McKinney Fentanyl Possession Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Against Drug Charges Involving Fentanyl in McKinney, TX

In recent years, fentanyl has become one of the most common substances addressed in investigations of drug crimes. Law enforcement officials in Texas devote a large amount of resources toward identifying suspects who are involved in fentanyl-related offenses, performing arrests, and prosecuting people for drug charges. Because of the potency of this drug and the risks it presents to users, accusations of fentanyl possession can lead to harsh penalties that may include years or decades in prison.

The lawyers at Texas Defense Firm understand the issues that can affect people who have been accused of crimes related to fentanyl. We know how drug addictions can lead people to seek out certain substances, putting them at risk of criminal prosecution that could lead to prison sentences or other issues that may affect their futures. We can provide guidance on the best options for defense in these cases while working to ensure that clients will receive the proper treatment, avoid issues that could limit their future opportunities, and move forward after resolving criminal charges.

Why Fentanyl Offenses Are Taken Seriously by Law Enforcement Officials and Prosecutors

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be many times more potent than other types of drugs. A very small quantity can lead to a fatal overdose. When a person uses fentanyl, a miscalculation involving a few milligrams can lead to a lethal dose. The unpredictable nature of this drug has led to a rise in overdose deaths throughout the United States. Due to the potency of the drug and the risks involved, law enforcement officials have taken steps to combat the spread of fentanyl, and prosecutors are likely to pursue harsh penalties in cases involving allegations of drug possession or other related offenses.

Much of the danger associated with fentanyl comes from the fact that it may be mixed with other substances without people's knowledge. Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl may resemble prescription medications. Other street drugs, such as cocaine, may be laced with fentanyl. A person may ingest or inject fentanyl while believing that they are using a different substance, putting them at risk of an overdose or other health issues. Because of the risks of overdoses and related issues, law enforcement officials are likely to treat any case involving fentanyl as a serious public safety matter.

We've Got Your Back

Proven Advocates Defending Your Rights

From a first-time misdemeanor to a high-stakes federal indictment, our attorneys build defense strategies matched to what you're actually facing. Give us a call at 972-369-0577 to schedule your free consultation.

Drug Possession Charges Involving Fentanyl

Texas law includes a specific legal category for fentanyl. Penalty Group 1-B includes fentanyl and related opiates. Possession of a substance in Penalty Group 1-B may result in the same penalties that would apply for substances in Penalty Group 1, including heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The minimum charge in these cases is a state jail felony, which will apply when a person is accused of possessing less than one gram of fentanyl. The maximum charge, which may apply if a person allegedly possessed over 400 grams of fentanyl, is a first-degree felony that could lead to a life sentence. Because small amounts of fentanyl can be extremely potent, even a minor possession charge will typically be charged as a serious felony offense.

Fentanyl Manufacturing and Distribution Charges

Allegations of manufacturing or delivering a substance in Penalty Group 1-B can lead to penalties that will be harsher than those that would apply for fentanyl possession. Manufacturing or distributing less than one gram of fentanyl could lead to third-degree felony charges.

A person may face charges of fentanyl distribution or possession with intent to distribute if law enforcement officials found a large quantity of drugs during a search. Fentanyl manufacturing charges may be based on accusations that a person synthesized fentanyl, pressed fentanyl into pills, combined fentanyl with other substances, or packaged fentanyl into containers for distribution.

Fentanyl and the Risk of Homicide Charges

Because of the risks of overdose deaths for people who use fentanyl, law enforcement officials may pursue homicide charges against people who are accused of distributing this drug. A person who has allegedly manufactured or distributed fentanyl or another substance in Penalty Group 1-B could be charged with homicide if someone died after using these drugs.

These charges may apply to anyone who knowingly delivered fentanyl to someone else. In addition to charges against people who have allegedly been involved in large-scale drug trafficking operations, a person who shared a pill or another substance with a friend or someone else who died because of an overdose could be charged with murder. A person may face first-degree felony charges, and they could be sentenced to up to 99 years in prison after a conviction.

Legal Help for People Facing Fentanyl Charges

Our attorneys understand the seriousness of fentanyl possession charges and other offenses that may apply in these cases. We can take steps to respond to the aggressive approach that prosecutors will often take as they pursue convictions for people who have been charged with fentanyl offenses. We can look at searches by police officers that led to fentanyl charges, and we can also review the laboratory testing that was performed to identify substances.

We can also help clients address homicide-related charges and defend against allegations that a person delivered fentanyl that led to another person's death. In these cases, we may take steps to show that a person did not know that a substance contained fentanyl and did not intend to distribute the substance to another person. Our goal is to resolve these cases successfully by helping clients avoid criminal convictions and prevent long-term penalties that could affect their lives.

Reach Out to Our McKinney, Texas Fentanyl Possession Lawyers

Criminal charges related to fentanyl can result in some of the most severe penalties that may apply in drug crime cases. The consequences of a conviction can affect a person for the rest of their life. At Texas Defense Firm, our lawyers know how to help clients address these charges and defend against convictions. Contact our McKinney fentanyl charges attorneys at 972-369-0577 to schedule a free consultation today.