Texas Fentanyl Cases
In Houston and around the country, an opioid epidemic is taking lives and destroying families. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is part of this dangerous crisis. Originally designed for medical use, to help individuals cope with chronic pain, the drug is now also a lethal street drug. Even with medical use, fentanyl, which is reported to have a potency 100 times that of morphine, has caused harm to individuals, prompting personal injury suits in courts.
Because fentanyl is so potent, it is often mixed with cocaine or heroin to increase the strength of those illicit drugs. Prosecutors take possession of both fentanyl itself and substances that are fentanyl-laced seriously. Penalties can be extremely harsh. If you or someone you care about was arrested when fentanyl was found in their Texas vehicle, bring your case to the attention of a Houston DWI drug defense lawyer.
Penalty Group 1 Drugs and Possible Defenses
Fentanyl is a penalty group 1 drug, along with codeine, oxycodone, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other illicit substances. While possession of any of the drugs in penalty group 1 can lead to harsh consequences, how much of the substance you have on your person will make a big difference in the penalties you will face.
Possession means you had control of the drug at the time of the arrest, but if you had a large amount of the drug, you could be facing distribution or trafficking charges. Fentanyl has high abuse potential and convicted traffickers may be required to spend many years or life in prison and can be fined up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
What defense is possible for you will depend on a variety of factors. For example, your attorney may assert that there was not enough evidence to arrest you in the first place and the charges should be dismissed. Or, if that is not an option, your lawyer could challenge the prosecutor to prove you actually were in possession of the drug, maybe the fentanyl belonged to a friend or roommate. Additionally, questioning the amount of the drug recorded could lead to a lesser charge.
When a prosecutor’s case is secure, your lawyer can negotiate through plea bargains. Through negotiation it may be possible to obtain a less severe consequence in exchange for your admission of guilt.
Call a Texas Drug Defense Attorney Right Away
The sooner you call a Houston DWI drug defense lawyer, the stronger the defense can be as your attorney can get to work without delay.
Could you use legal guidance after a Texas drug arrest? Whether you were charged with possession and are worried about losing your drivers’ licenses or you were arrested for distribution and fear incarceration, a dedicated Texas defense lawyer can help. Bring the details of your case to the attention of a veteran drug defense lawyer, talk to the legal team at Ayson Law Firm. After our attorneys compassionately listen to your story, defense strategies can be explored. Contact us today for a free consultation.