Drug Crimes
» Print This PageDrug Crimes – Arrested or Charged for Illegal Drugs in Texas under State or Federal Law
Texas is a large state with a long, southern border with the nation of Mexico, and most people are aware that drugs are a big money-making venture here in the Lone Star State. In January 2013, newly elected Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto announced that there were 60 to 80 drug cartels operating in his country and that his administration would be targeting not the cartel leaders, as in times past, but instead those involved with the trafficking of the drugs through Mexico and beyond. Meanwhile, both Texas law enforcement and the federal government are actively enforcing drug trafficking laws here – and people can face arrest under either Texas laws or federal statutes for allegations of drug manufacture, drug distribution, and/or drug sales. North Texas has been designated a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, one of a handful nationwide, by the Office of National Drug Control which brings a special federal investigatory focus to the Dallas – Fort Worth area. According to the ONDC the following counties compose the North Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Henderson, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Lubbock, Navarro, Parker, Rockwall, Smith, and Tarrant. The North Texas HIDTA: … is a national distribution center for illicit drugs due to its transportation and financial infrastructures and its proximity to Mexico. Ice methamphetamine is the principal drug threat. Mexican DTOs are the primary suppliers of wholesale quantities of methamphetamine, powder cocaine, commercial grade marijuana, and black tar heroin in the area. The DTOs use “cell heads” in Dallas to manage the wholesale narcotic distribution within individual markets.
Drug Crimes in Texas
What law will apply to your situation, if you are facing charges of a drug crime in Texas, is what law enforcement organization has arrested and charged you with committing a crime. People can face serious drug crime charges with severe punishments upon conviction under either federal statute or state law for things like:
- The intent to sell illegal drugs / controlled substances
- The sale of an illegal drug or controlled substance
- The intent to manufacture illegal drugs / controlled substances
- The manufacture of an illegal drug or controlled substance
- The intent to distribute illegal drugs / controlled substances
- The distribution of an illegal drug or controlled substance
- Possession of an illegal drug or controlled substance
- The intent to import illegal drugs or controlled substances
- Importing illegal drugs or controlled substances
- The intent to traffic illegal drugs or controlled substances
- Trafficking of an illegal drug or controlled substance
- Cultivation of illegal drugs
- Conspiracies to do any of the above
- Possession or sale of drug paraphernalia
Drug crimes can be even more serious (with significantly higher punishments in jail time) when certain conditions exist, including:
- Proximity to School
- Proximity to Church
- Driving While Intoxicated
- Connected to White Collar Crimes (for example, Health Care Fraud or Money Laundering)
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What Drugs are Illegal / What are the Drugs in Drug Crimes?
Drugs can form the basis of a drug arrest when they have been designated as an illegal drug by law (passed by either the Texas Legislature or U.S. Congress) or when they are a legal drug but are being misused in some way, as in popular prescription drugs like Vicodin or Percocet. Illegal Drugs or Controlled Substances under Texas Law or Federal Statute as Drug Crimes include:
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Bath Salts
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Depressants
- Dextromethorphan (DXM)
- Ecstacy
- GHB
- Hallucinogens
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Inhalants
- K2 or Spice
- Ketamine
- Khat
- Kratom
- LSD
- Marijuana
- Mescaline
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Morphine
- Narcotics
- Opium
- Oxycodone
- PCP
- Peyote
- Steroids (anabolic)
- Stimulants
Prescription Drugs Used Without Provider Authorization or Approval as Drug Crimes:
- Barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, Phenobarbital)
- Benzodiazepines (Ativan, Halcion, Librium, Valium, Xanax)
- Sleep Medications (Ambien (zolpidem), Sonata (zaleplon), Lunesta (eszopiclone))
Drug Crimes Defenses by Experienced Texas Drug Crimes Lawyer
Texas Board Certified Criminal Defense Drug Crimes Lawyer Michael Lowe began his law career as a prosecutor, working for several years at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office where he became a top level drug crime prosecutor. Before leaving the District Attorney’s Office to start his independent law practice as a Texas criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Lowe was given the responsibility by the current Dallas County D.A. with prosecuting and taking to trial charges that had been made against many high level drug traffickers in the Organized Crime Division. This gives his criminal defense clients the advantage of Mr. Lowe’s unique understanding of how the prosecution works as he now fights for his client’s defense. Today, Mr. Lowe represents clients facing drug crimes charges all over the State of Texas, particularly in cases involving marijuana possession, distribution, and/or sale as well as situations of drug trafficking.
ARTICLE: Top 10 Things to Know about Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance
What if you are charged with Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance? You NEED to read Mr. Lowe’s Top 10 Things to Know about Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance before you talk to any lawyer. This information might prevent you from losing years of your life in a State Penitentiary, another War on Drugs Victim.
MUST WATCH: How to Avoid Trouble With Police When Pulled Over
Mr. Lowe put together a detailed guide to individuals stopped by police while traveling through Texas on the highway.
Listen as Michael Lowe explains how to protect yourself in a traffic stop in his YouTube video, “How to Avoid Trouble When Pulled Over by State Troopers.”
Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer for Texas and Federal Drug Crimes
As a former prosecutor turned criminal defense lawyer with over 150 jury trials defending clients against charges brought by district attorneys and U.S. federal prosecutors in Dallas County, Tarrant County, and elsewhere in the State of Texas, Board Certified Criminal Lawyer Michael Lowe not only brings his years of experience to each case, he also dedicates 100% of his law practice to the defense of those being accused of a crime under Texas or federal law. With a streamlined law firm that coordinates its efforts to give each client the personal attention that they need and deserve when fighting against the government and the possibility of jail time, fines, permanent marks on public records, prison incarceration, loss of licensure, loss of jobs, absence from family events and everyday living, Michael Lowe maintains an efficient and excellent criminal trial practice that is ready to help you or your loved ones in your defense against criminal charges from pre-arrest investigation to post-trial appeals. To discuss your case in a free and completely confidential consultation, please contact Dallas Board Certified Criminal Lawyer Michael Lowe today.