If you’ve been accused of a drug crime in Austin, Texas, you’re likely feeling scared and uncertain regarding what the future might have in store. When facing these charges, it is important that you understand both the nature of the crime you’ve been accused of and the schedule of the drug involved in your case. If you or someone you love has been charged with a drug crime, an experienced and skilled Austin drug crimes lawyer is here to protect your rights.
Why Rountree Law Firm for a Drug Crime Case?
For over 11 years, attorney Andrew Rountree has worked as a prosecutor in state courts and now turns his attention to criminal defense. Whether your drug case is being held at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center on West 11th Street or the US District Court on West 5th Street, he has the experience you need to fight these charges and win. While he cannot promise an outcome, he is dedicated to protecting your rights and interests no matter what.
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Common Drug Crimes in Austin
In a single year, drug crimes decreased by over 3% across the United States, yet the fact remains that an individual is arrested for drug crimes every 35 seconds. In 2023 alone, 870,000 Americans were arrested for drug charges. There are several different types of drug crimes you can be arrested for in Austin, including:
- Drug trafficking. In basic terms, drug trafficking occurs when the defendant has allegedly and knowingly delivered a controlled substance to another individual. These cases can include a large number of players and allegations of organized crime.
- Drug possession. In order to be able to prove drug possession, the prosecution must be able to prove beyond any reasonable doubt that you intentionally and knowingly possessed or had some form of control over an illegal substance or controlled drug.
- Sale of drugs. If the state prosecutors are able to prove that you both knowingly and intentionally sold illegal drugs or controlled substances, you could be seen as a threat to society, and the penalties for this crime can be severe.
- Manufacturing of drugs. This crime is defined as the production, propagation, preparation, compounding, converting, or processing of an illegal drug or controlled substance. Repackaging or relabeling substances, such as over-the-counter meds or prescription drugs, can also count as a manufacturing charge.
- Transportation of drugs. This is a severely punished offense in Texas as a way of the state trying to discourage the overall spread of drugs. If you are arrested for the transportation of drugs or illegal substances, it is crucial to hire an attorney as soon as you can.
- Importation. If you have been accused of moving large amounts of drugs across international borders, the situation could not be more serious. However, with the help of the right attorney, there is still hope for a bright future.
No matter what kind of drug crime charge you’re facing, Rountree Law Firm is here to help. We are dedicated to fighting against this charge through the use of clear evidence and strategic defense.
Schedules of Texas Drugs and Controlled Substances
When you are facing a drug charge in Texas, it is essential that you understand both the kind of charge and the schedule of the drug allegedly involved. The schedule of drugs will ultimately play into the severity of penalties you could face if successfully convicted. Drug schedules in Texas include:
- Schedule I. These drugs typically carry a high potential for abuse and have no applicable medical usage. They include substances such as LSD, heroin, and ecstasy.
- Schedule II. These drugs still carry a high potential for abuse and can include cocaine, oxycodone, and methamphetamine.
- Schedule III. These substances have a lower potential for abuse and do have some accepted medical applications. These drugs typically involve ketamine, codeine, and anabolic steroids.
- Schedule IV. These drugs have a wider range of medical uses and a very low potential for abuse and include examples like Valium, Ambien, and Xanax.
- Schedule V. While these drugs have widely accepted medical uses and a very low potential for abuse, they can still be involved in drug crimes. These substances include cough medicines with codeine and some anticonvulsant medications.
Consequences of Texas Drug Crimes
Being convicted of a drug crime in Austin can come with a wide range of penalties. Apart from the typical legal penalties one might face, such as fines, community service, drug addiction education classes, probation, and jail or prison time, you can also face a wide range of collateral consequences to your personal life. These consequences include:
- Immigration issues. For certain drug cases, you could be removed or deported from the United States if you are not yet an American citizen.
- Loss of driver’s license. In Texas, when you are convicted of drug possession, your driving privileges could be suspended, which may have serious implications for both your family life and your ability to work.
- Employment, housing, and educational impact. When seeking employment, housing, or education, a background check will likely be done, and some parties may see a drug crime conviction as a red flag, making them less likely to hire you, rent to you, or accept you into the education program.
- Loss of licenses or certifications. If you have been convicted of a drug crime in Austin, there is a very real chance that you will lose your professional license or certifications, especially if you are in the healthcare, law enforcement, or teaching field.
Experienced Legal Help You Can Trust
Hire a Drug Crimes Lawyer Today
At Rountree Law Firm, when you hire a drug crimes lawyer from our team, we are committed to defending you no matter what. We know how scary it can be, knowing you might need to attend a courtroom trial, but we’ve got your back. Hope is not lost, and with the right attorney on your side, you can face the criminal justice system with clarity and confidence. If you have been charged with a drug crime in Austin, call 512-262-8080 to schedule your initial consultation.
