Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that has long been a focus of America’s War on Drugs. Powder cocaine and crack cocaine have the same chemical effects and carry the same criminal penalties in Texas, as the only difference between the two forms is the removal of hydrochloride in crack.
Law enforcement agencies in Texas often have drug-sniffing dogs that are capable of quickly locating cocaine in the homes or automobiles of alleged offenders. When police officers discover powder or crack cocaine, prosecutors will aggressively pursue maximum punishments in state trial courts.
Lawyer for Cocaine Possession Arrests in Georgetown, TX
Have you been charged with alleged possession of cocaine in Central Texas? Do not say anything to authorities until you have contacted Price & Twine, PLLC.
Michael J. Price is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Georgetown who represents alleged offenders accused of drug crimes in Hutto, Belton, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Harker Heights, and several surrounding areas in Williamson County and Bell County. Call (512) 354-1880 today to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation that will let our lawyer review your case and answer all of your legal questions.
Texas Cocaine Possession Information Center
- What are the consequences of being convicted for cocaine possession in Williamson County?
- How are the charges impacted if an alleged offense occurred in a drug-free zone?
- Where can I learn more about cocaine possession in Georgetown?
Cocaine Possession Penalties in Williamson County
Cocaine is listed in Penalty Group 1 under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.102. Because of this classification, alleged offenders who knowingly or intentionally possess cocaine can face the following sentences if convicted under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.115:
- Less Than 1 Gram — State jail felony punishable by up to two years in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000;
- 1 Gram or More, But Less Than 4 Grams — Third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000;
- 4 Grams or More, But Less Than 200 Grams — Second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000; or
- 200 Grams or More, But Less Than 400 Grams — First-degree felony punishable by up to 99 years or life in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000; or
- 400 Grams or More — Enhanced first-degree felony punishable by minimum of 10 years up to 99 years or life in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000.
Additionally, an individual who is accused of knowingly manufacturing, delivering, or possessing with intent to deliver cocaine can face increased penalties under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.112. Convictions in these cases are punishable as follows:
- Less Than 1 Gram — State jail felony punishable by up to two years in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000;
- 1 Gram or More, But Less Than 4 Grams — Second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000;
- 4 Grams or More, But Less Than 200 Grams — First-degree felony punishable by up to 99 years or life in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000; or
- 200 Grams or More, But Less Than 400 Grams — Enhanced first-degree felony punishable by minimum of 10 years up to 99 years or life in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000; or
- 400 Grams or More — Enhanced first-degree felony punishable by minimum of 15 years up to 99 years or life in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
Cocaine Possession in Drug-Free Zone Penalties in Georgetown
Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.134 establishes enhanced penalties for alleged offenders who commit cocaine-related crimes in areas defined as “drug-free zones” in Texas. Drug-free zones include institutions of higher education, playgrounds, schools, video arcade facilities, and youth centers.
Under this statute, manufacturing, delivering, or possessing with intent to deliver cocaine offenses are increased one punishment level (such that a state jail felony becomes a third-degree felony, a third-degree felony becomes a second-degree felony, and so on) if an alleged offense is committed either:
- in, on, or within 1,000 feet of premises owned, rented, or leased by an institution of higher learning, the premises of a public or private youth center, or a playground; or
- in, on, or within 300 feet of the premises of a public swimming pool or video arcade facility.
The minimum prison term is increased by five years and the maximum fine for the offense is doubled for alleged offenders who knowingly or intentionally possesses one gram or more of cocaine or knowingly manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver one gram or more of cocaine either:
- in, on, or within 1,000 feet of the premises of a school, the premises of a public or private youth center, or a playground; or
- on a school bus.
If an alleged offender knowingly or intentionally possesses less than one gram of cocaine or knowingly manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver less than one gram of cocaine in either of those locations listed above, the crime becomes a third-degree felony.
Texas Cocaine Possession Resources
South Central Texas Area of Cocaine Anonymous (CA)— CA identifies itself as “a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from their addiction.” On this website, you can access various resources, including an overview of meeting formats, a list of approved literature, and links to the North Texas, greater Texas, and World Services sites. You can also search for meetings by choosing from a dozen locations.
DrugFacts: Cocaine | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Visit this section of the NIDA website to learn more about cocaine. Find information about how cocaine affects the brain as well as short-term and long-term effects of the drug. The website also discusses overdoses, addiction, and treatment.
Price & Twine, PLLC | Georgetown Cocaine Possession Defense Attorney
If you were arrested in Central Texas for alleged possession of cocaine, it is in your best interest to retain legal counsel as soon as possible. Price & Twine, PLLC defends residents of and visitors to communities all over Williamson County and Bell County, including Temple, Killeen, Leander, Round Rock, Liberty Hill, Taylor, and many others.
Georgetown criminal defense lawyer Michael J. Price will fight to help you achieve the most favorable outcome to your case that results in the fewest possible penalties. He can provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case when you call (512) 354-1880 or complete an online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.