How Texas Classifies Drugs by Penalty Group A Beginner’s Guide to Penalty Groups 1–4 and Related Charges If you or someone you love is facing a drug charge in Texas, one of the first things the court will look at is which Penalty Group the substance falls under. These penalty groups are the foundation of [...]
Drug Schedules in Texas Explained A Beginner’s Guide to Schedule I–V Substances and Their Legal Significance When it comes to drug laws in Texas, one of the most important things to understand is how the law categorizes controlled substances. Every illegal drug—or even legally prescribed medication with abuse potential—is classified into a “schedule.” [...]
Texas Controlled Substances Act: What You Should Know A Beginner’s Guide to Key Drug-Related Laws in Texas If you've heard the phrase “Controlled Substances Act” and felt overwhelmed by legal jargon—you’re not alone. Texas drug laws are strict, complicated, and packed with penalties that can turn a small mistake into a life-changing conviction. [...]
Driving with Drugs in Your Car: What You Need to Know Vehicle-Related Drug Charges and Searches in Texas Getting pulled over in Texas is stressful enough—but if police find drugs in your vehicle, that traffic stop can quickly turn into a life-altering arrest. Whether it's a single pill in the glove box or a trunk [...]
Conspiracy Charges in Drug Crime Cases When You're Charged for a Plan, Not an Act In Texas, you don’t need to be caught with drugs in your possession—or even physically present when a drug transaction takes place—to face serious criminal charges. If law enforcement believes you were part of a plan to commit a drug-related [...]
Drug-Free Zone Enhancements in Texas Increased Penalties for Offenses Near Schools, Parks, and Other Protected Areas In Texas, getting caught with drugs is serious—but where you’re caught can make your situation much worse. If you’re arrested for a drug offense near certain protected areas, like a school, daycare, or park, prosecutors can apply “drug-free zone” [...]
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia What Counts and How It’s Penalized in Texas While most people think of drug charges in terms of illegal substances, Texas law also makes it a crime to possess or distribute drug paraphernalia—the tools and materials associated with using, making, or distributing drugs. It’s one of the most commonly charged (and [...]
Prescription Drug Fraud in Texas How Fraudulent Prescriptions Can Lead to Criminal Charges Prescription drug abuse and fraud are increasingly on law enforcement’s radar—not just in federal investigations, but right here in Texas courtrooms. Many people mistakenly believe that prescription drug charges are less serious than cases involving street drugs. The reality? Prescription drug fraud [...]
Earning a Trial Setting Dismissal in a DWI Case I’m proud to share that I was recently listed by Show Me The Justice for earning a trial setting dismissal for my client in Cause Number 2534680 for the offense of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). While being listed therein is not the end-goal, this recognition is [...]
Drug Trafficking and Distribution Charges Texas vs. Federal Drug Trafficking Crimes—What You Need to Know If you’re facing drug trafficking or distribution charges in Texas, you’re not dealing with your average possession case. Trafficking and distribution are among the most serious drug offenses under both state and federal law—often carrying mandatory prison sentences, six-figure fines, [...]
Texas is on the verge of dramatically shifting its stance on cannabis-related products. Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), which bans the sale and possession of consumable THC products—including those derived from federally legal hemp—has now passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature. All eyes are now on Governor Greg Abbott, whose signature would make the [...]
Drug Manufacturing Charges in Houston What Counts as Manufacturing and How It's Prosecuted in Texas Drug manufacturing isn’t just something you see in movies about meth labs or cartel operations. In Texas—and especially in Houston—drug manufacturing charges are surprisingly common and incredibly serious. If you’re caught producing, preparing, or even possessing equipment used to make [...]
Possession with Intent to Distribute in Texas What Elevates a Simple Possession Charge If you’re charged with drug possession in Texas, the stakes are high—but when the charge includes “intent to distribute,” things get much more serious. A simple possession case might result in probation or drug treatment, but a possession with intent charge often [...]
Drug Possession Charges Explained Understanding the Levels of Charges Based on Substance and Quantity in Texas In Texas, drug possession charges are anything but simple. The type of substance, the amount in question, and even where you were found with it all play a role in how harshly the state comes down on you. Whether [...]
We Need Your Help--Last Day to Vote for David Smith Law Firm, PLLC in the Houston Chronicle Best of the Best 2025! Dear Friends and Valued Current & Former Clients, We are thrilled to announce that the David Smith Law Firm, PLLC has been nominated for the Houston Chronicle Best of the Best 2025 awards [...]
Types of Drug Charges in Texas A Detailed Overview of Drug-Related Offenses Under Texas Law Navigating the complexities of drug laws in Texas can be daunting. From minor possession to high-level manufacturing and trafficking, the state enforces stringent regulations that can lead to severe penalties. Understanding the various drug charges is crucial for anyone seeking [...]
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Helps in Drug Cases What to Expect From Legal Representation—From Arrest to Trial Getting arrested for a drug crime in Texas can feel like the ground just dropped out from beneath you. Whether it’s a possession charge, distribution, or a more serious trafficking case, the stakes are high—and so is [...]
Are Prescription Drugs Treated the Same as Illicit Drugs? Understanding the Legal Risks of Opioids, Stimulants, and Other Prescription Medications in Texas If you think having a prescription bottle means you're safe from drug charges—think again. In Texas, prescription drugs like opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants can lead to the same criminal penalties as street drugs [...]
What to Do If You’re Accused of a Drug Crime Immediate Steps to Protect Yourself in Texas Whether you’re being questioned, pulled over, or have just been arrested—being accused of a drug crime in Texas is a serious matter. And what you do in the minutes, hours, and days that follow can make or break [...]
Can You Be Charged Without Drugs on You? Understanding Constructive Possession and Proximity Charges in Texas If you’ve ever asked, “Can I really be charged with drug possession if I didn’t have anything on me?”—you’re not alone. Texas law doesn't just punish individuals caught red-handed. You can be arrested, charged, and even convicted of a [...]
