There are few things more damaging than being convicted of drug charges in Texas. That being said, the consequences for your charges depend on a wide array of factors, including the Penalty Group the drug you are caught with falls in. Please continue reading and speak with our Texas criminal defense attorneys to learn more about drug crimes and their penalties.
What are the different penalties for drug crimes in Texas?
There are various penalties for drug crimes in Texas, and the penalty you receive largely depends on which drug you are caught with, as well as the quantity of the drug you are caught with. The penalties for various drug crimes are broken down into different groups. Those groups are as follows:
Penalty Group 1: This group includes drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and oxycodone, and if you are caught with a Penalty Group 1 drug, you will face the following penalties:
- Less than 1 gram: This is a State Jail Felony.
- Less than 4 grams: This is a Second Degree Felony.
- More than 4 grams, but less than 200 grams: This is a First Degree Felony.
- More than 200 grams, but less than 400 grams: You may go to prison for anywhere between 10 years-life, and you may also have to face a $100,000 fine.
- More than 400 grams: You may spend anywhere between 15 years to life in prison, and you may also face a fine of up to $250,000.
Penalty Group 2: MDMA and PCP are two examples of Penalty Group 2 drugs, and if you are charged with a Penalty Group 2 possession charge, you will most likely face the following consequences:
- Less than 1 gram: This is a State Jail Felony.
- Less than 4 grams: This is a Second Degree Felony.
- More than 4 grams, but less than 200 grams: This is a First Degree Felony.
- More than 400 grams: You may spend between 10 years and life in prison, as well as face a potential $100,000 fine.
Penalty Group 3: This group largely deals with illegally possessing prescription drugs, such as alprazolam (Xanax), Valium, and Ritalin, and if you are facing prescription drug charges in Texas, you are looking at the following penalties:
- Less than 28 grams: This is a State Jail Felony.
- More than 28 grams but less than 200 grams: This is a Second Degree Felony.
- Between 200-400 grams: This is a First Degree Felony.
- More than 400 grams: You may spend between 10 years-life in prison, as well as face a potential $100,000 fine.
Penalty Group 4 includes compounds, mixtures, or preparations containing limited quantities of narcotics, and the possession of such compounds are as follows:
- Less than 28 grams: This is a State Jail Felony.
- Between 28-200 grams: This is a Second Degree Felony.
- Between 200-400 grams: This is a First Degree Felony.
- More than 400 grams: You may spend between 10 years-life in prison, as well as a potential $100,000 fine.
Contact our experienced Houston firm
We understand how challenging various legal matters can be, which is why we have dedicated ourselves to helping clients in Texas through a wide array of legal matters, including personal injury law and criminal defense. If you have sustained a serious injury or are facing criminal charges, contact the Gonzalez Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you through every step of the legal process ahead.