Denton Drug Distribution Attorney

Helping You Through Your Drug Dealing Case in Denton County

Drug distribution is an offense that occurs when someone distributes or sells a controlled substance – whether it's an illegal drug or a prescription medication obtained without a valid prescription. In Texas, the penalties for such a drug crime are harsh. The charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, which carry jail or prison time and/or fines. If you're found guilty of drug distribution/dealing, the mark on your criminal record can affect you for years. The most effective way to challenge the accusations made against you and seek to avoid incarceration and fines is by handling your case with the help of an experienced Denton drug distribution lawyer.

At Magaña & Van Dyke, our Denton drug distribution attorneys have over a decade of combined experience. We are well-versed in criminal law and know how to navigate the complex judicial system. When you choose us for your defense, we'll take the time to learn about your circumstances from your point of view and provide an honest and straightforward assessment of your case. Our team believes in delivering top-quality legal representation with integrity, which means you can be confident that you will have someone on your side who will be upfront about your situation, the potential outcomes, and your legal options.

We care about those we serve and will work toward a favorable outcome on your behalf. Discuss your case with our Denton drug distribution attorneys by calling 940-382-1976 or submitting an online contact form.

Drug Penalty Groups in Texas

Any discussion about drug crimes in Texas requires an overview of the State's penalty groups. These categories determine what criminal penalties will be imposed upon a person convicted of drug distribution/dealing.

Texas' six drug penalty groups include:

• Penalty Group 1: This category includes opioids, opium derivatives, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, among others.
• Penalty Group 1-A: In this category is lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), as well as its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers.
• Penalty Group 2: Included in this category are hallucinogens, depressants/stimulants (not listed in other groups), and compounds made from 2-aminopropanal.
• Penalty Group 2-A: This group consists of compounds that cause similar effects of naturally occurring cannabinoids.
• Penalty Group 3: Compounds that contain stimulants, depressants, and narcotics are included in this group, as are peyote and anabolic steroids.
• Penalty Group 4: Substances in this group are those containing limited amounts of narcotics, such as codeine and morphine.

Marijuana is not contained in the penalty groups.

Is Selling Drugs a Felony in Texas?

In Texas, drug distribution is taken very seriously, as distributing controlled substances can create various risks to individuals in the community. That being said, although the State will harshly prosecute these matters and seek maximum penalties upon a conviction, not all offenses are felonies. Some may be charged as misdemeanors. What determines the level of charge a person faces is the penalty group the substance is in, as well as the amount of the drug.

The charges for selling drugs are as follows:

• Penalty Group 1 Substances:
• State jail felony: Charged when a person distributes less than 1 gram of the substance
• Second-degree felony: Charged when someone sells 1 or more grams but less than 4 grams
• First-degree felony: Charged when the distribution involves 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams
• Distribution of 200 grams or more but less than 400 grams is punishable by 10-99 years or life in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000
• Distribution of 400 grams or more but less than 400 grams is punishable by 15-99 years or life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000
• Penalty Group 1-A Substances:
• State jail felony: Charged when a person sells fewer than 20 units
• Second-degree felony: Charged when a person delivers 20 or more units but less than 80 units
• First-degree felony: Charged when an individual deals 80 or more units but less than 4,000 units
• Distribution of 4,000 units or more is punishable by 15-99 years or life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000
• Penalty Group 2 and 2-A Substances:
• State jail felony: Charged when a person sells less than 1 gram
• Second-degree felony: Charged when a person delivers 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams
• First-degree felony: Charged when someone distributes 4 grams or more but less than 400 grams
• Distribution of 400 grams or more is punishable by 10-99 years or life in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000
• Penalty Group 3 and 4 Substances:
• State jail felony: Charged when someone delivers less than 28 grams
• Second-degree felony: Charged when a person deals 28 grams or more but less than 200 grams
• First-degree felony: Charged when an individual sells 200 grams or more but less than 400 grams
• Distribution of 400 grams or more is punishable by 10-99 years or life in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000
• Marijuana:
• Class B misdemeanor: Charged when someone delivers 1/4 of an ounce or less and they don't receive payment for the substance
• Class A misdemeanor: Charged when a person sells 1/4 of an ounce or less and they get paid for the substance
• State jail felony: Charged when someone deals more than 1/4 of an ounce but less than 5 pounds
• Second-degree felony: Charged when a person distributes more than 5 pounds but less than 50 pounds
• First-degree felony: Charged when someone delivers more than 50 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds
• Distribution of 2,000 pounds or more is punishable by 10-99 years or life in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000

Contact a Denton County Drug Distribution Charges Attorney

If you're facing a misdemeanor or felony drug dealing charge, our Denton drug distribution lawyers are here to help. At Magaña & Van Dyke, we will put 100% focus on your case and seek an optimal result.

To set up a free consultation and speak with a Denton county drug distribution attorney, call us at 940-382-1976 or contact us online today.