Avoid Conviction with a Drug Trafficking Lawyer
If you have been arrested for delivering or distributing an illicit drug, you can be charged with a felony and face substantial penalties. In addition to jail time, a felony can severely impact your ability to find employment or housing. With years of experience navigating drug crime law, qualified drug trafficking lawyer Jason Trumpler in Austin, TX, can help you maintain a clean record and protect you from serious consequences. With years of experience and a proven record of court victories, you can trust in his tireless care and focus on defending your rights.
About Drug Trafficking Charges
In Texas state courts, you may be convicted of drug trafficking if the court can prove that you knowingly distributed or delivered a controlled substance. In some cases, innocent victims will transport illegal substances for employers, friends, or loved ones, unaware that they are committing a crime. If charged, you are in violation of the Texas Controlled Substances Act and may face severe penalties. The consequences for conviction vary depending upon the type of drug and the amount in question.
Possible Penalties
For the purposes of Texas law, illicit drugs are divided into four penalty groups or categories. Drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin are part of Penalty Group 1, which can result in the most substantial fines and prison sentences. Drugs such as MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), Adderall®, and prescription pain and anti-anxiety, fall within Penalty Groups II, III, or IV.
The maximum penalties for distributing a Penalty Group 1 substances include:
| Substance amount | Category | Maximum Penalty |
| Less than 1 gram | State jail felony | 2 years in jail, fine of $10,000 |
| 1 - 4 grams | Second degree felony | 20 years in prison, fine of $10,000 |
| 4 - 200 grams | First degree felony | Life in prison, fine of $10,000 |
| 200 - 400 grams | First degree felony | Life in prison, fine of $100,000 |
| More than 400 grams | First degree felony | Life in prison, fine of $250,000 |
For all drug charges, the amount of the controlled substance confiscated by police is determined by aggregate weight, including adulterants or diluents. In addition, potential penalties are automatically increased if a juvenile under 18 years of age was on the premises where the offense was allegedly committed.
Multiple Charges
It is important to note that If you possess or transport a large quantity of an illicit substance but have not distributed it, you may still be charged with possession with intent to sell. In this case, the court can consider circumstantial evidence including presence of paraphernalia, quantity of on-hand cash, and frequency of visitors. If the evidence presented is substantially incriminating, the court does not have to prove that you had knowledge of the presence of the illicit substance. Drug trafficking charges are a serious offense and should be handled with care by a qualified criminal defense attorney to avoid long-term repercussions.
Representation by Jason Trumpler
Trumpler Law can aggressively defend your rights before and during trial. Based on your unique circumstances, we can move to suppress evidence if there is proof of illegal search or other civil rights violations. Criminal defense attorney Jason Trumpler is a skilled negotiator and has tried over 100 cases, with numerous victories for past clients. He is a former narcotics prosecutor who has fought both state and federal drug charges throughout Texas and California. As such, he has a deep knowledge of prosecutorial strategies and can devise the best defense to protect clients and mitigate penalties. With over two decades navigating drug crimes, our team has a thorough understanding of drug laws and how to protect our clients.
Let Our Team Defend You
If you need immediate help with a drug trafficking case, contact the qualified team at Law Offices of Jason Trumpler, by calling (512) 457-5200 or filling out our online form. We are available to take your calls 24-hours per day, and we also provide help with bail and release.
