Methamphetamine, often seen in the form of a white, odorless, crystal powder, saw a dramatic rise in popularity as more people learned they could manufacture (or “cook”) the drug on their own. While more jurisdictions have moved to restrict the over-the-counter (OTC) cold and allergy medicines that are frequently used to make methamphetamine (commonly referred to “crystal meth” or simply “meth” but also by such street names as “speed,” “ice,” or “glass”), law enforcement agencies in Texas still actively seek out so-called meth labs and crack down on alleged offenders manufacturing, using, or selling the drug.

The Texas Controlled Substances Act lists methamphetamine under Penalty Group 1, meaning that alleged offenses involving this controlled substance are considered the most serious type of drug crimes. Possession of methamphetamine crimes carry steep consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and significant fines.

Attorney for Methamphetamine Possession Arrests in Georgetown, TX

If you were arrested in Central Texas for allegedly possessing, manufacturing, delivering, or possessing with intent to deliver methamphetamine, it will be in your best interest to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Price & Twine, PLLC aggressively defends clients accused of drug crimes all over Williamson County and Bell County, including Temple, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Killeen, Liberty Hill, Georgetown, and several other nearby communities.

Michael J. Price is an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Georgetown who will fight to protect your rights and work tirelessly to help you achieve the most favorable possible outcome to your case. He can review your case and help you understand your legal options when you call (512) 354-1880 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.


Overview of Methamphetamine Possession Crimes in Texas


Back to top

Methamphetamine Possession Penalties in Williamson County

Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.115 establishes the following grades for alleged offenses when a person is accused of knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1 such as methamphetamine. Convictions in such cases carry the following possible sentences:

  • 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.

Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.112, an alleged offender can face increased penalties if that individual is accused of knowingly manufacturing, delivering, or possessing with intent to deliver methamphetamine. In such cases, convictions 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.

Back to top

Methamphetamine Chemicals Possession Penalties in Georgetown

State law in Texas also makes it a criminal offense for a person to possess or transport certain chemicals with intent to unlawfully manufacture methamphetamine. Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.124, it is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000 for an alleged offender to possess or transport any of the following:

  • anhydrous ammonia;
  • an immediate precursor;  or
  • a chemical precursor or an additional chemical substance named as a precursor by the director of the Department of Public Safety.

An intent to unlawfully manufacture the controlled substance methamphetamine is presumed if the alleged offender possesses or transports either anhydrous ammonia in a container or receptacle that is not designed and manufactured to lawfully hold or transport anhydrous ammonia, lithium metal removed from a battery and immersed in kerosene, mineral spirits, or similar liquid that prevents or retards hydration, or in one container, vehicle, or building, phenylacetic acid, or more than 9 grams, three containers packaged for retail sale, or 300 tablets or capsules of a product containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, and either:

  • anhydrous ammonia;
  • at least three of the following categories of substances commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine: lithium or sodium metal or red phosphorus, iodine, or iodine crystals; lye, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or muriatic acid; an organic solvent, including ethyl ether, alcohol, or acetone; a petroleum distillate, including naphtha, paint thinner, or charcoal lighter fluid; or aquarium, rock, or table salt; or
  • at least three of the following items: an item of equipment subject to regulation under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.080, if the person is not a registrant or glassware, a plastic or metal container, tubing, a hose, or other item specially designed, assembled, or adapted for use in the manufacture, processing, analyzing, storing, or concealing of methamphetamine.

A substance is presumed to be anhydrous ammonia if it is in a container or receptacle that is either designed and manufactured to lawfully hold or transport anhydrous ammonia or not designed and manufactured to lawfully hold or transport anhydrous ammonia, if a properly administered field test of the substance using a testing device or instrument designed and manufactured for that purpose produces a positive result for anhydrous ammonia or a laboratory test of a water solution of the substance produces a positive result for ammonia.


Back to top

Texas Resources for Methamphetamine Possession Offenses

Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) — CMA identifies itself as “a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, so they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from addiction to crystal meth.” On this website, you can find information about the fellowship as well as a letter to people who are new to CMA. You can also view an interactive map of CMA meetings or search for meetings by address.

Substance Abuse Trends in Texas | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — According to this June 2014 report, methamphetamine was the second most frequently identified drug reported among items analyzed by the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS). The report found that methamphetamine indicators were “increasing to levels previously seen before the precursor regulations in 2005–2006 caused a drop in reported problems.” View a graph of the number of Poison Control Center (PCC) calls, percentage of treatment admissions, number of deaths, and percentage of toxicology laboratory exhibits related to methamphetamine in Texas between 1998 and 2013.


Back to top

Price & Twine, PLLC | Georgetown Methamphetamine Possession Defense Lawyer

Have you been charged with allegedly possessing methamphetamine or chemicals related to its manufacturing in Central Texas? You should not say anything to authorities until you have contacted Price & Twine, PLLC.

Georgetown criminal defense attorney Michael J. Price represents alleged offenders in Harker Heights, Leander, Taylor, Hutto, Belton, and many surrounding areas of Williamson County and Bell County. Call (512) 354-1880 or fill out an online contact form to have our attorney provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free initial consultation.


Back to top