A person who manufactures or delivers a controlled substance is participating in drug trafficking. Drug trafficking charges can carry heavy penalties. A drug trafficking offense can lead to expensive fines, possible incarceration, and a criminal record.
Law enforcement may be keen to charge you with drug trafficking if you possess a large quantity of drugs. A drug trafficking charge is much more serious than simple possession and can lead to felony charges. If you or someone you know has been charged with drug trafficking, it’s essential that you gain trusted legal representation now.
Drug Trafficking Attorney in Cameron County, Texas
Are you the subject of an investigation for the manufacture or delivery of illegal drugs? Have you been charged with drug trafficking in the Cameron County area? Without a strong defense, you may have to face the Texas maximum penalties. It’s important to be aware of what may happen next. Contact Johnathan Gracia at The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. for a strong defense today.
Johnathan Gracia is a defense attorney who has a passion for preserving people’s rights. Every person has the right to a fair trial and a strong defense. Attorney Garcia wants to provide that for you. Call Johnathan Gracia at 956-504-2211 for a free consultation now.
The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. defends those accused of drug trafficking in Cameron County area and surrounding counties including Willacy County and Hidalgo County.
Call us now at 956-504-2211 for a free consultation now.
Overview of Drug Trafficking in Texas
- Texas Penalty Groups
- Penalties for Penalty Group 3 & 4
- Penalties for Penalty Group 2 & 2-A
- Penalties for LSD
- Penalties for Penalty Group 1
- Penalties for Trafficking Marijuana
- Additional Resources
Penalty Groups in Cameron County, Texas
Controlled substances are categorized into penalty groups based on severity and medical usage. In Texas there are five penalty groups, and the lower the number the higher the risk of abuse is for that drug. Drug trafficking penalties are highly reliant on the penalty group of the illegal substances found or possessed. Below are the five penalty groups listed under the Texas Controlled Substance Act:
- Penalty Group 4 – All drugs under penalty group 4 are safe to use and consume. Most controlled substances in penalty group 4 can be used medicinally. The majority of penalty group 4 drugs are based on the amount of the controlled substance. Some drugs under penalty group 4 include ethylmorphine, codeine, and diphenoxylate.
- Penalty Group 3 – Drugs in penalty group 3 can be used for medical purposes but can be dangerous to some degree. Some controlled substances included in penalty group 3 include Tramadol, Barbital, and Alprazolam.
- Penalty Group 2 and 2-A – The controlled substances in penalty group 2 and 2-A are considered to have a higher risk for addiction. The majority of the drugs in penalty group 2 or 2-A do not have a medical purpose. A few examples of penalty group 2 or 2-A drugs include MDMA, synthetic THC, mescaline, and phenylacetone.
- Penalty Group 1-A – Penalty group 1-A is only composed of the drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). It’s considered a serious drug that can have lasting long and short-term effects and serves no use in the medical field.
- Penalty Group 1 – The drugs in penalty group 1 have a high risk of chemical dependency. Not a single controlled substance in penalty group 1 has a medicinal use. Some examples of penalty group 1 drugs include oxycodone, ketamine, marijuana, and methadone.
Texas Penalties for Trafficking a Penalty Group 3 & 4 Controlled Substance
The following chart outlines the maximum penalties for those convicted for delivering or manufacturing a penalty group 4 drug:
Penalty Group |
Sentence |
Weight (Grams) |
Prison Term |
Maximum Fine |
Group 3 or 4 |
State Jail Felony |
Under 28 grams |
180 Days – 2 Years |
Up to $10,000 |
|
Second-Degree Felony |
28 to 200 grams |
2 to 20 years |
Up to $10,000 |
First-Degree Felony |
200 to 400 grams |
5 to 99 years |
Up to $10,000 |
|
First-Degree Felony |
Over 400 grams |
10 to 99 years |
Up to $100,000 |
Texas Penalties for Trafficking a Penalty 2 or 2-A Group Controlled Substance
The legal penalties for delivering or manufacturing a penalty group 2 or 2-A drug are listed in the chart below.
Penalty Group |
Sentence |
Weight (Grams) |
Prison Term |
Maximum Fine |
Group 2 or 2-A |
State Jail Felony |
Under 1 grams |
180 days – 2 years |
Up to $10,000 |
|
Second-Degree Felony |
1 to 4 grams |
2 to 20 years |
Up to $10,000 |
First-Degree Felony |
4 to 400 grams |
5 to 99 years |
Up to $10,000 |
|
First-Degree Felony |
Over 400 grams |
10 to 99 years |
Up to $100,000 |
Texas Penalties for Trafficking LSD
In Texas, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is the only substance that makes up penalty group 1-A. LSD is not measured in grams, but units since the drug is normally taken in unit tabs.
The following chart establishes the maximum penalties for trafficking LSD in the state of Texas.
Penalty Group |
Sentence |
Units |
Prison Term |
Maximum Fine |
Group 1-A |
State Jail Felony |
Under 20 units |
180 days – 2 years |
Up to $10,000 |
|
Second-Degree Felony |
20 to 80 units |
2 to 20 years |
Up to $10,000 |
First-Degree Felony |
80 to 4,000 units |
5 to 99 years |
Up to $10,000 |
|
First-Degree Felony |
Over 4,000 units |
15 to 99 years |
Up to $250,000 |
Texas Penalties for Manufacturing or Delivering a Penalty Group 1 Drug
The following chart outlines the maximum penalties for those convicted of trafficking a penalty group 1 drug in Texas.
Penalty Group |
Sentence |
Weight (Grams) |
Prison Term |
Maximum Fine |
Group 1 |
State Jail Felony |
Under 1 gram |
180 days – 2 years |
Up to $10,000 |
|
Second-Degree Felony |
1 to 4 grams |
2 to 20 years |
Up to $10,000 |
First-Degree Felony |
4 to 200 grams |
5 to 99 years |
Up to $10,000 |
|
First-Degree Felony |
200 to 400 grams |
10 to 99 years |
Up to $100,000 |
|
First-Degree Felony |
Over 400 grams |
15 to 99 years |
Up to $250,000 |
Texas Penalties for Trafficking Marijuana
It’s a crime to manufacture or deliver marijuana in the state of Texas. Even if there is nothing of value exchanged in the transaction, the act is still considered a crime. If a person does not receive any benefit from delivering marijuana, he or she will face a Class B misdemeanor.
The maximum penalties in Texas for delivering marijuana include:
Penalty Group |
Sentence |
Weight |
Prison Term |
Maximum Fine |
Marijuana |
Class B Misdemeanor |
1/4 oz or less; |
Up to 180 days |
Up to $2,000 |
|
Class A Misdemeanor |
Under 1/4 oz; |
Up to 12 months |
Up to $4,000 |
State Jail Felony |
1/4 oz to 5 lbs |
180 days to 2 years |
Up to $10,000 |
|
Second-Degree Felony |
5 to 50 lbs |
2 to 20 years |
Up to $10,000 |
|
First-Degree Felony |
50 to 2,000 lbs |
5 to 99 years |
Up to $10,000 |
|
Capital Felony |
Over 2,000 lbs |
10 to 99 years |
Up to $100,000 |
Additional Resources
Texas Drug Laws – Visit the official website for the Texas Penal Code and find more information regarding drug offenses. Learn the elements of a drug trafficking offense, the penalties for those convicted, and possible admissible defenses in court.
Drug Market Analysis – Visit a collection of data and statistics regarding drug trafficking in the Houston area provided by the National Drug Intelligence Center. Find more information surrounding the Texas drug market, how popular drugs are produced, areas that are hot spots for drug distribution and more.
Texas Lawyer for Drug Trafficking in Cameron County
Have you been arrested for delivering or manufacturing drugs in the Harris County area? A drug trafficking offense can lead to felony charges. Those convicted of distributing drugs may be forced to pay expensive fines and even face incarceration.
Attorney Johnathan Gracia is a distinguished attorney with years of experience in Texas legal system. He understands the intricacies of drug trafficking charges. With Jonathan Gracia’s knowledge and resources, he can mount a strong defense for you. Get ahead of your charges now with The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. .
The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. represents clients throughout all parts of Cameron County and surrounding counties including Hidalgo County and Willacy County.
Call us now at 956-504-2211 for a free consultation today.
This article was last updated on November 5, 2018.