North Texas Drug Crimes Lawyer
If you’re facing drug charges in North Texas, you must understand how devastating a drug conviction can be on your future and your ability to get housing, employment, professional licenses, financial aid, and admission to some colleges and universities. As a former drug crimes prosecutor, North Texas drug crimes lawyer Barron Slack has the expertise to help you navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF A DRUG CONVICTION IN TEXAS
As a North Texas drug crimes lawyer, Barron Slack is dedicated to safeguarding your rights and helping to lessen the impact of drug charges on your everyday life. If you’ve been charged with a drug offense in Texas, it’s important you understand how a drug conviction can have a significant and long-lasting negative impact on a person’s future in various aspects, including:
- Employment Opportunities: Many employers conduct background checks, and a drug conviction can be a red flag that may result in the applicant being passed over for job opportunities. Certain industries, such as healthcare, government, and education, have strict regulations regarding drug convictions, making it even more challenging to secure employment in these fields.
- Professional Licenses: Certain professions require licenses or certifications, and a drug conviction can jeopardize one’s ability to obtain or maintain these credentials. This is particularly true for careers in healthcare, law, education, and transportation, where professional licenses are essential for employment.
- Educational Opportunities: A drug conviction can impact a person’s ability to pursue higher education. Some colleges and universities may deny admission or financial aid to individuals with a criminal record, limiting their options for furthering their education and career prospects.
- Housing: Landlords often conduct background checks on prospective tenants, and a drug conviction can make it difficult to secure housing. Many landlords have policies against renting to individuals with criminal records, leaving those with drug convictions with limited housing options.
- Financial Aid: A drug conviction can affect eligibility for federal financial aid for education, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. This can make it challenging for individuals with drug convictions to afford higher education and pursue their academic and career goals.
- Professional Reputation: A drug conviction can tarnish a person’s reputation and impact how they are perceived by others, including friends, family, and members of their community. This stigma can be difficult to overcome and may lead to social isolation and strained relationships.
- Legal Consequences: In addition to the direct consequences of a drug conviction, such as fines, probation, and imprisonment, there may be indirect legal consequences, such as restrictions on voting rights, firearm ownership, and travel.
BRING THE SKILL OF A FORMER CHIEF HOMICIDE PROSECUTOR TO YOUR CASE
Overall, a drug conviction in Texas can have far-reaching implications for a person’s future, affecting many aspects of their life. It is essential for individuals facing drug charges in Texas to seek expert legal guidance to help mitigate the potential consequences of a conviction. Barron Slack can be your attorney, advocate, and the protector of your rights as you navigate the legal challenges that come with being charged with a drug offense in the State of Texas.
Contact us today so we can help you explore your legal options and provide you with the resources and guidance you need to protect your future.
TEXAS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES PENALTY GROUPS
The Texas Controlled Substances Act is comprised of the laws and penalties concerning the possession of controlled substances and is categorized into four main penalty groups and two sub-penalty groups. It’s also crucial to remember that violating the laws in this Act can lead to more serious charges, especially if the crime involved children, occurred in a drug-free zone, and in other circumstances.
The four main penalty groups, along with their sub-groups, in the Texas Controlled Substances Act are:
Penalty Group 1: Cocaine, Crack, Heroin, Methamphetamine, Morphine, GHB, Ketamine, PCP, Codeine, Methadone, Hydrocodone (over 300 grams), and Oxycontin.
- Less than 1 gram: 6 months to 2 years in jail and fines up to $10,000.
- 1 gram or more, but less than 4 grams: 2 to 10 years in prison, and fines of up to $10,000.