Cocaine Charges: Penalties and Defenses

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The State of Texas does not take kindly to the use of illegal drugs, and cocaine is no exception. In fact, crack cocaine is penalized exceptionally harshly, and prosecutors are often quick to bring charges. If you are facing a cocaine charge, the penalties you face are steep, and it is in your best interest to have an experienced Florence criminal defense attorney in your corner.

Cocaine Charges and Associated Penalties

If you are facing cocaine charges, they are unique to your situation and the circumstances involved. Regardless of the charge, however, the penalties, fines, and social consequences you face are severe.

Possession

In Texas, penalties related to the possession of cocaine are serious, including:

  • Possession of less than 1 gram of cocaine is what is known as a state jail felony, which can carry from 180 days to two years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.

  • Possession of 1 to 4 grams of cocaine is a third-degree felony, which can carry up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

  • Possession of from 4 to 200 grams of cocaine is a second-degree felony, which can carry up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

  • Possession of from 200 to 400 grams of cocaine is a first-degree felony, which can carry from 10 to 99 years behind bars and fines of up to $100,000.

  • Possession of more than 400 grams of cocaine is also a first-degree felony, but it can carry a sentence of from 15 years to life in prison and fines of up to $250,000.

Trafficking

Trafficking of cocaine involves the manufacture and/or delivery of the drug – including the transport, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute the cocaine. The penalties for varying amounts of cocaine mirror the severity of those for possession.

Forging Your Strongest Defense

If you are facing a cocaine charge, it is time to build and showcase your most solid defense, which can involve any (or any combination) of the following strategies:

  • Dissecting the arresting officer’s probable cause for stopping you in the first place

  • Determining whether the warrant for search and seizure of your property was obtained legally by the police

  • Sowing reasonable doubt regarding whether the cocaine even belongs to you

  • Questioning the accuracy and credibility of the police report

  • Providing a clearer picture of the situation at hand (perhaps you were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time)

Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Florence Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you are facing a cocaine charge, Brett Pritchard at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Florence, Texas, is an impressive criminal defense attorney who understands the gravity of your situation and is well-positioned to help. Your case is too important not to bring your strongest defense, so please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at (254) 781-4222 for more information about how we can help you today.

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