Austin Drug Lawyer

Aggressive Defense for Possession, Delivery, Trafficking & Prescription Cases

Texas takes drug charges seriously. Whether you’re accused of simple possession, possession with intent, manufacturing, or trafficking, you need an experienced Austin drug crime lawyer who can move fast, preserve evidence, and challenge the State at every step. Start with these quick guides from our team: Drug Possession in Austin — What You Need to Know and Strategies for Defending a Drug Possession Charge.

Possession of Marijuana (POM)

Despite policy debates, marijuana remains illegal under Texas law. Penalties depend on weight and circumstances. See Travis County specifics: Penalties for Drug Possession in Travis County.

Possession of a Controlled Substance (POCS)

For non‑marijuana offenses, punishment hinges on the substance’s Penalty Group and amount. Learn how Texas charges scale: Levels of Drug Possession Charges and Are Drug Possession Charges a Felony?

Manufacture, Delivery, & Possession with Intent

Allegations of distribution or intent often rely on items like scales, packaging, or cash. We challenge inferences of intent and lab measurements. For higher‑level offenses, review Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Texas.

Drug Paraphernalia

Pipes, scales, baggies, syringes, and even common household items can trigger a paraphernalia charge. Read more: Penalties for Drug Paraphernalia in Austin.

Prescription & Pharmacy‑Related Offenses

Unauthorized possession, doctor shopping, forged scripts, or distribution of controlled prescription meds (e.g., Xanax, Oxycodone). Defenses often turn on prescription validity and quantity context.

Texas organizes controlled substances into “Penalty Groups,” which drive charge levels and sentencing ranges:

• Penalty Group 1 / 1A: Cocaine, heroin, meth, morphine, oxycodone, LSD (1A)
• Penalty Group 2 / 2A: MDMA/ecstasy, PCP, mushrooms, some synthetics (K2/spice)
• Penalty Group 3: Xanax, Valium, Ritalin, anabolic steroids
• Penalty Group 4: Certain codeine‑based meds and compounds

For an Austin‑specific penalty overview, see Travis County drug possession penalties.

Sentences depend on substance, weight, enhancements (e.g., drug‑free zones), priors, and allegations of distribution. For trafficking ranges at higher weights, see this guide. For county‑level examples, see Travis County penalties.

Other Consequences You Should Know

• Permanent record: Even low‑level cases can leave a mark. Learn about clearing records: Expunctions in Texas and Benefits of Expungement.
• Firearms: Felony convictions affect firearm rights.
• Immigration: Many drug offenses trigger consequences under federal law.
• Work, housing, licensing: Background checks matter—ask us about expunging your record in Austin.

The prosecution must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. In possession cases, that includes knowing possession and a lab‑confirmed controlled substance. “Possession” means care, custody, control, or management—mere presence near drugs is not enough. In delivery/intent cases, we attack assumptions drawn from packaging, cash, or texts.

Illegal Stop, Search, or Seizure

No probable cause? Invalid warrant? Coerced “consent”? We move to suppress and exclude evidence. Know your rights during stops: What You Should Do if Stopped by Police and our Miranda Warnings explainer.

Possession Theories & “Mere Presence”

We challenge constructive possession and “joint” possession, especially in vehicle and roommate cases. See: Austin drug possession guide.

Lab Testing & Chain of Custody

We scrutinize field tests, GC/MS, sampling, weight calculations (mixture vs. pure), and every handoff that could break the chain. More here: defense strategies.

Mitigation, Reductions & Alternatives

We pursue dismissals, reductions to paraphernalia or lower counts, pretrial options where available, and deferred outcomes that preserve eligibility for expunction or nondisclosure when the law allows.

Your first goal is avoiding a conviction. Your second is protecting your future. Depending on facts and eligibility, we’ll map a path to expunction or record clearing in Austin after the case ends.

• Do not consent to any searches. Ask if you’re free to go.
• Remain silent and request a lawyer. Start here: Right to Remain Silent and When Miranda Applies.
• Call us 24/7: 512‑599‑9000. We’ll protect your rights immediately.

Looking for our broader drug‑charge overview? Visit Austin Drug Charges Lawyer.