In Texas, Drug Charges Carry a Lasting Stigma
Few people understand what it takes to be convicted of drug possession charges. Under Texas law, possession means that you had the drug under your care, custody or control. However, what evidence does the state need to prove those charges? The answer will come down to the specific facts of your case:
- Where were the drugs found: on your person, in your vehicle or in your home? If the drugs were not on your person, how can the police connect the drugs to you? There must be some fact linking the drugs to you.
- Did the police have a legal reason for stopping you? Police are not allowed to stop people or vehicles simply on a hunch that they might have drugs in their possession.
- Did the police have a legal reason for searching you or your vehicle? Under our system of constitutional law, police need probable cause to search you, your home or your vehicle. Without probable cause or your permission, police need a properly executed search warrant.
The experience of your lawyer can make the difference between being convicted of drug possession charges and having those charges dismissed. If you have been charged with possession or possession with intent to deliver marijuana, cocaine, meth, heroin, prescription drugs or any other controlled substance, you should contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Brazoria County criminal defense attorney Thad Davis.
Long-Term Consequences of a Drug Conviction
A drug conviction will have lasting effect on your life. In Texas, most drug charges are felonies, which means that you would bear the stigma of being a convicted felon. Anyone conducting a background check on you — an employer, a landlord or a lender — will know your criminal history and could use that information against you. A police officer pulling you over on a traffic charge will quickly find out that you have a drug conviction and could treat you differently as a result.
For more information about the effect a drug charge may have on your life: Call criminal defense lawyer Thad Davis at 866-503-1214 or fill out the contact form on this site. The Law Office of Thad Davis, PLLC is located in Lake Jackson in Brazoria County, Texas.
