Fort Worth Intent to Distribute Lawyer

Tarrant County Intent to Distribute Attorney Serving Texas

While a simple drug possession charge can be damaging enough, the stakes are much higher when you are charged with the intent to distribute. If you have been accused of this felony, it means the prosecution believes you are a drug dealer rather than simply a drug user. The circumstances that can lead to this type of accusation are not always cut-and-dry. Often, these charges are based simply on the quantity of the drug involved.

The Dameron Law Firm is very familiar with the tactics prosecutors may use in these cases. Proving a person's intent can be legally complicated, as it requires a subjective look into what they were planning to do. Our firm will conduct a thorough review of all the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest in an effort to build the strongest possible defense.

Texas Defense Lawyer for Intent to Distribute All Groups of Controlled Substances

The Texas Controlled Substances Act sorts controlled substances into several groups based generally on the drug's potential for abuse and the perceived level of harm associated with it. The level of the offense and the potential penalties you could be facing depend on two factors: which particular substance you were caught with, and in what amount. Groupings and penalties include:

• Group 1 - This group includes substances with the highest potential for abuse, such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Up to 200 grams can be charged as a second-degree felony. More than that and you could be facing an enhanced first-degree felony - which could trigger a life sentence.
• Group 2 - It may seem counterintuitive, but Group 2 contains hallucinogens like psilocybin (mushrooms). Up to four grams can be charged as a second-degree felony carrying a possible 20-year sentence. More than four grams becomes a first-degree felony carrying 99 years. More than 400 grams is chargeable as an enhanced first-degree felony.
• Group 3 - Prescription benzodiazepines fall into this group. They are considered to have a lower potential for abuse, but being charged with intent to distribute these substances is still quite serious. For smaller amounts, you could be charged with a state jail felony carrying a two-year sentence, but larger quantities can be an enhanced first-degree felony.
• Group 4 - Generally, prescription drugs containing lower amounts of narcotic substances are in this group. The penalty and severity of the charges are roughly in line with those attached to group 3.

Marijuana is treated slightly differently. Although cannabis remains illegal in Texas, it is considered less serious than most other drugs, and criminal charges for possession or possession with intent to distribute are likely to be less severe. However, a person may still face serious penalties in these cases, and they will need to make sure they take the correct steps to defend themselves.

Attorney in Fort Worth Building Strong Defenses for Intent to Distribute

The Dameron Law Firm employs a variety of powerful defense strategies in intent to distribute cases. Raising doubt that you actually meant to sell or deliver the drugs to another person is a common but effective way to defend against these charges. Those who are struggling with an addiction often have larger quantities of the substance they are addicted to on hand, which can cause the prosecution to mistake a user for a trafficker or even a manufacturer.

Our firm understands that things are not always as they seem in intent to distribute cases. The evidence used to bring these charges is often ambiguous, and we strive to prevent our clients from facing serious penalties based on unclear circumstances.

Call an Arlington Intent to Distribute Defense Attorney

If you are facing intent to distribute charges, The Dameron Law Firm understands the difficulty of your situation. Our firm leaves no stone unturned in our examination of every fact available that may suggest your lack of intent. Contact us online or call 817-222-0624 to arrange a free consultation.