DRUG DEFENSE LAWYER SPECIALIZING IN CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CHARGES IN SAN ANTONIO, TX - LAW OFFICES OF PATRICK L. HANCOCK

Possession of a controlled substance can lead to serious drug charges and, upon conviction, lasting penalties. You may face fines, jail time, and a damaging criminal record.

When you or someone you love is under investigation or has been charged with a drug crime, it is important to take immediate action to protect your rights. At the law office of Patrick L. Hancock, our San Antonio criminal defense lawyer offers more than 32 years of experience focused on defeating or minimizing charges and reducing penalties in drug crime cases.

FAQ - SAN ANTONIO DRUG CRIME LAWYER FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION AND DELIVERY

The information provided below is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice, please consult with an experienced San Antonio criminal defense attorney regarding your case.

WHAT CONSTITUTES POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IN TEXAS?

In Texas, possession of a controlled substance is defined as having care, custody, control, or management of a prohibited drug. This includes physical possession, such as having the substance in your pocket, or constructive possession, where the substance is found in a location you control, like your home or vehicle. The severity of the charge can vary significantly depending on factors such as the type of substance, the amount, and whether there is evidence of intent to distribute.

At the Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock, our San Antonio criminal defense lawyer has extensive experience in defending individuals charged with drug crimes, including controlled substance possession. We understand the nuances of Texas drug laws and are committed to protecting your rights and seeking the best possible outcome for your case. If you are facing a drug offense in San Antonio, it's crucial to consult with a knowledgeable drug defense lawyer who can evaluate your situation and develop a robust defense strategy.

WHAT FACTORS DETERMINE THE SEVERITY OF A DRUG POSSESSION CHARGE?

The severity of a drug possession charge in Texas is determined by several key factors:

Type of Substance: Controlled substances are categorized into penalty groups, with Group 1 substances (like cocaine and heroin) carrying the harshest penalties.
Amount of Substance: The quantity of the drug in your possession can escalate the charges from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Intent: Possession with intent to distribute or sell the substance can lead to more severe charges and penalties.
Location: Possession in certain areas, such as near a school or playground, can enhance the charges.
Criminal History: Prior convictions can increase the severity of the current charges and lead to harsher sentencing.

At the Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock, our experienced San Antonio criminal law attorney will thoroughly examine all these factors to build a strong defense. Understanding the intricacies of drug laws and how they apply to your case is essential for mounting an effective defense. As a seasoned drug crimes attorney, Patrick Hancock is dedicated to fighting for your rights and achieving the best possible results.

CAN I BE CHARGED WITH POSSESSION IF THE DRUGS BELONG TO SOMEONE ELSE?

Yes, in Texas, you can be charged with possession of a controlled substance even if the drugs do not belong to you. The prosecution only needs to prove that you had care, custody, control, or management of the substance. This could mean that if drugs are found in your home or car, even if they belong to someone else, you could still face possession charges. However, defenses can be raised based on the lack of intent or knowledge about the substance.

If you are facing such a situation, it is critical to seek legal advice from a San Antonio criminal defense lawyer. The Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock specializes in defending against drug possession charges, and we are skilled at challenging the evidence and arguing for dismissal or reduction of charges. A consultation with our drug crime lawyer can help clarify your legal options and guide you through the complexities of your case.

CAN A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION CONVICTION AFFECT MY JOB OR PROFESSIONAL LICENSE?

A conviction for possession of a controlled substance in Texas can have severe consequences beyond criminal penalties. It can result in the loss of employment or the suspension or revocation of a professional license. This is particularly true for jobs that require security clearances, professional licenses (such as nursing or teaching), or those in industries that strictly regulate employee conduct.

Employers and licensing boards often conduct background checks, and a drug conviction could lead to termination or denial of a professional license. At the Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock, we understand the far-reaching implications of a drug offense conviction and work diligently to protect your career and livelihood. Our drug crimes attorney will explore every possible defense to help you avoid a conviction that could derail your professional life.

CAN I BE CHARGED WITH DELIVERY IF I WAS UNAWARE OF THE SUBSTANCE?

In Texas, being charged with the delivery of a controlled substance doesn't necessarily require proof that you knew what the substance was. The law can still hold you accountable if it can be shown that you knowingly participated in an act of delivery, even if you were unaware of the specific nature of the substance involved. This can make defending against such charges particularly complex.

If you find yourself in this situation, you need an experienced San Antonio criminal law attorney who can dissect the evidence against you. The Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock has extensive experience in defending clients against drug crime charges, including delivery of a controlled substance. Our firm's criminal attorney will work to demonstrate the lack of intent or knowledge, which could be critical in securing a favorable outcome for your case.

SAN ANTONIO DRUG CRIME LAWYER - AREAS WE SERVE

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CHARGES BY SAN ANTONIO DRUG OFFENSE ATTORNEY

Call 210-223-8844 or email our office for a free and confidential consultation. Among other awards, nationally recognized trial attorney Patrick L. Hancock has been selected for inclusion in Texas Super Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, The National Trial Lawyers organization, and S.A. Scene Magazine's Best Lawyers in San Antonio.

UNDERSTANDING WHEN YOU CAN BE CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE IN BEXAR COUNTY

Controlled substances include street drugs, such as cocaine or crack, marijuana, prescription drugs, and some over the counter drugs containing codeine and amphetamines. Possession of any amount of a controlled substance is grounds for criminal prosecution. It is possible, however, to defend against charges of possession of a controlled substance and drug possession with intent to deliver.

As your defense lawyer, Mr. Hancock will begin an intensive and strategic investigation to uncover evidence supporting your side of the story. He will review police documentation, consult with witnesses, and seek to suppress any evidence illegally obtained against you.

We are experienced in drug possession cases involving:

Drug possession/intent to deliver, including possession of marijuana, meth, cocaine and heroin
Narcotics manufacturing, including meth manufacturing and marijuana grow houses
Drug trafficking

DEFENSES TO TEXAS DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES

Any good criminal defense lawyer will pursue every opportunity for your defense. You may have been in possession of a drug but without intent to deliver. You may have had a prescription or the right to possess a certain drug. You may have been illegally searched without proper cause or warrant.

As your attorney, Mr. Hancock knows how to aggressively defend drug crime cases involving possession of a controlled substance. He will investigate every element of your case including:

Are the drugs what the law enforcement officials actually say they are?
Do the charges match the facts (i.e., amounts in possession, drugs in possession)?
Were your rights violated in the search and seizure process?
Was there probable cause to stop you on the street, stop your car or search your property?
Is there evidence to support an intent to deliver?

All of these questions will become extremely important through the investigation and in the trial.

NEED A SAN ANTONIO CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY? CONTACT US

Attorney Patrick L. Hancock has a solid reputation and record of results. He will provide an aggressive defense to effectively protect your rights and defeat your charges. Call the San Antonio, Texas, Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock at 210-223-8844 or contact him online to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

SAN ANTONIO DRUG CRIMES ATTORNEY – POSSESSION AND DELIVERY OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE