POSS DANGEROUS DRUG — Texas Charge Code Explained

POSS DANGEROUS DRUG on Texas arrest paperwork, a bond sheet, or a court docket means: Possession of a Dangerous Drug, charged under Texas Health & Safety Code § 483.041.

What substances are covered

A ‘dangerous drug’ is a prescription medication not listed in a penalty group — commonly antibiotics, muscle relaxers, some ADHD and anxiety medications, and other Rx-only drugs possessed without a valid prescription.

What this charge really means

This charge is the catch-all for prescription medication that isn’t scheduled into a penalty group. It’s also one of the most fixable charges on this list: prescription records, diversion programs, and deferred adjudication resolve most first-time cases without a conviction.

Common questions

What counts as a dangerous drug in Texas?

Any prescription-only medication that isn’t in a penalty group — from muscle relaxers to certain anxiety medications — possessed without a valid prescription.

What’s the punishment?

Class A misdemeanor: up to a year in county jail and a $4,000 fine — but first-time outcomes are usually far better with counsel.

Will this stay on my record?

Not necessarily. Dismissals, diversion, and deferred adjudication followed by nondisclosure are common resolutions for this charge.

Charged with POSS DANGEROUS DRUG? Move fast.

Charges like this are shaped in the first weeks — evidence gets preserved or lost, and early counsel changes outcomes. Our attorneys are former police officers who know how these cases are built. Get a free consultation — we’ll review the facts, explain your realistic options, and quote a flat fee. Available 24/7.

This page is general legal information for Texas, not legal advice about your specific case. Penalty ranges can change with enhancements, priors, and case-specific facts. Last reviewed July 2026.