Houston is one of the biggest drivers of the American economy. The city houses over 2.1 million and spreads over a 600 sq. mile area. Its contribution to the national economy was $472.1 Billion in 2019, which is quite an achievement for a single city.
That economic contribution comes from many sources, as the city is home to the energy, aerospace, manufacturing, and finance industries. However, there is a large gray economy booming in the city too. This sector contributes to its downsides. Houston’s proximity to the Mexican border has made it a haven for drug trafficking and consumption in the past few years.
The state has introduced a myriad of laws to combat the drug menace within its borders. And being charged under any of those could leave a dark mark on the accused person’s life. A Houston drug crime lawyer is the best recourse available for any such person to fight against drug crime charges levied on them.
Fighting Against the Law’s Drug-Arrest Addiction
In their efforts to prevent all sorts of drug-related crimes, law enforcement officials in the city tend to go overboard with charging and arresting people for them. The victim may often be unaware of the exact nature and details regarding their arrest. A Houston drug crime lawyer can understand the circumstances surrounding such action. They can help you fight for justice while helping you understand your situation.
Violent Crimes Under Influence
There is high vigilance to stop the inflow and abuse of drugs in the city, including Marijuana. It may also happen while trafficking such substances. The common types of violent crimes that occur under the influence of drugs are:
- Murder
- Violent Rape
- Robbery
- Aggravated Assault
Getting charged under any of these laws means years of jail time and your name going on the record permanently. Your lawyer can work out the charges’ details and come up with a solution to defend you in court.
Possession Charges
Possession of drugs falls under the category of drug crimes too. Depending on the severity of the charges, you could very well walk free with just a fine or have your sentence reduced.
If you possess drugs with distribution intentions, you will invite charges under the class A misdemeanor offense category. If you only possess intentionally, then you’ll be charged with a class B misdemeanor even for substances not listed in a penalty group.
You could also invite civil charges for damages caused while under the influence of possessed drugs.
Your hired attorney will go through the following steps to help you with your drug possession charges:
- All evidence about the case is collected to build the best defensive case possible in your favor.
- A decision about whether or not a plea negotiation is valid in your case gets made. There, the prosecutor scrutinizes the evidence and decides if a dismissal, a suppressed hearing, a plead-out, or a trial is what the case warrants.
- In case a trial occurs, your lawyer will follow through and fight for your release or your sentence’s reduction in the court.
Manufacture and Trafficking
Texas’ Health and Safety Code classifies drug manufacturing and trafficking as non-violent drug crimes. A person charged under these invites state jail time. You could face civil-damage lawsuits under these if the criminal caused it under the influence of the drugs you helped manufacture or traffic.
Drugs take a toll on everyone who comes into contact with them. Those charged for drug crimes bear a stronger brunt of the law. A Houston drug crime lawyer will help ease the blow or prevent it altogether if contacted soon.