Skilled Drug Crime Defense In San Antonio
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.
Our firm defends individuals against all drug charges, 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.
- Drug trafficking: If you have been charged with trafficking drugs, we will protect your rights and interests at every stage of the process.
- 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.
- 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.
We handle drug crime charges for any type of illegal drug, including:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Ecstasy
- Hallucinogens
- Marijuana
- Meth (methamphetamines)
- Prescription drugs
Texas Drug Charges FAQs
Our drug possession attorney can assist in safeguarding your prospects by answering questions specific to such cases arising in San Antonio, Texas.
What is the difference between possession, distribution and trafficking charges?
Drug possession in Texas refers to having direct control over controlled substances for personal use. Distribution charges arise when evidence suggests an intent to sell drugs to others, shown by larger quantities or packaging materials. Drug trafficking involves transporting controlled substances across state lines or international borders.
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.
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 role does intent play in drug crime charges?
Intent can significantly affect the charge level; possession with intent to distribute can lead to harsher penalties than simple possession.
Proving a lack of intent can be a defense strategy, for instance, 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.
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.
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.
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.