When you are charged with possession of cocaine, you need an experienced legal advocate on your side. Not just someone who knows the laws, but someone who knows the local courtroom players and someone willing to fight tirelessly on your behalf. You are facing serious consequences and a local criminal defense lawyer may be able to help.
Texas is notorious for having tough drug laws and stiff penalties for drug offenders. Cocaine is considered one of the more serious drugs, which means the stakes are even higher. Whether you admit to possessing the drugs or if you claim you are innocent, having an attorney on your side when you go before the judge could increase your chances of a positive outcome.
Texas Cocaine Possession – Laws & Penalties
Cocaine is classified as one of the most dangerous controlled substances under Texas law. This is due to its high potential for abuse and addictive nature. Because of this, the penalties you face are high.
Under Texas law, the penalty you face for cocaine possession is directly dependent on the amount of the drug you are caught with. The table below displays the maximum allowable penalty.
| Amount of Cocaine | Offense Classification | Penalty |
| Less than 1 gram | State jail felony | Up to 2 years in prison and $10,000 |
| 1 gram- 3.99 grams | 3rd degree felony | 2-10 yrs. in prison and $10,000 |
| 4- 199 grams | 2nd degree felony | 2- 20 yrs. in prison and $10,000 |
| 200- 399 grams | 1st degree felony | 5- 99 yrs. in prison and $10,000 |
| 400 grams + | Enhanced 1st degree felony | 10- 99 yrs. in prison and $100,000 |
As the table reflects, the sentencing possibilities are quite broad. Exactly what sentence you receive depends on a variety of factors including your criminal history, the judge and prosecutor on the case, and the details of your case.
Not all cocaine possession cases end in a conviction, however. Most end in a plea agreement or resolution within the Texas drug courts.
Drug Courts in Texas – Cocaine Possession
Texas drug courts offer offenders an alternate way of resolving their cocaine possession charges. While they aren’t available in all jurisdictions, their numbers are growing. Unlike a criminal court, the main goal of a drug court is rehabilitation.
If you take part in a drug court, you will go through a period of intense probation-like conditions. You will be required to attend drug treatment and other programs and will have to check-in with a judge on a regular basis.
Drug courts are not easy, but they can help you avoid jail time.
If you are charged with cocaine possession and in need of a local attorney, let us put you in touch with someone today.
