Drug Possession
Drug Possession Defense in Houston: Brazoria, Ft. Bend, Galveston, Harris & Montgomery Counties
In the Houston, Texas judicial system, many people tend to express the colloquial expression “possession is nine points of the law” to illustrate the adversity faced by defendants who are caught with illegal drugs. This phrase is believed to have originated in Scottish common law system of property claims, and it implies that it is easier to prove ownership of something if possession can be proved.
In Texas, owning drugs and having drugs can have devastating consequences for those facing criminal prosecutors. At any given time, more than 80 percent of arrests made in the Lone Star State involve suspects believed to have been in possession of controlled substances or otherwise having been caught with illegal drugs.
Owning Drugs and Trafficking Offenses
In most situations, owning drugs in Texas could result in felony criminal charges at the federal or state level. The determination of having drugs is often made in connection with another law enforcement activity, such as when motorists are pulled over for alleged traffic infractions or when police officers respond to domestic violence reports.
Criminal drug ownership arrests are sometimes based on the premise that the suspect had access to controlled substances. Although this may not be the same as having drugs; it is often prosecuted as possession. According to the Texas Penal Code being convicted of drug possession could lead to suspension of driving privileges; in some cases, the charges can be enhanced to trafficking, which can lead to years in prison and sizable fines.
Legal Defenses in Texas Drug Possession Cases
Due to the severity of drug offenses in Texas, criminal defense attorneys look at every possible angle that can help defendants. Prosecutors will often seek to enhance the charge, which calls for a strategy of minimization. The possession angle itself can be approached on the strength of the evidence and the collection methods used by the arresting officers. Other points to defend include the testing of the evidence and the validity of the arrest.
Get Assistance From an Experienced Drug Attorney Today
It can be very stressful to have Houston criminal prosecutors accuse you of owning drugs. But there is hope. If you would like more information regarding being caught with illegal drugs, then call the Law Office of Greg Tsioros at (832) 752-5972.