Aggressive, Experienced State And Federal Drug Crimes Defense In Texas
Are you facing drug charges involving marijuana, cocaine, crack, heroin, fentanyl, ecstasy or methamphetamine? At Vazquez Law Firm, in Austin, our lawyers use their 30 collective years of experience to defend people from a broad range of drug charges at the state and federal levels, including:
- Possession
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Cultivation or manufacturing
- Stealing prescription pads
- Trafficking
These types of offenses can be charged as misdemeanor or felony crimes, which often depend on how much of the substance the individuals have in their possession. You need an experienced drug crimes attorney to ensure that you are not overcharged with a crime you did not commit. Our lawyers know how to defend you against charges that are out of line and being used to scare you into pleading guilty, and they will stand up to the prosecution and fight for your rights. You need their tough advocacy on your side when you face drug charges of any kind.
Amber Vazquez has been named the “Queen of Acquittals” by Texas Monthly magazine. In addition, she is considered an expert in criminal defense because she is board-certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in criminal law. Joined by Megan Roper, she protects the rights of people charged with drug crimes in the Austin area.
Fentanyl Addiction And Drug Charges
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that doctors use to treat severe pain. It is highly addictive and dangerous and can cause an overdose that results in death. If you or a loved one is addicted to fentanyl and accused of a drug crime, then you need legal and medical help immediately.
Our attorneys understand that drug addiction is a serious medical issue that must be addressed alongside any legal matters resulting from addiction. They want to help you get on the path to a brighter future. In drug cases, they seek pretrial diversion for all eligible clients. Typically, this means that the individual will not be convicted of the charge they were facing. It is usually for first-time offenders charged with nonviolent crimes. If you are addicted to fentanyl or other controlled substances, our team will work to help you resolve your legal and health concerns simultaneously.
In addition, our experienced legal team represents people accused of causing death by fentanyl. This is a murder charge specifically aimed at people in Texas who cause death by supplying or distributing fentanyl.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Charges In Texas
Facing a drug charge in Texas is an overwhelming and scary experience. However, you are not alone on this journey. With early legal intervention and the right criminal defense team on your side, you can face this challenge with confidence and ample preparedness.
What is the difference between state and federal drug charges in Texas?
There are significant differences between state and federal drug charges in Texas. For instance, state drug convictions can range from misdemeanor to felony charges, with judges having the flexibility to consider the individual’s circumstances and grant alternative penalties such as probation and drug treatment programs.
Federal drug convictions are more severe and come with high fines, permanent professional barriers, mandatory jail time and no parole eligibility. Understanding these key differences is vital, as they directly affect an individual’s sentencing exposure and defense strategy.
How does Texas law distinguish between drug possession and possession with intent to distribute?
The major distinction between the two charges is based on the individual’s “intent.” In a drug possession charge, the accused has control or custody of the drugs for personal use and without evidence of an intent to distribute. The latter, however, pertains to the accused’s possession of the drugs with evidence that they had an intent to sell them to another person or group.
What should I do if the police find drugs in my car during a search?
If law enforcers find drugs in your car while you have multiple passengers inside, it may be challenging to determine which person/s were responsible for the drugs. Because you were together when the search happened, all of you may face a constructive possession charge.
This charge will depend on the nature of the search, such as where the drugs were located. If it were inside one of the passengers’ bags or pockets, they would probably be the only ones charged with constructive possession. However, if the controlled substances were located inside your car’s trunk, it is more likely that you were aware of their presence and location. This probable cause may be enough to be convicted of constructive possession in Texas.
To protect your rights and avoid self-incrimination, you must enforce your right to remain silent and hire a drug defense lawyer as soon as possible.
You Deserve Tough, Yet Compassionate, Representation
Our lawyers’ approach to criminal law may be aggressive, but they are compassionate with our clients and their families. They understand that this is a difficult time for many reasons. However, you can rely on their legal skills and fierce dedication to our clients.
Call 512-982-1075 today or send us an email to get started.