be life-altering. Penalties range from probation to lengthy prison sentences, especially when large quantities of drugs are involved. Beyond legal penalties, drug convictions can affect careers, education, and housing opportunities. Individuals convicted of drug crimes often find it challenging to regain employment or pursue academic goals, and professional licenses can be lost.

Different Penalty Groups for Texas Drug Crimes

In Texas, controlled substances are classified into penalty groups based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. The penalties depend on the classification of the drug involved. For example, methamphetamine falls under Penalty Group 1, and if the quantity exceeds 400 grams, the crime is charged as a first-degree felony.

When Can Texas Drug Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

In many drug trafficking cases, charges may be reduced or dismissed if law enforcement did not follow proper legal procedures, such as lacking probable cause for a search or arrest. If evidence was obtained unlawfully, it could be excluded from the case. An experienced Bryan drug trafficking lawyer can assess the facts, challenge the prosecution’s case, and identify any weaknesses that may lead to a favorable outcome.

Why is Legal Representation Vital When Facing Drug Crime Charges?

If you are facing drug trafficking charges in Bryan, TX, having skilled legal representation is critical. A knowledgeable Bryan drug trafficking attorney can protect your rights, help navigate the legal system, and build a strong defense. They will work to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate plea deals, and provide the best possible defense strategy tailored to your case.

What are Common Defense Strategies Against Drug Trafficking?

If you have been arrested or charged with drug trafficking in Texas, you must take precautionary steps because your behavior subsequently affects the outcome of your case. It is imperative that you do not speak with the police before consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney. In most drug trafficking cases, a successful defense comes from exploring and scrutinizing law enforcement actions.

One of the most crucial aspects of fighting drug trafficking charges is building a solid defense that can withstand the prosecution’s legal scrutiny.

Some of the most common defenses for arrests associated with controlled substances include:

Illegal Search and Seizure: The police did not have a legal cause to stop or search you and your vehicle. Any evidence obtained through unlawful searches can be challenged and potentially excluded.
Lack of Possession: The controlled substances were not in your possession. Demonstrating that the drugs belonged to someone else can be a viable defense.
Entrapment: Entrapment due to the involvement of a confidential informant or undercover agent. If law enforcement induced the criminal act, this defense could be effective.
Mistaken identity: If law enforcement misidentifies the wrong suspect or relies on incorrect information provided by a confidential informant.

A criminal defense attorney has the resources to conduct an independent investigation to gather new evidence that may work in your favor, interview witnesses, and scrutinize the actions taken by law enforcement. For example, if it can be proven that the police lacked probable cause to stop your vehicle or performed an illegal search, your defense attorney can argue that this evidence should be thrown out.

Furthermore, the prosecution must be able to demonstrate that you had control over the illegal substance. If the evidence shows that the drugs involved were in an area that others had easy access to, a skilled defense attorney could argue that you were not the one in possession of the controlled substances.

It is important to remember that all drug cases are different, and any defense strategies used by your attorney should be tailored to fit your needs. Contact our Bryan College Station drug trafficking lawyers today to discuss the details of your case so that we may determine what strategies fit your needs.

Does Shane Phelps Law Offer Comprehensive Legal Representation for Drug Crimes?

Anti-drug trafficking efforts are significantly intensified in Texas, where its bordering neighbor country, Mexico, has been the primary source for the importation and delivery of many illegal substances. According to the Justice Department, around $18 billion to $39 billion is made each year from drug sales in the United States by the Mexican and Colombian cartels. Cartels also operated in 1,286 U.S. cities from 2009 to 2010, five times more than the total reported in 2008.

As a result, in the name of public safety, the United States and Texas law enforcement agencies have ramped up their efforts to catch and prosecute those accused of importing or delivering illegal drugs into and throughout the state. As a result of the increase, law enforcement officials have become more aggressive, and many more individuals find themselves facing drug crime charges than ever before.

Shane Phelps Law has decades of legal experience and will fight to protect your rights and reputation. Our dedicated legal team includes a former prosecutor who understands the Texas legal system and how current prosecutors determine criminal offense charges.

Our experienced drug trafficking defense lawyers realize that good people often make poor choices that can result in permanent, life-changing consequences. When you come to us for help, we will thoroughly evaluate the prosecution’s evidence, including witness statements, surveillance videos, or the testimony of confidential informants.

If you are dealing with a drug trafficking charge, you cannot afford to hire a criminal defense lawyer who lacks the experience and skills it takes to defend your rights, freedom, and reputation. Time is of the essence for those dealing with drug crimes, and your attorney needs to get up to speed with the case as quickly as possible.

Why Should I Choose Shane Phelps Law to Defend My Rights and Reputation?

Texas is well-known for its tough stance on drug crimes, especially those that involve trafficking large quantities of controlled or illegal substances. Therefore, having an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial when facing drug crime charges. As a result, anyone facing drug trafficking charges must hire a drug trafficking lawyer who is unafraid to stand up to state prosecutors.

Shane Phelps Law boasts a proven track record in defending clients facing drug crime charges. Our experienced lawyers provide effective defense strategies tailored to each case’s specifics.

One distinct aspect that sets us apart from other law firms is that our legal team has a former prosecutor who can provide valuable insights into how Texas prosecutes drug trafficking charges. Being convicted of drug trafficking can negatively impact your freedom and prevent you from moving forward in life.

Our drug trafficking lawyers recognize that many individuals often make serious mistakes that can negatively affect them for the rest of their lives. For this reason, when you come to us for help with a drug trafficking charge, we do not make judgments but instead focus on creating legal defense strategies to help clients obtain favorable outcomes.

At Shane Phelps Law, our team of Bryan drug trafficking attorneys understands the complexities of Texas drug laws. We offer a proven track record of successfully defending clients facing drug trafficking charges, providing expert legal guidance every step of the way. If you or a loved one is facing drug trafficking charges, don’t risk navigating the legal system alone. Contact us for a free consultation today, and let our experienced team fight for your rights.

Please contact Shane Phelps Law today at 979-596-6843 for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.