If you have been charged with possession of cocaine or distribution of cocaine in Houston, Texas, contact attorney Mark Thiessen at 713.864.9000 or request a free case evaluation. We serve Houston and the surrounding areas and are available 24/7 to fight for you.
Lawyer for Possession of Cocaine in Houston
Are you or a loved one facing drug charges for possession of cocaine in Houston? Any possession charge in Texas is serious, but charges for possession of cocaine can result in particularly severe consequences not limited to steep fines, lengthy prison sentences, and significant damage to one’s personal and professional reputation. Even first-time drug possession charges in Texas are prosecuted aggressively.
As experienced drug crime lawyers, we understand the challenges that come with navigating a charge for possession of cocaine, and we know how to win drug cases. The attorneys at Thiessen Law Firm are here to help you make some tough decisions about how you want to move forward, and hopefully, help you through this difficult time.
The cocaine laws in Texas
Cocaine possession in Texas can be either a federal or a state offense depending on the amount of cocaine possessed, whether there was any intent to distribute it, and whether or not it was moved across any state lines.
Cocaine is a Schedule I drug in Texas, meaning cocaine charges come with some of the most serious punishments that Texas courts can dole out for drug possession.
You’re likely wondering how much coke is a felony in Texas, and the unfortunate answer is that ALL possession of cocaine is felony possession of cocaine in Texas. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time getting busted for half a gram or your third time getting caught with a kilo — your charge for possession of cocaine will be a felony charge.
Unlike marijuana possession in Texas, if you are caught possessing cocaine, you cannot expect any leniency from the cops or the courts. It’s you vs. them — which is why you need to bring on the best lawyer you can to fight by your side.
Possession of cocaine sentencing guidelines
According to Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.115, drug possession occurs when the accused “knowingly or intentionally possesses a controlled substance unless the person obtained the substance directly from or under a valid prescription or order from a practitioner acting in the course of professional practice.”
If you are found to have been knowingly and intentionally in possession of cocaine, the consequences will look like this:
| Possession amount | Charge | Prison time |
| Less than 1 gram | State jail felony | 6 months – 2 years |
| 1 – 4 grams | 3rd degree felony | Up to 10 years |
| 4 – 200 grams | 2nd degree felony | Up to 20 years |
| 200 – 400 grams | 1st degree felony | 10 – 99 years |
| More than 400 grams | 1st degree felony | 15 – 99 years |
Your cocaine possession attorney will ask either the state or the federal prosecutors to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you knowingly and intentionally possessed cocaine — which is harder for the prosecution to accomplish than you might think when they’re up against a good trial lawyer.
Distribution of cocaine sentencing guidelines
If there is reasonable suspicion that you intended to sell the drugs that you allegedly possessed, it is likely that you will be charged with possession with intent to distribute, an enhanced charge that has harsher penalties whether it’s being brought in a state or federal court.
Intent to distribute charges are possession charges, and their severity is still largely governed by the amount possessed.
| Possession amount | Charge | Prison time |
| Less than 1 gram | State jail felony | 6 months – 2 years |
| 1 – 4 grams | 2nd degree felony | Up to 20 years |
| 4 – 200 grams | 1st degree felony | 10 – 99 years |
| 200 – 400 grams | 1st degree felony | 10 – 99 years |
| More than 400 grams | 1st degree felony | 15 – 99 years |
As you can see, the punishments are even steeper than those for possession alone. Additionally, if you are convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, you can expect to pay a fine from $10,000 – $250,000, depending on the amount allegedly possessed.
How Thiessen Law Firm defends your rights in cocaine possession cases
The best way to approach your individual case will largely depend on your specific circumstances, but there are commonalities in building a sound defense against drug possession charges.
- Proving that you did not legally possess the cocaine. It must be proved by the prosecution that you knowingly and intentionally possessed drugs beyond a shadow of a doubt.
- Proving that the police did not legally find or seize the cocaine. The legal process has to be carried out by police in very specific ways to ensure that the individual rights of citizens are not violated. If they acted rashly, unfairly, or sloppily, it can mean there is a fundamental issue with their case.
- Proving that the alleged cocaine was not an illegal drug at all. The police don’t always have a great grasp of the science when it comes to identifying what they believe to be illegal drugs. Mark Thiessen is an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, which means he knows the science well enough to call into question the bad science and bad police work that often intersect during drug busts.
Determining whether or not search and seizure were carried out legally or whether the police in the lab correctly identified the drugs allegedly possessed are things that few skilled criminal defense attorneys will be able to pull off. Make sure you make the right decision because your future likely depends on it.
Charged with possession of cocaine? Fight for your future with Thiessen Law Firm.
If you or a loved one has been charged with possession of cocaine in Texas and you don’t already have an accomplished drug crime lawyer by your side, you need to hire one before it’s too late. Drug offenses are prosecuted aggressively in Texas, and state courts are not known for their leniency when it comes to felony possession of cocaine.
You need to hire the best drug lawyer in Houston that you can find and fast. Keep in mind that not all drug offense lawyers in Houston are made equal. When looking for a lawyer to represent you, make sure they have extensive experience taking felony cases to trial and winning, like the attorneys at Thiessen Law Firm.
Remember, if they can’t take your case and win it, all they’re really doing is taking your money. Call Thiessen Law Firm today at (713) 864-9000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Call Thiessen Law Firm today at 713.864.9000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
