Drug Crimes

Drug Crime Defense Lawyers in Plano

Proven Results in Collin & Denton Counties’ Criminal Defense Cases

The state of Texas and federal agencies try to crack down hard on drug offenders. Their focus is convictions, not underlying issues like drug addiction or the impact on families when people are given long jail sentences for dealing or possessing drugs.

At Zen Law Firm, our mission is to prevent a drug conviction and felony record if possible. We provide an aggressive defense to undermine the prosecution’s case and put you in a position to secure a favorable outcome. Defense lawyer Jason Zendeh Del – a former prosecutor himself – has a good record of results even in complex and high-stakes drug cases.

Arrested on drug charges? Reach out to our Plano drug crime defense attorneys at (469) 361-8561 for a free case review.

Texas Drug Crimes

Drug crimes involve a range of activities related to controlled substances that have been categorized according to their addictiveness and medical value. Under Texas law, four penalty groups have been established for controlled substances, with Penalty Group 1 being the most serious. This group contains such drugs as cocaine and heroin.

How you are charged in any drug crime will depend on the penalty group of the drug, the type of activity involved, and whether you have any prior convictions.

Drug crimes include:

In regards to marijuana, the least serious offense is the possession of less than two ounces which is charged as a Class B misdemeanor. It carries penalties of up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000, and probation. Larger quantities will result in steeper penalties.

Which Drugs Are Illegal?

Texas considers both the compounds used to make the drugs, as well as the drugs themselves, to be illegal. The list of substances that can incur drug-related charges is long and should not be taken lightly.

All of the following drugs are considered illegal in Texas:

Drug crimes can include possession, sale, cultivation, manufacturing, and owning paraphernalia. An individual can also face charges for falsifying a drug test. Most convictions for these offenses involve time in jail, heavy fines, driver’s license suspension, probation, and mandatory drug counseling programs. Based on the severity of the crime, it may even be considered a felony.

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We Fight Smart So YOU can Breathe Easy

Peace of Mind is Possible with Zen Law Firm

Former Prosecutor on Your Side

With firsthand knowledge of how cases are built and prosecuted, our team anticipates strategies and builds stronger defenses.
Trial-Tested Experience

We’ve handled hundreds of trials and thousands of hearings across state and federal courts—and we prepare every case as if it’s going to court.
Full-Service Representation

From criminal defense to personal injury and immigration, we offer skilled legal support across multiple practice areas.
Broad Strength, Local Access

With offices in Plano, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, you get personalized service backed by a firm with statewide reach.

Experienced Drug Crime Defense From an Ex-Prosecutor

Attorney Jason Zendeh Del began his career as a criminal prosecutor for the state of Texas, including hundreds of drug-related cases. That background helps him advocate more effectively for those accused of drug crimes. Knowing how law enforcement and the prosecution investigate and build these cases, he can identify the holes in the evidence or where the prosecution took shortcuts or violated the rights of suspects.

He has experience with state drug charges and federal drug prosecutions. Sometimes, Texas and federal agencies coordinate on drug stings, and other times, clients face charges in both venues. We defend the full range of drug crimes and related charges, including:

Marijuana charges
Felony drug possession
Possession with intent to distribute
Drug trafficking and sales
Weapon enhancements
Money laundering and criminal conspiracy

Our legal team has experience with every type of drug: cannabis, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, PCP, ecstasy, and “designer” drugs, as well as illegal possession of prescription drugs such as OxyContin, Xanax, or Ritalin.

Drug Transportation Charges

The Texas authorities are heavily involved in stopping the flow of controlled substances into the state. The border with Mexico has led to a flow of various illegal drugs. Both state and federal police agencies are involved in apprehending those who are transporting the drugs into the state, or transporting the drugs through the state in order to distribute them to other parts of the country. If you are facing charges filed in state or federal court, contact our firm at once. Our lead trial attorney is a former prosecutor and is recognized for his exceptional skills in case development and presentation.

What Are My Search & Seizure Rights?

As citizens, we have a constitutional right against unlawful search and seizure. The fourth amendment states: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizure, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

In other words, in order for law enforcement officials to legally search your person, home, and (with few exceptions) your vehicle, they must have:

Voluntary consent to the search;
Legal search warrant; or
Probable cause;

Illegal searches have been known to occur when law enforcement officials seize cash or property after mere allegations of drug activity. Many times, law enforcement attempts to skirt Fourth Amendment rights by tricking or intimidating people into providing “consent” that is actually uninformed or involuntary for the purpose of searching an individual or the individual’s property. If a law enforcement officer asks you if he can search your car or look in your trunk, you have a right to simply say “no.” Many times, officers will then threaten to get a warrant or try to coerce you by saying that they will call in a search dog. Regardless of such threats, you still have the right to say “no.”

You need a trial-seasoned defense attorney to help ensure that your rights are protected and that any evidence obtained as a result of an unlawful search and seizure is determined to be inadmissible in court.

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FAQ

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 469-361-8561 today!

What kind of punishments do I face if I’m convicted?

Depending on the crime, if you are convicted, you may be punished with imprisonment, fines, community service, probation, and mandatory drug and alcohol counseling. In addition to these harsh consequences, a conviction for a drug-related crime on your record could make you ineligible for employment with some companies.
What is a drug crime?

Generally, drug crimes are offenses involving the criminal possession, sale, distribution, trafficking or manufacturing of a controlled substance. This also includes illegal possession of prescription drugs and prescription drug fraud. Frequently, drug charges include possession of a controlled substance, possession with the intent to distribute, delivery of a controlled substance, trafficking, and more.
What should I say to the police if I’ve been arrested?

We strongly encourage you to say nothing to law enforcement officials until you have consulted with a criminal defense attorney. Anything you say, even before you’ve been taken into custody, could and probably will be used against you in court. You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning. It’s usually best to utilize every right you have during the criminal process!
I didn’t commit the crime. Do I still need a defense lawyer?

It’s important that you do everything you can to protect your rights if you’ve been charged with a drug crime in Texas. Innocent people are convicted of crimes every day. Depending on the crime, if you’re convicted, you could be facing serious consequences such as jail or prison time, and possibly thousands of dollars in fines. Don’t go through this process alone, and don’t get pushed around.
Can a drug crime conviction cause me to lose my driver’s license?

In many cases, yes, a drug conviction will likely result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Even if a drug crime isn’t related to driving while under the influence of drugs, a conviction can cause a person to lose their license for 180 days. However, every case is different, and you should talk to us about your specific circumstances.
What are first-time drug offender programs?

Many Texas counties offer first-time drug offender programs that allow people to follow a program rather than face heavier criminal penalties. These programs can help people avoid jail time. If you have questions about first-time offender programs in your case, we encourage you to contact Zen Law Firm today.
What qualifies as drug trafficking in Texas?

A number of factors could lead to a charge of drug trafficking in Texas. Depending on the factors, you could be charged with both possession and trafficking. Mainly, the distinction between possession and trafficking involves the amount of drugs and the intent to distribute. A large amount of drugs combined with an alleged intent to distribute could result in a drug trafficking charge. Also, if the authorities allege that you transported a large amount of drugs across state lines, you could be charged with trafficking. In any case, it’s important to have an experienced drug charge defense attorney on your side if you are charged with drug trafficking. A trafficking conviction can result in significantly more serious penalties than a drug possession conviction.

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Call Our Drug Defense Law Firm Before You Do Anything Else!

Exercise your right to remain silent and call our firm before you answer any questions from the police or federal authorities. The case that has been built against you may have weaknesses that could lead to a dismissal; however, if you begin explaining what happened, even if you are innocent and were not involved in drug transportation, you could accidentally compromise your case.

We take charge of the entire legal situation, and our first task is to conduct a full and careful evaluation of the evidence that led to your arrest, as well as police procedure and all other relevant facts. This analysis allows us to advise you of the most effective strategy for your case and provide guidance regarding what actions should be taken for your defense. Our firm represents members of the military as well as civilian defendants, and we are admitted to practice in both state and federal criminal courts.

Schedule your free initial consultation with our Plano drug defense lawyers by calling (469) 361-8561 or contacting us online today.

A Brighter Day is on the Way

Call Zen Law Firm Today

Have questions? Ready to get started? Call (469) 361-8561 today or fill out the form below to schedule a consultation.

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