For many, being charged with a criminal offense for the first time can be incredibly complex and overwhelming. However, having multiple run-ins with the law can leave you in serious legal trouble. Unfortunately, many underestimate the impact a prior conviction can have on current drug offenses, which means many underestimate the severity of the consequences they can face. If you’re facing a substance-related charge and have prior offenses, you’ll want to keep reading to learn what penalties you can face and why connecting with a Houston drug crimes defense attorney is in your best interest.
Does a Prior Conviction Impact Current Drug Charges?
When you are charged with a criminal drug offense, the penalties you can face will be severe, as Texas has some of the most strict drug-related laws in the country. In many instances, the severity of the punishment is used as a means of deterring people from committing these offenses.
Not only can a prior offense impact the severity of the charges you face as prior convictions can be used against you during sentencing but your criminal record can also be used as evidence during your trial. In many instances, if you were of sound mind at the time of the first offense and it occurred less than ten years ago, it can be used against you. If the offense is a felony charge, it can be introduced to the jury regardless.
What Penalties Can I Face for a Second or Third Substance Offense?
It’s important to understand that the consequences you will face for each subsequent drug offense will be more severe with each charge. This is because you can face what’s known as enhanced penalties for repeat offenses. For example, if you are charged with a second-degree felony for a first-offense drug charge, and you repeat the same offense, you will face more severe penalties. This means instead of two to twenty years in prison, the presence of a prior felony increases the penalties to that of a first-degree felony. As such, you can now face five to ninety-nine years in prison for your crime. This continues for each prior offense.
In addition to spending time in jail, you will also find that multiple criminal convictions for drug-related offenses can have serious impacts on your life as a whole. Not only can you face serious time in jail, but you’ll also find that it can severely impact your job opportunities, child custody, and personal relationships.
At the Gonzalez Law Group, our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to assist you through these matters. We understand how overwhelming it can be to face a felony offense, which is why we will explore all avenues to help defend you. When you’re in trouble, we can help. Connect with us today to learn more.
