Drugs

A drug crime is the unlawful possession, distribution, sale, or manufacture of an illegal drug. There are many drugs that are illegal in Texas including, but not limited to: cocaine, marijuana, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines (meth), ecstasy, opium, and unauthorized prescription drugs.

Drug crimes may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony offenses. Classification will depend upon the type of drug involved, the amount of the drug in possession, whether or not the person delivered or manufactured the drug, was the drug possessed or sold located in a drug free zone, was the person who bought or received the drug a minor. Additionally, if the person has a prior criminal record or if the person being charged has prior drug crime convictions, it is possible that his/her criminal charges will be enhanced.

Types of Drug Crimes

The following is a list of frequently committed drug crimes in Texas:

• Drug possession • Drug possession with intent to sell • Drug cultivation • Drug manufacturing • Drug trafficking • Drug distribution • Possession of drug paraphernalia • Prescription fraud

Any person who is convicted of a drug crime may be sentenced with jail or prison time, fines, probation, community service, driver’s license suspension and court ordered treatment programs. Additionally, the person's drug crime conviction will show up on his/her criminal record, which is accessible to the public. When a person has a drug crime conviction on his/her criminal record, it can be very difficult for him/her to obtain employment, housing, and education opportunities.