The Law Offices of Anthony B. Cantrell

Local: 210-888-9653 | Toll Free: 866-604-7814

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The Law Offices of Anthony B. Cantrell

Local: 210-888-9653
Toll Free: 866-604-7814

Reliable, Dedicated Representation

Skilled San Antonio Drug Crime Defense Attorney

Last updated on April 29, 2025

If you’ve been accused of a drug crime in San Antonio or South Texas, it is in your best interests to retain the services of an experienced defense lawyer who can protect your rights and minimize the potential criminal penalties.

At the Law Offices of Anthony B. Cantrell, we have more than 30 years of experience defending the rights and freedoms of clients in the San Antonio area and throughout Texas. Our founding attorney, Anthony B. Cantrell, is certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law and AV-rated* under Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review rating system.

Trust our experience. Trust our skill. Trust our commitment. Talk with our attorney about your drug defense case today.

Defending Clients Against Federal Drug Charges

Although any drug charges have the potential to result in serious consequences, the sentences for federal drug crimes are often much more serious than the punishments for state drug offenses. If you are have been arrested on drug charges by the DEA, FBI or other federal law enforcement agency, you need an attorney with criminal law expertise and experience successfully defending clients against federal drug charges.

Regardless of the particular federal drug charges you may be facing, we have the expertise needed to mount an effective defense – even in complicated cases involving large scale drug smuggling. We provide skilled and effective representation for both felony and misdemeanor charges related to all types of controlled substances and illegal drugs, including: cocaine, marijuana, heroin, LSD, ecstasy, PCP and other hallucinogenic drugs, methamphetamine, GHB, Rohypnol, & Ketamine, narcotics and illegal prescription drugs.

Tough Penalties Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Drug Crimes

Penalties if convicted of federal drug trafficking or drug conspiracy charges can range from five years to life in prison, in addition to hefty multi-million dollar fines and asset forfeiture. The stiffest penalties are imposed for possessing, selling or distributing Schedule I and Schedule II drugs which are governed by the federal Controlled Substances Act. When so much depends upon the outcome in a federal drug case, you want the best attorney you can find to fight for your acquittal.

Types of Specific Illegal Drugs

We handle drug crime charges for any type of illegal drug, including:

Understanding Different Drug Crimes and Drug-Related Crimes

We provide vigorous defense to clients charged with all types of federal drug crimes and drug-related crimes, including:

  • Drug possession: Texas courts take drug possession charges very seriously. We offer a vigorous defense designed to challenge the case against you and mitigate the potential consequences.
  • Possession with intent to distribute: If you have been arrested for possession with intent to distribute, contact our firm for convenient, effective defense you can rely on.
  • Drug trafficking: If you have been charged with trafficking drugs, we will protect your rights and interests at every stage of the process.
  • Drug importation and distribution
  • Drug conspiracy, including narcotic conspiracy
  • Manufacture of controlled substances and illegal drugs
  • Possession of chemicals for drug manufacturing
  • Federal drug charges: The penalties for a federal drug crime conviction include a prolonged prison sentence and heavy fines. We have the experience and knowledge needed to stage an aggressive defense on your behalf.
  • Money laundering
  • Smuggling controlled substances

If you or someone you love is facing federal drug charges; you should speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about the particular circumstances of your case.

Drug Possession

Texas courts treat drug offenses very seriously, and a criminal conviction can have severe long-term consequences. If you face charges for drug possession in San Antonio or the surrounding area, a skilled criminal defense attorney can effectively protect your rights and work to mitigate the effects of these accusations.

At the Law Offices of Anthony B. Cantrell, we have the experience necessary to effectively protect your rights in criminal drug cases at both the state and federal level. For the past 20 years, attorney Anthony Cantrell has focused his legal practice exclusively on criminal defense matters.

What are the potential penalties for drug possession in Texas?

Texas law establishes penalties based on the type and amount of controlled substance. Even simple possession of less than one gram of cocaine or heroin can result in a state jail felony with up to two years in state jail.

Larger amounts or subsequent offenses may lead to first-degree felony charges with prison sentences of 5 to 99 years. Consequences include fines, license suspension and employment barriers.

Can a drug possession charge be dropped?

The state will drop possession charges for several different reasons. Obviously, if they find during their investigation that they don’t have the evidence, they will drop a charge. Other times, it is a matter of a plea deal. However, the state does not spontaneously drop any charge unless you have an aggressive advocate fighting for you.

Do drug crime penalties vary based on the type of drug?

Yes. Marijuana charges are under an entirely separate class from other charges in Texas. While generally speaking, marijuana charges can be less severe, that’s not saying much. Texas has some of the most strict penalties for possession in the country, with the maximum penalty of life in prison.

Drug Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute

Intent can significantly affect the charge level; possession with intent to distribute can lead to harsher penalties than simple possession.

Drug possession with intent to distribute is a serious crime, with potentially serious consequences. Police in San Antonio and throughout Texas are dedicated to fully pursuing drug distribution charges. State and federal law enforcement believe that they can win the war on drugs by controlling the distribution of drugs. Unfortunately, this leads overzealous prosecutors to sometimes make false accusations and to charge people with intent to distribute instead of simple drug possession, even when they have little or no evidence to support the charge.

If convicted of drug possession with intent to distribute, you may be facing very steep criminal penalties. The potential consequences change based upon a wide range of factors, such as the quantity and type of drugs involved, your prior criminal record, and whether or not you were located in a school zone when in possession of these drugs. In all cases though, it is always important that you retain an experienced attorney immediately to protect your rights.

Drug Trafficking, Smugging and Importation

Drug and narcotic offenses are some of the most widely prosecuted crimes in Texas. In state and federal courts across Texas, prosecutors aggressively pursue people accused of drug crimes, particularly those accused of drug trafficking and importation.

We have an outstanding record of prior successes, and can effectively represent you if you have been accused of drug sale, distribution or trafficking. In all cases, we will work to obtain the best outcome available. Depending on the individual circumstances of your case, this can vary greatly.

  • If the evidence is not very strong, we will challenge the validity of the prosecutor’s allegations, striving to cast reasonable doubt upon your drug trafficking charges.
  • If the evidence was collected in violation of your rights, we will work to suppress this evidence and keep it from being considered in your trial.
  • If the evidence is strong and collected legitimately, we will work to mitigate the potential consequences that you may be facing through effective negotiations.

Whether you have been accused of distributing cocaine or smuggling heroin, we can effectively handle your criminal defense. For skilled representation from an experienced attorney, come to our offices.

Texas Drug Charges FAQs

Our San Antonio drug crimes attorney can assist in safeguarding your prospects by answering questions specific to such cases arising in San Antonio, Texas.

What should I do if arrested for a drug crime in San Antonio?

The first and most critical step is to remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Avoid providing statements or explanations to law enforcement without legal representation, as anything you say can be used against you. Request to speak with an attorney immediately. Additionally, invoke your right to refuse searches unless a warrant is presented.

How can a drug crime conviction affect my future?

Beyond possible jail time and fines, you may face long-term challenges, such as difficulty securing employment, housing or educational opportunities. A conviction could also lead to losing certain rights, such as driving privileges, and may result in a permanent criminal record that affects your reputation and future prospects.

How does Texas law classify controlled substances?

Texas law classifies controlled substances into five “penalty groups,” reflecting their potential for abuse and accepted medical applications. Penalty Group 1 entails substances with a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical use, such as heroin and LSD. Penalty Groups 2 through 5 scale down in severity, with Group 2 including drugs like cocaine, which have medical uses but high abuse potential.

What should I expect during the legal process for a drug crime case?

The legal process for a drug crime case typically begins with an arrest, followed by an arraignment where you are formally charged and enter a plea. Depending on the circumstances, pretrial motions and hearings may be held to address issues such as evidence suppression or plea negotiations. If no settlement or plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury determines your guilt or innocence.

What defenses are available for drug charges in Texas?

Defense strategies under Texas law include challenging the legality of searches, questioning evidence chain of custody or demonstrating a lack of knowledge about drug presence. Constitutional violations or improper evidence handling can lead to evidence suppression.

For instance, proving a lack of intent can be a defense strategy, if you were unaware of the substance’s presence or nature. The prosecution must demonstrate that you knowingly possessed the drugs and had the intent to use, sell or manufacture them.

Can drug charges be reduced or dismissed?

Texas courts may consider charge reduction or dismissal based on various factors. First-time offenders might qualify for pretrial diversion programs focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Successful completion of drug education or treatment programs can sometimes lead to reduced charges. Procedural errors in the arrest process or evidence collection may also provide grounds for dismissal.

How important is it to hire a local attorney for a drug crime case in San Antonio?

San Antonio’s court system maintains specific procedures and local rules that impact drug cases. A local drug crime defense lawyer like Anthony B. Cantrell brings familiarity with these procedures, establishes relationships with court personnel and has an understanding of local prosecution strategies. This local knowledge often proves invaluable in navigating plea negotiations and developing effective defense strategies aligned with local judicial preferences.

Experienced San Antonio Drug Crime Lawyer Fighting Hard For You

We are committed to protecting the rights, freedom and best interests of those charged with state or federal drug crimes. Our principal attorney, Anthony Cantrell, is highly skilled at investigating drug cases. He will evaluate the evidence against you and file the necessary motions to suppress any evidence gained through illegal search of your home or property. In addition, his extensive experience allows him to anticipate the prosecution’s tactics and expose any weaknesses in their arguments.

Whether we negotiate for a lesser sentence or aggressively defend your rights in a full trial, you can rest assured that we will always fight hard on your behalf.

Contact our office today to schedule your free initial consultation by sending us an email or calling us toll-free at 866-604-7814, or locally in San Antonio or New Braunfels at 210-888-9653. Spanish translation is available.