SAN ANTONIO DRUG POSSESSION LAWYER – LAW OFFICES OF PATRICK L. HANCOCK

DRUG CRIME CHARGES DEFENSE LAWYER IN THE GREATER SAN ANTONIO

DRUG POSSESSION

When you're faced with charges of simple possession, it means you're accused of having a controlled substance strictly for personal use. This can range from minor amounts of marijuana to more serious substances. Facing these charges alone can be overwhelming, which is why consulting a skilled San Antonio drug possession attorney is crucial. For those charged with possession with intent to distribute, the stakes are even higher as this implies plans to sell or distribute the drugs. Additionally, possession of drug paraphernalia—items like pipes, syringes, or scales—further complicates your case. With the help of a knowledgeable drug possession lawyer, you can navigate these accusations with a clearer understanding and stronger defense.

DRUG TRAFFICKING AND DISTRIBUTION

Drug trafficking is a grave offense that involves the transport, sale, or distribution of substantial drug quantities, potentially across state lines, which brings severe penalties. A drug offense attorney experienced in handling complex cases can be invaluable. Drug distribution, although often involving smaller amounts than trafficking, still carries significant legal consequences. Whether you're facing trafficking or distribution charges, having a seasoned San Antonio drug defense lawyer can make a critical difference in developing an effective defense strategy and possibly mitigating the charges.

DRUG MANUFACTURING

Drug manufacturing charges apply to those accused of producing illegal substances. This can include growing marijuana plants or synthesizing drugs like methamphetamine in a lab. The involvement in any part of the drug production process can lead to serious legal repercussions. Engaging a San Antonio drug crime lawyer like the Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock, who understands the technicalities and legal defenses for manufacturing charges, is crucial. A drug crimes attorney can help challenge the prosecution's case and aim to reduce the potential impact on your life.

OTHER DRUG-RELATED OFFENSES

Engaging in a conspiracy to commit a drug offense, such as planning with others to distribute or manufacture drugs, can lead to charges as severe as those for carrying out the crime itself. In instances of drug-induced homicide, where death results from drug use facilitated by another, the consequences are particularly severe. Lastly, driving under the influence of drugs (DUI) compromises not only your safety but that of others, with legal outcomes that can affect your future significantly. In all these cases, consulting with San Antonio drug crime defense attorneys can provide the necessary guidance and defense strategies to handle these serious accusations effectively.

GET LEGAL HELP IN DEALING WITH A DRUG CHARGE & POSSESSION IN BEXAR COUNTY

You have a right to defend yourself against drug charges — no matter how much alleged evidence the state has against you. Before making any potentially incriminating statements to law enforcement or the prosecution, you should speak to an accomplished criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock.

We handle a variety of drug-related charges, including:

• Drug possession
• Drug distribution and trafficking
• Drug manufacturing and marijuana grow houses
• Drug conspiracy
• Driving under the influence of drugs (DUI)

Whether you were arrested for drug offenses involving marijuana, heroin, cocaine, or crystal meth, criminal attorney Patrick L. Hancock will provide you with experienced and skilled legal representation. He has in-depth knowledge of the state and federal courts in Texas and will fight to reduce your penalties or have your case dismissed.

UNDERSTANDING THE PROSECUTOR'S STRATEGY

Every drug crime has its own unique elements that must be proven, as well as potential defenses. At the Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock, we handled every aspect of drug defense, involving:

• Drug possession, including marijuana possession
• Illegal possession and distribution of marijuana
• Distribution and sale of cocaine, methamphetamines, or other drugs
• Prescription drug fraud

These are all serious charges. Prosecutors often charge a defendant with multiple offenses—including charges they cannot prove—to get a conviction. We have the experience to know when you are being treated fairly and when you are not.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE IN SAN ANTONIO DRUG CRIME CASES

Even the most severe drug offense charges can be reduced or dismissed with the right defenses. Patrick Hancock will thoroughly investigate your case to determine what defenses are available to you, such as unconstitutional search and seizure.

There are very specific search and seizure rules that officers must follow in order to search your person, car or home. For example, police officers must either have your permission or a search warrant to search your home. If they have an invalid search warrant or they search outside the scope of the warrant, the evidence they find can be thrown out. This is called "suppression of the evidence," and it often leads to drug case dismissals.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS IN DRUG POSSESSION CASES

We represent individuals throughout Texas in drug-related cases ranging from misdemeanor marijuana possession to felony drug charges involving possession or sale and distribution. We have past experience working cases involving possession of prescription narcotics as well as possession of street drugs, and we have extensive knowledge of the many special circumstances that can make drug possession cases more complex:

• Drug possession and possession of a deadly weapon
• Second offense and possession over a certain quantity
• Possession near a school
• Arrests involving interstate possession
• Prescription drug crimes

Conviction on special offender charges may result in significantly increased penalties, including mandatory prison time. The Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock can help you fight drug possession charges.

ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING FOR MINOR DRUG CRIMES

Sometimes, when people are charged with a drug offense, the criminal act is only a symptom of a bigger problem. Often, there are chemical dependency issues that need to be addressed, but the people involved generally lack the proper resources to find a solution to their problems.

Texas offers drug courts to some people facing minor drug crime charges. Drug court is a form of alternative sentencing. Drug crime attorney Patrick L. Hancock can help you weigh your defense options and pursue alternative sentencing whenever possible.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION IN SAN ANTONIO DRUG POSSESSION CASES

Through years of defending drug crime cases, we've found that the outcome often hinges on constitutional issues. Effective defense against charges of drug possession requires a criminal defense attorney deeply knowledgeable about the rights enshrined in the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments.

As your legal representative, we will meticulously review every aspect of your case to identify any breaches of constitutional rights, including unlawful searches and seizures, improper detention or interrogation, infringements on Miranda rights, or any denial of your right to a quick and fair trial with legal representation.

Texas Law enforcement searches as many vehicles and persons as they can. Their aggressive behavior can result in a violation of your constitutional rights. The Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees you to be secure against unreasonable search and seizure. The legal system in Texas promotes "justice for all." San Antonio Drug Possession lawyer Patrick Hancock works aggressively to ensure "justice for you." Texas has a well-earned reputation for taking drug offenses seriously. Our prison populations continue to climb largely attributed to our "zero tolerance" against drug possession or controlled substances offenses.

Since drug-related convictions have both short and long-term consequences, it is vital that you contact a San Antonio drug possession attorney as soon as possible after your arrest.  Depending upon the circumstance of your situation, you could be facing extremely serious penalties. Under federal law, penalties for possessing drugs in a school zone can be increased, and Texas law considers a school zone anything within 1,000 feet of school property. Getting caught with drugs in this area can have you facing serious felony charges.

Nationwide, law enforcement made an estimated 1,638,846 arrests for drug abuse violations in 2010.  Annually, the US spends more than $51,000,000,000 on the war on drugs. The number of people arrested in 2013 in the US on nonviolent drug charges surpassed 1.5 million. If you find yourself within the group of citizens that have been charged with a nonviolent drug possession charge, you need a drug offense lawyer that is experienced in defending against a wide range of drug cases. San Antonio drug possession lawyer Patrick Hancock will fight vigorously against any drug charges you might be facing.

RETAIN A SAN ANTONIO DRUG OFFENSE ATTORNEY

Facing drug possession charges in San Antonio, Texas? You need an accomplished drug defense lawyer on your side. Patrick L. Hancock is a seasoned drug crimes attorney with a proven track record of defending clients against both state and federal drug charges. Whether it's your first offense or a subsequent arrest, we will employ every available resource to build a strong defense strategy. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation at 210-223-8844.