Drug Crime Lawyers

All across America, the U.S. government continues to wage its war on drugs, with state and federal drug enforcement agencies being especially active in Texas. Determined to show results, they have been known to prosecute innocent parties or apply harsher penalties in cases that don’t warrant them.

The criminal defense lawyers at Hunter, Lane, & Jampala PLLC provide strong and strategic defense against ambitious prosecutors, overzealous police officers, and the heightened penalties they often impose on defendants arrested for drug crimes. With these agencies having a wide variety of powerful resources available to pursue a case against you, you deserve a San Antonio drug crime defense attorney who’s equally determined to fight for your rights.

Hunter, Lane, & Jampala PLLC handles all types of drug crimes, from possessing small amounts of marijuana to transporting kilos of heroin across borders. Our firm also defends against the more unconventional ways that drug offenses are prosecuted, such as prosecutions for: 

• Money laundering
  
• Structuring of financial transactions
• Importation of precursor chemicals needed to manufacture drugs

If you’ve been arrested or believe you are about to be, any delay in securing counsel can be critical. Before you make any statement to the police, call a drug crime defense attorney at (210) 202-1076. 

Penalties for Drug Crimes in Texas

The penalty for drug trafficking or possession of narcotics, such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, can range from months in county jail to decades in prison, along with fines totaling thousands of dollars. If you are convicted of a drug offense, the outcome can vary depending on how much drug was involved, how that drug was scheduled or classified, and whether or not you were charged with related crimes such as conspiracy.

For example:

• For manufacturing under one gram of cocaine, the Texas Health and Safety Code allows fines up to $10,000 and jail terms up to two years. Cocaine manufacturing totaling over 400 grams is punishable by a $250,000 fine and/or 15 to 99 years in prison.
• Even a misdemeanor charge of possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana can result in a jail term of up to six months, a fine of $1,000, and/or a two-year suspension of your driving privileges.

Anyone investigated for a drug crime will also potentially face civil asset forfeiture, which could result in the loss of your residence, vehicle, or other valuable property.

Both Texas and federal laws can be used to prosecute anyone caught manufacturing or distributing illegal drugs. Like Texas’s Controlled Substances Act, the federal Controlled Substances Act categorizes drugs into different categories and imposes different penalties for each category. For instance, trafficking five or more kilograms of cocaine (a Schedule I drug) can result in up to 10 years in prison and as much as $100,000 in fines for a first offense conviction.

Defenses Against Drug Crimes in Texas

During drug investigations, law enforcement often makes procedural mistakes or violates a defendant’s rights. A skilled and knowledgeable lawyer at Hunter, Lane, & Jampala PLLC can ensure that any missteps or instances of overreaching are exposed and presented in your favor.

There are many ways to defend against drug charges in court or to build a strong case for plea negotiations or dismissal. For example:

• As drug transactions often take place at night, it is quite possible to misidentify a suspect or misunderstand what is happening. 
• Drug transaction witnesses may also be involved in the drug trade, have a vested interest in a particular arrest or be unreliable in some other way.

There may be defenses available even when drugs are found in your possession. The Constitution prohibits searches of your person, belongings, home, or car unless there is a solid legal basis for doing so. In cases arising from unlawful searches, a drug crime defense attorney can often suppress evidence or prevent charges from being filed in the first place.

Why Choose Hunter, Lane, & Jampala PLLC for Your Defense?

With your entire future on the line, you must have an experienced drug defense lawyer on your side. The skilled lawyers at Hunter, Lane & Jampala PLLC focus exclusively on criminal defense and handle all varieties of drug cases, including obtaining, possessing, manufacturing, trafficking, and selling controlled substances such as:

• Cocaine
• Crack
• Ecstasy
• Heroin
• Marijuana
• Methamphetamine
• Prescription drugs

As seasoned drug crime defense attorneys, we understand all facets of the criminal justice system and have handled hundreds of cases in both Texas state and federal courts. We are also aggressive advocates who know the police officers, prosecutors, and judges throughout Bexar County and Texas courts and use our negotiating skills for a better outcome. If you have been arrested for drug possession, manufacturing, or trafficking, we invite you to contact us for a free consultation.

FAQS

What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for a Drug Offense?

An arrest for a drug crime can be a traumatic experience, but taking these recommended steps during the process can help your case later on.

• • Remain Calm: When a police officer handcuffs you, you may experience frustration, fear, and anger. In this situation, allowing your feelings to get the better of you could hurt you. Trying to stop the arrest can result in obstruction or resisting charges. Simply, ask the officer if you are being detained or if you are free to go. This establishes a brightline point of reference your attorney can use to help fight your case.
  • Remain Silent: Any time you interact with the police, you’re only required to provide personal identifying information. Any other questions, specifically questions that bear on the facts surrounding your detainment, crimes the officer may be investigating, or criminal offenses you may be currently in violation of should be responded to with the statement, “I invoke my 5th Amendment right to remain silent and I wish to speak to an attorney”. Anything you say can be used against you as evidence.

• Contact an Attorney: During the arrest process, you have a right to legal representation. An attorney can assist you when you’re interrogated by the police, as alluded to above. You will get guidance on how to answer questions or even whether you should answer at all.

• Prepare for Your Defense: After retaining legal representation, you can begin planning your defense. Your drug crime attorney needs to know everything that led to your arrest. You may be able to suppress evidence in your case if law enforcement officers violated your rights.

By hiring Hunter, Lane, & Jampala PLLC, you get an advocate with the knowledge and experience to defend you. We are proud of the quality of criminal defense we provide to all our clients. Don’t trust an inexperienced or cheap lawyer: ensure that your case is handled by a strong and capable lawyer who cares about your future.

Are There Alternatives to Jail in a Texas Drug Case?

Yes, but certain conditions apply. Instead of imposing a fine or incarcerating a defendant convicted of a misdemeanor, the judge may send him or her to a treatment facility for up to 90 days. This authority can only be exercised by the court if:

• It was a Class A or B misdemeanor conviction;
• Chemical dependency contributed to the offense;
• Treatment is available at an approved facility;
• A facility agrees to admit the defendant; and
• The defendant is not mentally ill.

Other options include:

• Electronic Monitoring: The court can allow a defendant to serve part or all of their jail sentence under house arrest. In such a case, the defendant is monitored electronically rather than serving time in prison.
• Work Release: For those sentenced to jail, courts can authorize the time to be served during non-working hours. A judge may impose certain conditions, such as hours of release during the working day.
• Community Service: Instead of serving part or all of a jail sentence, a judge may order the defendant to perform community service. A work release program can include community service.

Arrested for a Drug Offense? Get a San Antonio Drug Crime Defense Attorney On Your Side Now!

If you have recently been charged with a drug crime in San Antonio or any of the surrounding communities, securing experienced legal representation should be your priority.

The San Antonio drug crime defense lawyers at Hunter, Lane, & Jampala PLLC have decades of combined experience in handling a wide range of cases involving drug crimes. Trust our proven lawyers to protect your rights, freedom, and future. Our steadfast commitment to our clients, as well as our extensive legal knowledge and experience, allow us to consistently build our clients the most vigorous possible defense so they can resolve their drug cases as favorably and efficiently as possible. To schedule a free consultation, call (210) 202-1076 or contact us online.