On Jan. 8, a 51-year-old Texas man was arrested after a traffic stop near Chandler. He had reportedly violated the terms of his parole and was also in possession of illegal drugs.
According to authorities, the defendant was pulled over for a traffic violation on FM 315. During the stop, three narcotics deputies discovered that he was a convicted felon with an outstanding warrant for the parole violation. After he was taken into custody, the deputies searched his vehicle and allegedly found methamphetamine.
The defendant was charged with second-degree felony possession of illegal drugs, which carries a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. His bond was set at $10,000. According to media reports, he has previously been convicted of having a wrong, fictional, altered or obscured registration, unlawful carrying of a weapon, possession and transport of anhydrous ammonia, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a prohibited substance in jail.
Drug charges carry harsh consequences in Texas if a conviction is obtained. Typical sentences often include incarceration, heavy fines and the seizure of personal property. Therefore, it is important for a defendant to retain the representation of a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney could review the evidence for any details that could undermine the prosecution’s case, such as a challenge to the search that led to the seizure of the drugs. Legal counsel could also if appropriate negotiate with prosecutors for a plea deal that mitigates some of the charges and/or penalties.
Source: Athens Review, “Deputies capture wanted man, charge him with drug possession“, Jan. 9, 2018
