Possession of a Controlled Substance

If you are facing a charge for Possession of a Controlled Substance in Dallas, Texas, you need an assertive Dallas drug lawyer who can aggressively defend your rights and make sure you know your legal choices.  Why?  Because a possession charge can be confusing, and a conviction can be life-changing.

A person commits Possession of a Controlled Substance by intentionally or knowingly possessing a controlled substance.  Possession means that you have the drugs in your care, custody, control, or management, not necessarily that you own them.  What do this mean?  It doesn’t matter if you don’t own the drugs – if you “possess” them, that is enough for the State to bring a charge against you.  For example, if a person has ecstasy in their pocket, purse, backpack, or car, that would be enough for a Possession of a Controlled Substance charge.

Punishment Range

The punishment range for Possession of a Controlled Substance can range from a state jail felony to a first degree felony.  The punishment depends on the substance’s weight, including adulterants and dilutants.  For example, any detectable amount of drugs under 1 gram is a state jail felony (between 6 mo. – 2 years in state jail and up to a $10,000 fine), while possession between 1-4 grams is a 3^rd degree felony (between 2-10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine).  See the attached chart for the punishment range break-down.

But realize that if the prosecutor adds Intent to Deliver to the charge, the punishment will increase by one degree (making a third degree a second degree, and so on).

About Chad West

Experienced Dallas Controlled Substance Attorney

Dallas Controlled Substance Lawyer Chad West has built his reputation on a law practice that aggressively represents criminal defendants.  Both the prosecutors Chad West argues against and the judges he argues in front of know him as a passionate yet ethical advocate who strives to protect his clients’ legal rights.

From his offices in Dallas, Texas and Fort Worth, Texas, Dallas Controlled Substance Attorney Chad West provides committed representation to people accused of serious crimes.  Chad West represents clients in Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and Dallas counties, including throughout Richardson, Plano, Addison, Mesquite, Garland, Highland Park, University Park, Farmers Branch, Southlake, Grand Prairie, Irving, Denton, Frisco, Allen, Carrollton, Duncanville, Waxahachie, The Colony, Rockwall, Cedar Hill, Desoto, and Oak Cliff.

If you are facing a Possession of a Controlled Substance case in Dallas or Fort Worth, call or email now to speak to Dallas drug lawyer Chad West.