Cocaine Charges
Although drug cases are becoming increasingly common in the United States, they can often be quite complicated and overwhelming. A drug charge carries the potential for jail time, fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record that can interfere with future opportunities.
You’re facing a stressful and difficult situation, and you need the help of an experienced lawyer in Houston, Texas to represent you in your cocaine case.
Houston Cocaine Defense Attorney
Matt Horak has helped hundreds of clients face drug-related charges for a range of substances, including cocaine, and he can defend you against your charges. You’ll need an advocate for every step of the criminal process, and you probably have questions about the confusing procedure ahead of you.
Houston criminal defense attorney Matt Horak can explain your options clearly and help you pick the best one for your situation so that you can be confident in your situation. Those facing a charge of cocaine possession in Houston, Katy, The Woodlands, or Sugar Land can call Matt Horak at (713) 225-8000 to schedule a consultation regarding their unique situation.
Cocaine Offenses
According to the federal system for categorizing controlled substances, cocaine, sometimes called blow, coke, or crack, is considered a Schedule II drug and it is grouped under Penalty Group 1 in Texas. This means that offenses involving cocaine carry the potential for serious penalties. You can face penalties in Texas for offenses such as simple possession, but you can also be charged with a federal offense if you engaged in a crime involving a large amount of cocaine, it was transported across state of national borders, or the offense occurred in a federal building or property such as sending cocaine through the U.S. postal system.
Crimes involving cocaine can include trafficking, manufacturing, distributing or selling, and smuggling, but the most common offense is possession. If you are in possession of even a trace amount of cocaine, you can be charged with a felony, and a charge of possessing cocaine in Texas carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence.
Possession of Cocaine in Texas
Possession of a drug is defined as a person intentionally and knowingly having custody of a substance. This means that you must have consciously meant to own the drug and that you must have had knowledge of it being in your possession. A drug must have been on your person or among your belongings to be considered possessed by you. This can include your pockets or purse, or in a suitcase or glove box.
The penalties for possessing cocaine vary depending on the amount in question and your prior criminal history.
- Less than 1 gram: the offense will be considered a State Jail Felony with a minimum jail sentence of 180 days that can last up to 2 years and a possible fine of up to $10,000.
- 1-4 grams: the offense is a 3rd-degree felony with a minimum sentence of 2 years in jail. This sentence can last up to 10 years and can be accompanied by a fine of up to $10,000.
- 4-200 grams: the offense is considered a 2nd-degree felony that carries a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and an optional fine of up to $10,000.
- 200-400 grams: the offense is a 1st-degree felony which carries a minimum jail sentence of 5 years in prison that can be extended up to 99 years and can include a fine of up to $10,000.
- Over 400 grams: the offense is considered an enhanced 1st-degree felony that carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison that can be up to 99 years or life in prison and can accompany a fine of up to $10,000.
Hiring a Harris County Cocaine Lawyer
It can be difficult to understand your options when you are facing any kind of drug charges, but Houston attorney Matt Horak can help you to sort through the decisions before you and best guide you through Texas’ confusing justice system. He can minimize the stress you’re facing and get you started down the right path to protect your future.
Call Horak Law today at (713) 225-8000 to schedule a consultation and discuss your unique situation.