San Antonio Possession of a Controlled Substance Attorney
Experienced Attorneys for Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS) in San Antonio, Texas
Pursuant to the Texas Health and Safety Code, it is a criminal offense to possess a controlled substance, unless the substance is obtained through a valid prescription or is otherwise authorized by law. Controlled substances are classified into penalty groups, with each group carrying different criminal penalties for possession.
Penalty Group 1 – includes drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, oxycodone, methodone and heroin.
Penalty Group 1-A – includes drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and other hallucinogens.
Penalty Group 1-B – includes fentanyl, alpha-methylfentanyl, and any other derivative of fentanyl.
Penalty Group 2 – includes drugs such as Ecstasy and other synthetic drugs.
Penalty Group 2-A – includes derivatives of cannabinol.
Penalty Group 3 – includes many benzodiazepines and sedatives including drugs such as Valium, hydrocodone, and Xanax.
Penalty Group 4 – includes drugs such as Darvocet, morphine, and other prescription medications.
These penalties apply solely to the possession of a controlled substance and do not account for any additional charges, such as possession with intent to distribute, which may be added depending on the case’s circumstances.
If you’re facing a controlled substance possession charge in San Antonio, seeking guidance from an experienced San Antonio possession of a controlled substance attorney is essential. A skilled lawyer can help you understand the specifics of the charges and work to protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Penalties for Possession of a Controlled Substance in Texas
PENALTY GROUP 1 or 1-B
- Less than 1 gram – State Jail Felony
- More than 1 gram and less than 4 grams — Third-Degree Felony
- More than 4 grams and less than 200 grams — Second-Degree Felony
- More than 200 grams and less than 400 grams — First-Degree Felony
- 400 grams or more — Super Felony punishable by 10-99 years in prison, a fine up to $100,000, or both
PENALTY GROUP 1-A
Because this group deals exclusively with LSD, the penalties are separated into “dosage units”
- Less than 20 units— State Jail Felony
- More than 20 units and less than 80 units— Third-Degree Felony
- More than 80 units and less than 4,000 units— Second-Degree Felony
- More than 4,000 and less than 8,00 units— First-Degree Felony
- 8,000 or more units – Super Felony punishable by 15-99 years in prison, fine up to $250,000, or both.
PENALTY GROUP 2
- Less than 1 gram— State Jail Felony
- More than 1 gram and less than 4 grams— Third-Degree Felony
- More than 4 grams and less than 400 grams— Second-Degree Felony
- 400 grams or more— First-Degree Felony with a fine enhanced up to $50,000
PENALTY GROUP 2-A
- 2 ounces or less — Class B Misdemeanor
- 4 ounces or less but more than 2 ounces— Class A Misdemeanor
- 5 pounds or less but more than 4 ounces — State Jail Felony
- 50 pounds or less but more than 5 pounds — Third-Degree Felony
- 2,000 pounds or less but more than 50 pounds — Second-Degree Felony
- More than 2,000 pounds — First-Degree Felony with a fine enhanced up to $50,000
PENALTY GROUP 3
- Less than 28 grams— Class A Misdemeanor
- More than 28 grams and less than 200 grams— Third-Degree Felony
- More than 200 grams and less than 400 grams— Second Degree Felony
- 400 grams or more— First-Degree Felony with a fine enhanced up to $50,000
PENALTY GROUP 4
- Less than 28 grams— Class B Misdemeanor
- More than 28 grams and less than 200 grams— Third-Degree Felony
- More than 200 grams and less than 400 grams— Second Degree Felony
- 400 grams or more— First-Degree Felony with a fine enhanced up to $50,000
Search and Seizure Issues Relating to Drug Crimes
Search and seizure issues are common in arrests for drug crimes in Texas, as law enforcement officers must often rely on searches and seizures to gather evidence in these cases. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government, and this protection extends to drug crime cases.
One common search and seizure issue in drug cases is the use of warrantless searches. In general, law enforcement officers must obtain a search warrant before conducting a search, unless they have probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime will be found and there are exigent circumstances that make it impractical to obtain a warrant. However, there are exceptions to the warrant requirement, such as searches conducted incident to a lawful arrest, searches of vehicles, and searches of areas within the immediate control of the suspect.
One such exception is the automobile exception to the warrant requirement, which allows law enforcement officers to search a vehicle without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe that the vehicle contains evidence of a crime. This exception is based on the idea that vehicles are mobile and may be driven away before a warrant can be obtained, and that there is a reduced expectation of privacy in a vehicle.
Another search and seizure issue that may arise in drug cases is the use of “drug-sniffing” dogs. The use of drug-sniffing dogs has been found to be constitutional, as long as the dog is trained and reliable and the search is not excessively intrusive. However, if the dog gives a false alert or the search is otherwise unreasonable, the evidence discovered as a result of the search may be suppressed.
Drug crimes may also be discovered during a traffic stop. If an officer has probable cause to believe that a traffic violation has occurred, he or she may stop the vehicle and conduct a brief investigation. If the officer observes evidence of a drug crime during the stop, he or she may search the vehicle or arrest the suspect.
A “whisper stop” is a type of traffic stop in which an officer follows a vehicle and waits for it to commit a minor traffic violation, such as failing to signal a turn, before initiating the stop. Usually, the officer has received a tip from an informant that the vehicle is carrying large amounts of cash or drugs. This tactic allows the officer to stop the vehicle without alerting the occupants to the true purpose of the stop.
If an officer cannot or does not properly state his reasonable suspicion that he used to stop the vehicle, any search of the vehicle or its occupants could be suppressed from evidence and excluded from the trial.
If you have been arrested for a drug crime in Texas and believe that your Fourth Amendment rights have been violated, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you understand your rights and options. A San Antonio possession of a controlled substance attorney can review the circumstances of your case and determine if any search and seizure issues may be raised as a defense.
Common Defenses to Possession of a Controlled Substance in San Antonio, Texas
Here are some common defenses to possession of a controlled substance:
Lack of knowledge: In order to be convicted of possession of a controlled substance, the prosecution must prove that the defendant knew that the substance was present and that it was a controlled substance. If the defendant can show that he or she was unaware of the presence of the substance, or that he or she believed the substance to be something else, this may be a valid defense.
Lack of control: Possession requires both knowledge of the controlled substance and control over it. If the defendant can show that he or she did not have control over the location where the controlled substance was found, or that someone else had equal access to the area, this may be a valid defense.
Medical necessity: If the defendant had a valid prescription for the controlled substance or was using the substance for a legitimate medical purpose, this may be a defense to possession charges.
Entrapment: If the defendant can show that he or she was induced or persuaded by law enforcement to possess the controlled substance, this may be a defense to possession charges.
“Those aren’t my pants”: In some cases, a defendant may be charged with possession of a controlled substance that was found in a location where multiple people had access, such as a shared living space or a vehicle. If the defendant can show that the controlled substance was not his or hers and that he or she had no knowledge of it, this may be a valid defense.
It is important to note that these defenses may not be applicable in all cases, and it is important to speak with an skilled San Antonio possession of a controlled substance lawyer to determine the best defense strategy for your case.
Contact our San Antonio Possession of a Controlled Substance Lawyers Today
If you’ve been charged with possession of a controlled substance in San Antonio, Texas, it’s essential to consult an experienced and qualified San Antonio possession defense attorney. Board-certified criminal defense attorney Brad Thornton is an outstanding choice for individuals facing these charges.
As a former chief prosecutor, Brad Thornton brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of the strategies prosecutors use in possession cases. His extensive experience has equipped him to successfully defend numerous clients, utilizing strategies tailored to challenge the prosecution’s approach and effectively protect his clients’ rights.
Brad Thornton’s board certification in criminal defense—a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of Texas attorneys—demonstrates his commitment to excellence. This certification requires a strong record of success, rigorous examination, and continued legal education, underscoring his expertise and dedication.
If you’re facing a controlled substance possession charge in San Antonio, contact Brad Thornton for a free consultation. He’ll listen to your side, offer an honest assessment, and help you make informed decisions about your defense, working toward the best possible outcome in your case.