While some drug crimes are treated more harshly than others, simply possessing an illegal substance can still get you into deep trouble with the law. Heroin, in particular, is among the most common illicit substances to result in charges.
Heroin laws are fairly straightforward in Texas. For simple possession of less than a gram, you can be charged with a state jail felony. If you get a state jail felony, you will face penalties such as up to two years in jail and fines of up to $10,000.
The more heroin you have in your possession, the worse the penalties will be.
Heroin penalties for 1 gram and more
There are felony charges associated with all heroin offenses in Texas. They are as follows:
- Possessing one to four grams of heroin is a third-degree felony
- Possessing four to 200 grams of heroin is a second-degree felony
- Possessing 200 to 400 grams is a first-degree felony
- Possessing 400 grams or more leads to up to life in prison at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institution and a fine of up to $100,000
As you can see, these penalties are significant. Even if you only have a small amount of heroin in your possession, it’s worth fighting back against the allegations. If you did not have heroin but heroin was discovered planted in your bag or vehicle, then you should work to defend yourself against unfair allegations of drug possession.
Watch out for drug charges that stack because of the factors involved in your case
Drug possession charges sometimes are charged as sale or trafficking charges, so you have to be cautious. When you face charges of any kind, your immediate goal should be to work with someone who can help protect you against unfair charges.
You have the chance to defend yourself against charges, so remember to stay quiet and wait for help to defend yourself. You have no obligation to speak with the police or give them additional information. Don’t feel the need to explain yourself, because doing so could result in charges that you didn’t expect and give the prosecution more evidence to build a case.