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Tarrant County Marijuana Arrest Attorney
Lawyer Helping Clients Defend Against Marijuana Possession Charges in Tarrant County, TX
If you have been arrested and charged with the possession of marijuana or THC, the outcome of your case can threaten your freedom, your record, your career, and your reputation. You will need a strong defense from a criminal defense attorney who can help you understand your rights and your legal options. At The Dameron Law Firm, our lawyer serves clients throughout Tarrant County, and he can provide the legal representation you need to resolve your case successfully.
A Small Amount of Marijuana Can Still Create a Serious Criminal Case
Texas has not legalized recreational marijuana. Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.121, knowingly or intentionally possessing a usable quantity of marijuana can result in a misdemeanor or felony charge. The specific charges will depend on the weight of the substance recovered by police during a search or investigation.
An arrest is not a conviction. The government still has to prove every required element of an offense. The evidence may be challenged due to issues such as police conduct, questions about knowing and intentional possession, lab test results, or evidence handling.
You should not assume that a case will "just go away." Statements you make to police, missed court dates, bond violations, and delays in preserving evidence can make a difficult situation worse. Use your right to remain silent and speak with a lawyer about your specific circumstances.
Texas Marijuana Possession Penalties
Section 481.121 establishes offense levels for marijuana possession charges based on the amount a person allegedly possessed. The ranges below are a general summary, not a prediction of the results in any particular case:
- Two Ounces or Less: Class B misdemeanor, with penalties including up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, and a permanent criminal record
- Between Two and Four Ounces: Class A misdemeanor, with penalties including up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, and probation and collateral consequences
- More Than Four Ounces: State jail felony or higher felony level, with penalties including multiple years in jail and substantial fines
What Happens Next After an Arrest for Marijuana Possession in Tarrant County?
The exact process that will be followed depends on the court, the charges, decisions about bond, and the evidence involved in the case. A criminal case will commonly involve the following stages:
- Release and Bond: After posting a bond, you will be required to follow release conditions and court instructions.
- Evidence Review: Our lawyer will analyze a stop by police, searches, statements, reports, video footage, drug testing, and the chain of custody of evidence.
- Defense Strategy: Our attorney will identify potential strategies, including taking steps to suppress evidence or demonstrating that prosecutors cannot prove that an offense occurred beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Resolution or Trial: Our lawyer will pursue the best possible outcome, which may include seeking a dismissal, negotiating with prosecutors, or providing a defense during a trial.
Issues That May Change the Outcome of a Marijuana Possession Case
Every case will require a close review of the facts and evidence. Our defense attorney will look at whether the prosecutor can lawfully obtain the necessary evidence and prove that you committed a crime. He may address issues such as:
- Unlawful Stop: Did the officer have a valid legal basis to detain or stop you?
- Illegal Search: Was there consent, probable cause, a warrant, or a recognized exception?
- Knowing Possession: Can the prosecutor link you to the substance and prove that you intentionally possessed it?
- Evidence Problems: Are there testing, identification, weight, preservation, or chain-of-custody issues?
THC Products May Be Treated Differently
Vape cartridges, oils, waxes, concentrates, and some edibles may be handled differently from cases involving cannabis plants. The composition of a product, its total weight, packaging, and laboratory evidence can play a role in these cases. Our lawyer will carefully review the issues that may affect THC possession charges and help you determine the best defense strategies.
Tarrant County Marijuana Arrest FAQs
Recreational marijuana possession is a criminal offense under Texas law. Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.121 sets different levels of marijuana possession offenses based on the amount allegedly possessed.
A jail sentence is possible for misdemeanor marijuana possession, but the results of your case will depend on the facts, your criminal history, the available defenses, and the prosecutor and judge. While our lawyer cannot guarantee an outcome, he will work with you to defend against marijuana possession charges and help you avoid a jail sentence or other serious penalties.
In general, police can perform searches if they have a search warrant, if they have probable cause to believe that a crime has occurred, or if you give consent. Our lawyer can examine the reasons for a traffic stop, the observations made by a police officer on a police report, any claims that you provided consent for a search, the scope of the search, and other issues to determine if searches were unlawful.
A dismissal may be possible in some cases, including in situations involving unlawful searches, insufficient evidence, weaknesses in the evidence, or participation in diversion programs. Dismissal is never automatic or guaranteed. Our attorney can help you determine your legal options and seek a dismissal when possible.
You have constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to be represented by an attorney. Speaking to police officers, answering questions, or giving explanations without consulting with a lawyer could lead to statements on the record that may be used against you.
Contact Our Tarrant County, Texas Marijuana Possession Defense Lawyer
At The Dameron Law Firm, our lawyer can provide the legal representation you need when addressing marijuana possession charges. Get legal help with your case by contacting our Tarrant County marijuana charges attorney at 817-222-0624 and arranging a free consultation.
1515 8th Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76104
817-222-0624
