McKinney, Texas Methamphetamine Possession Lawyers
Experienced Attorneys Helping Clients Address Meth Possession Charges in McKinney
There are few drug-related offenses that are prosecuted as aggressively in Texas as those involving methamphetamine. Because of the drug's addictive properties and the dangers associated with its production, people who are accused of methamphetamine possession may face severe penalties. In some cases, charges may also include allegations of methamphetamine manufacturing or distribution, which can lead to enhanced penalties.
Because of the ways people can be affected by methamphetamine charges, legal representation is crucial in these cases. The attorneys at Texas Defense Firm work with clients in McKinney and the surrounding areas who are facing charges related to methamphetamine, helping them understand the best ways to address accusations of drug possession or other drug crimes. We understand the unique issues that may arise in these cases and the steps that clients can take to resolve these matters successfully.
Why Methamphetamine Is Considered to Be Dangerous
Methamphetamine is classified under Penalty Group 1 in Texas, which is the same category that includes cocaine, heroin, and other substances that have a high potential for severe addiction and physical harm. People who use methamphetamine may be at a high risk of dependency, and the drug can lead to long-term health issues. Users may also be at risk of fatal overdoses. Because of these concerns, prosecutors treat methamphetamine cases as a public safety issue, and this can lead to harsh penalties for people who are convicted of drug crimes.
The processes used when manufacturing methamphetamine may also be a public safety concern. During the manufacturing process, toxic chemicals may be released, putting people in the nearby area at risk. Fires or explosions may also occur, leading to harm to neighbors or first responders. Because of the dangers involved in operating meth labs, drug possession charges that involve allegations related to methamphetamine production are likely to lead to more serious penalties.
Charges of Methamphetamine Possession With Intent to Distribute
A methamphetamine possession charge can become more serious when it involves allegations that a person intended to manufacture or distribute the substance to others. The quantities of drugs recovered in searches by law enforcement may serve as the basis for methamphetamine distribution charges. Other evidence supporting these charges may include drugs that have been divided into small portions for the purpose of distribution, scales or packaging materials, or activities indicating that a person had attempted to sell or distribute methamphetamine.
Meth Labs and Drug Manufacturing Charges
Methamphetamine manufacturing charges can lead to some of the most severe penalties that may apply in drug crime cases. A person can face a drug manufacturing charge if they were allegedly involved in operating a meth lab or taking other steps to produce methamphetamine. The possession of certain types of chemicals that may be used to manufacture methamphetamine may also lead to drug manufacturing charges. These may include certain types of cold, cough, and flu medications that contain pseudoephedrine. The possession of lab equipment may also serve as the basis for meth manufacturing charges.
Enhanced penalties may apply in cases where a person allegedly put a child at risk due to methamphetamine manufacturing. If a child under the age of 18 was present in a location where methamphetamine was being manufactured, the range of punishments a person may face will be increased by one felony degree. That is, charges of manufacturing less than four grams of meth, which would typically be a second-degree felony, may be increased to a first-degree felony if a child was present.
Defense Strategies in Methamphetamine Cases
Our lawyers will pay close attention to the evidence used in methamphetamine possession cases. We will look at whether police officers or other law enforcement officials had a legal basis to perform searches. If drugs were uncovered in searches that were performed without search warrants or through other violations of a person's constitutional rights, we will take steps to suppress evidence and prevent it from being used in a criminal case.
In cases involving allegations that a person intended to distribute or manufacture methamphetamine, our attorneys can challenge the evidence, and we may be able to provide alternative explanations. For example, we may argue that a person possessed medications containing pseudoephedrine for legitimate purposes rather than to manufacture meth.
If a person is facing enhanced charges related to child endangerment, we will look at whether a prosecutor can prove that a child was present during the manufacturing process. We will work to minimize the penalties that a person may face and help them avoid a lengthy jail sentence, high fines, and other issues. We can provide guidance on the types of diversion programs that may be available, working to ensure that a person can address an addiction or other issues and helping them avoid a conviction by successfully completing a period of probation.
Contact Our McKinney, TX Methamphetamine Possession Attorneys
Criminal charges related to methamphetamine can lead to some of the harshest penalties that may be imposed in drug crime cases. At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys can review the facts involved in a specific case to help clients understand their best options for defense. We will provide the representation needed throughout a case, working to ensure that a person will be able to avoid a felony conviction whenever possible and minimize the consequences that could affect their future. Contact our McKinney meth possession defense lawyers at 972-369-0577 to set up a free consultation and begin building a strong defense.
