Drug Crimes Lawyer
Drug charges can result from unfair law enforcement action and misunderstandings around your intent. You need a drug crimes lawyer who can represent and defend you against these drug charges.
Paul Doyle was named "The Best of the Best in Criminal Defense" for defending Houston, TX, residents against unlawful drug charges.
Paul is a Defense Attorney Who Understands the Prosecution
Request a Consultation Today
No matter if you've been charged with drug possession, drug trafficking, or another drug offense, Paul is prepared to fight the case at trial. The government has the burden of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt. It is imperative to hire a defense attorney who knows how to try a case and will actually fight on your behalf. Paul has that reputation and the knowledge that provides his clients the best opportunity to win.
Take your charges into your hands and hire a defense attorney who has a strategy in place. Call our defense attorney's office in Houston to request a free consultation:
(713) 228-9200
5-Star Reviews From Houston, TX, Clients
"Paul Doyle & Associates are very professional and know how to get favorable results. Despite the obstacles, Paul Doyle worked arduously and diligently resulting in my case being dismissed. Special thanks to Paul, Trevor and Maria for your courtesy and professionalism. I highly recommend Paul Doyle & Associates if you find yourself in need of an awesome Criminal Defense Attorney. Thanks again!"
Texas Drug Crimes FAQ
What is a controlled substance?
A controlled substance is an illegal drug that the government regulates to protect the public. Even a prescription drug can be considered a controlled substance without a prescription.
How are drug charges classified?
Drug charges are decided based on the type of drug and the amount by weight. There are five penalty groups of drugs in Texas. Prescription drugs are split between a few penalty groups.
What are Texas' marijuana laws?
Recreational use of marijuana is illegal under Texas and federal law. Though it is illegal, marijuana is not considered a controlled substance. Still, drug possession charges can apply to marijuana.
What About Marijuana?
Marijuana possession is a drug crime that is treated differently than possession of drugs that fall into the four groups listed above. Possessing up to two ounces is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine, but more than four ounces is punishable by up to a year in jail and $4,000. Marijuana possession of over four ounces is a felony, and possession of more than 2,000 pounds can be punishable by up to 99 years in jail and a $50,000 fine.
Synthetic forms of THC (the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana) are classified as a Group 2-A drug carrying punishments similar to possession of PCP, MDMA, and mushrooms.
Types of Drug Crimes
Drug Possession
The Texas Health and Safety Code §481.002(38) defines possession as the actual care, custody, control, or management of a controlled substance. Possession can be either legal or illegal. For example, possession of a drug that has been prescribed to you is legal. Possession of a drug prescribed to someone else, or a controlled substance, is illegal.
Intent to Distribute
A charge of intent to distribute (sometimes called "intent to deliver") means that you are accused of possessing a controlled substance that you mean to distribute, deliver, or sell. Intent to distribute can be substantiated by the presence of large quantities of a controlled substance, the presence of packaging materials, and having large amounts of cash on hand.
Drug Paraphernalia
Texas Health and Safety Code section 481.002(17) defines drug paraphernalia as "equipment, product, or material that is used or intended to be used for the purpose of planting, cultivating, manufacturing, producing, processing, testing, packaging, storing, or concealing a controlled substance." It can also refer to things used to inhale, inject, or otherwise consume drugs. A conviction depends on whether the prosecution can prove that these items were used or intended to be used in conjunction with a controlled substance.
Drug Distribution
Distribution refers to the selling, transporting, or importing of a controlled substance. Not to be confused with intent to distribute, this charge alleges that someone actually engaged in these actions.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking is a more serious charge than drug distribution. While distribution refers to the movement of a controlled substance, drug trafficking refers to the weight of the controlled substance being moved. A minimum weight may be necessary to bring trafficking charges, but there is no minimum weight involved in distribution charges.
DUI and DWI
DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) are charges that both relate to operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any substance. DUI charges apply to minors, while DWI charges are applied to adults.
5-Star Reviews From Houston, TX, Clients
Ben Sanderson
Houston, TX
2023
Paul is the best lawyer in town! If you are aiming for dismissal this is your guy!
View on GoogleMGI Management
Houston, TX
2024
EXCELLENT!! AAAA+
View on GoogleA 3-Prong Attack to Prevent a Court Trial
Paul Doyle is a Houston attorney who is prepared to use every tool in his arsenal to defend you in court. However, he first uses pretrial motions to prevent the case from escalating to the courtroom:
Focus on Bond
It is Paul’s belief that a client can better assist in his or her defense while out on bail. If the bond is unconstitutionally high, Paul will seek a bond reduction. Many times, prosecutors try to set the bond at twice the street value. Prosecutors attempt to use bonds to oppress persons accused of drug crimes. Paul has successfully handled hundreds of bond hearings and will do whatever needs to be done to ensure that his clients have a bond that they can make.
Illegal Search or Traffic Stop
Search and seizure laws are very technical, and if law enforcement does not follow all steps required by law, your Houston attorney will file a motion to suppress the evidence. Many cases are dismissed after the state loses a motion to suppress. Illegal searches are way too common, and it takes a drug crimes attorney who knows the law in order to make sure law enforcement does not violate the rights of the accused.
Confidential Informants
Police rarely just stumble on evidence. Many times, informants are either paid or offered dismissals in return for information. These informants are highly motivated to “make cases” to protect themselves and therefore have the motivation to fabricate evidence. If your Houston attorney suspects an informant was involved, he will attempt to force the government to disclose the identity of the informant. Once put in a position of having to disclose the identity of an informant, the government often either dismisses the case or offers a reduced plea bargain to avoid exposing their informant.
Winning Case Results
Paul has had numerous wins as a Houston drug crimes lawyer. Here are a few standout cases that won because of Paul's drug offense strategy and attention to detail:
Paul Doyle Can Protect Your Rights
If You or a Loved One Is Accused
of a Drug Crime
Facing drug charges may feel terrifying, but remember: Being charged does not make you a criminal, and those charges don't necessarily fit any actual drug crimes that took place.
Our justice system is not perfect, and it can often result in innocent people suffering unjust penalties, or harsher penalties than they deserve. Attorney Paul Doyle in Houston has earned a reputation as the "Best of the Best in Criminal Defense" because he has proven himself capable of exposing weaknesses in the prosecution's case and protecting the liberty of his clients from a miscarriage of justice.
Don't wait any longer to protect your future if you have been charged with drug possession or other crimes. Call our defense attorney's office in Houston to request a free consultation:
(713) 228-9200
More 5-Star Reviews
From Houston, TX, Clients
"Paul Doyle and Associates are extremely professional and always willing to help. They helped my father and I through a case and although the case was very daunting, they worked with us and made sure we got through it unscathed. I am very grateful for their excellent hard work that got us the result we wanted. Cant recommend them enough!"
"There is no greater feeling than giving someone their life back."
Our Houston drug crimes lawyer invites you to take a moment to learn how his firm approaches each and every case. Our clients are people with families, careers, and much more to lose. If we take your case, we will provide the time, focus, and attention you deserve.
"I have known Mr. Doyle for sometime now, and I can say with out pause he is one of the best in Houston. The experience and knowledge he brings to the table is second to none. If you are in need of an attorney get the best, go with Doyle, it is a decision you will be very happy you made." Paul Mauro, 5-Star Google Review
