Fentanyl is a highly potent and dangerous opioid that’s classified under Penalty Group 1-B in Texas. Being caught with fentanyl can lead to severe penalties, including substantial fines and long prison sentences. To combat fentanyl charges, one may need the assistance of an experienced Texas drug crimes defense lawyer. Below, learn more about fentanyl offenses in Texas, the associated laws and how to defend against these criminal charges.
Williamson County Fentanyl Possession Defense Attorneys
Facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming experience. If an individual has been charged with possession of fentanyl, they’ll want a criminal defense lawyer in their corner. Price & Twine, PLLC defends clients accused of drug crimes in Williamson County and surrounding areas of Georgetown, Round Rock, Leander, Cedar Park, and surrounding areas, including Killeen and Temple in Bell County Texas. An experienced criminal defense attorney at Price & Twine, PLLC is just a phone call away. Call our firm at (512) 354-1880 to set up a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case and discover how we can help you.
Fentanyl Possession Information Center
- The Classification Of Controlled Substances In Texas
- Offenses And Penalties For Possessing Fentanyl In Texas
- Defenses For Fentanyl Possession Under Texas Law
- Frequently Asked Questions About Fentanyl Charges In Texas
- Fentanyl Info and Resources
The Classification Of Controlled Substances In Texas
In Texas, controlled substances are categorized into different penalty groups, which range from 1 to 4. These classifications are detailed under Section 481.101 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. For the purpose of criminal penalties, substances are divided based on their perceived danger, propensity for abuse, and any recognized medical applications. Fentanyl falls under Penalty Group 1-B.
Offenses And Penalties For Possessing Fentanyl In Texas
When it comes to possessing fentanyl in Texas, the laws are strict. According to Section 481.115 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, it is a criminal offense to intentionally or knowingly have possession of a controlled substance listed in Penalty Group 1-B.
State Jail Felony For Small Amounts
If the amount possessed is less than one gram, the offense is classified as a state jail felony punishable by 180 days to 2 years in jail and up to a $10,000 fine.
Felonies For Larger Amounts
As the amount increases, so do the penalties. Possessing one gram or more but less than four grams is a third-degree felony punishable by 2-10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Four grams to less than 200 grams is a second-degree felony punishable by 2-20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, and 200 to 400 grams is a first-degree felony punishable by up to life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Severe Penalties For Extreme Cases
Possession of 400 grams or more is punishable by a term of not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, along with a fine that could go up to $100,000.
Defenses For Fentanyl Possession Under Texas Law
In addition to broad criminal defenses like lack of intent or mistaken identity, Texas law provides specific defenses in the context of fentanyl possession under Penalty Group 1-B. Below are some of the particular defenses available according to the law.
Requesting Emergency Medical Assistance For Overdose
Under Section 481.115, one defense available is if the individual was the first to request emergency medical assistance in response to a possible overdose for themselves or another person. This defense comes with additional requirements:
- The request for medical assistance must occur during an ongoing medical emergency.
- The person must remain at the scene until medical assistance arrives.
- The individual must cooperate with medical and law enforcement personnel.
Limitations On The Defense For Requesting Medical Assistance
The defense is not available if:
- Law enforcement was already in the process of arresting the individual or executing a search warrant at the time of the medical emergency call.
- The individual was committing another offense at the time, other than specific drug-related offenses mentioned in the law.
- The individual had previously been convicted or placed under deferred adjudication for a related offense.
- The individual had invoked this defense within the 18 months preceding the date of the current offense.
Admissibility Of Evidence
While the law allows for a defense under these circumstances, it’s essential to note that evidence obtained as a result of the emergency call may still be admissible for other offenses for which the defense is not applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fentanyl Charges In Texas
How Is A Fentanyl Charge Classified?
The offense is classified by the amount in one’s possession:
- Less than 1 gram: State jail felony
- 1 to less than 4 grams: Third-degree felony
- 4 to less than 200 grams: Second-degree felony
- 200 to 400 grams: First-degree felony
- Over 400 grams: First-degree felony
When Is The Defense For Requesting Emergency Medical Assistance Not Applicable?
This defense is not applicable if law enforcement was in the process of arresting the individual, if the individual was committing another offense at the time, or if the individual had previously used this defense or had prior related convictions.
Fentanyl Info and Resources
Harm Reduction Issues – Fentanyl – Learn about harm reduction when it comes to the use of Fentanyl from the National Harm Reduction Coalition. The NHRC is a nationwide nonprofit organization that advocates for evidence-based strategies for people who use drugs. The organization strives to reduce and prevent overdoses by advocating for policies like fentanyl testing strips and syringe access. The NHRC opposes the criminalization policies of the war on drugs.
Texas Doubles Down on Ineffective Drug Policies that Could Cost Lives – Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy examines how Texas has increased penalties for Fentanyl possession and distribution but has failed to implement policies that could increase access to testing strips and treatment. The article demonstrates how Texas policies are ineffective for dealing with drug crises and instead continue to take a punishment-first approach to dealing with drug problems, specifically Fentanyl.
Fentanyl: One Pill Kills – Texas Department of Health and Human Services discusses fighting the Fentanyl crisis. The HHS has put together several Public Service Announcements regarding Fentanyl in an effort to curb its usage and increase awareness of the dangers.
Killing Painkiller – Rise of Fentanyl Poisoning in Williamson County and What We Are Doing To Stop It – This article by the Wilco Sun examines the rise in Fentanyl poisoning deaths that have occurred in Williamson County, Texas. It tells the story of family members of some of those who have lost loved ones to Fentanyl and their efforts to raise awareness in their communities.
Retain A Texas Fentanyl Possession Lawyer | Price & Twine, PLLC
If charged, consult an experienced Texas Fentanyl possession defense lawyer. They can help you through the specifics of your case, including forming an effective defense strategy based on the available evidence and how the law applies to your situation. Specific defenses do exist, but they are conditional and require a deep understanding of the law. Therefore, it is important to consult a Texas Fentanyl offense lawyer when facing these serious charges.
Legal problems can escalate quickly if not dealt with in a timely manner. Contact the seasoned Wilco criminal defense lawyers at Price & Twine, PLLC to help you every step of the way. Our firm defends clients charged with fentanyl possession, distribution, and other drug charges in Georgetown and surrounding areas. We aim to get the optimal outcomes for our clients, and that starts with you reaching out. Feel free to call us at (512) 354-1880 to request a free consultation.