Drug Cases

Houston Drug Defense Lawyer

When you’re facing a drug-related charge in Houston, your freedom and future are at risk. Texas has some of the toughest drug laws in the country, and even a seemingly minor offense can result in severe consequences.

Whether you’ve been charged with simple possession or something more serious like drug trafficking, you need a Houston drug defense lawyer who will stand up for your rights and challenge the charges against you. Eric Benavides is that lawyer. He’s ready to put his years of experience to work for you.

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What You Need to Know About Drug Charges in Houston

Both state and federal laws govern drug offenses in Texas, and the penalties can vary significantly depending on the type and quantity of the drug, your intent, and any prior convictions. Let’s break down the types of charges you might face and what’s at stake.

Types of Drug Charges

• Possession: Being found with illegal drugs on your person or in your control.

• Manufacture or distribution: Producing or delivering drugs. This offense includes transporting drugs for sale or sharing them with others.

• Possession with intent to distribute: Having drugs with the intention to sell or distribute them.

• Drug trafficking: A more severe offense involving large quantities of drugs being transported or sold, often across state or national borders.

The penalties for these crimes range from fines to long-term imprisonment. And beyond that, a drug conviction can leave a lasting mark on your life, affecting job prospects, housing, and even relationships. That’s why you must take immediate steps to protect yourself.

Reasons to Choose Benavides Law Group for Your Defense

Benavides Law Group takes a client-first approach, ensuring personalized attention at every stage of your case. You’ll work directly with a dedicated Houston drug defense lawyer who understands the complexities of criminal law and is prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf.

Eric Benavides has more than 15 years of experience fighting for his clients’ rights in court. He has helped hundreds of wrongfully accused people win their cases and is ready to do everything he can to help you achieve a positive outcome.

Whether you’re dealing with drug charges, DUI, or other criminal accusations, Benavides Law combines dedication, strategic defense tactics, and a client-focused mindset to give you the defense you deserve. When your future is at stake, trust Benavides Law Group to fight for your rights.

We’re located at 2180 North Loop West Suite 310, slightly north of The Preserve business park. Our phone number is (713) 222-2828.

Why You Need to Take Immediate Action After a Drug Arrest

After you’re arrested on a drug charge, the decisions you make in the following hours and days will shape your case. In many situations, people make mistakes that make it easier for prosecutors to secure a conviction. They may say the wrong thing to the police, consent to searches, or not fully understand their rights.

Don’t make that mistake.

A Houston drug defense lawyer will help you take control of the situation from the start. By understanding your rights and what to expect, you’ll be better positioned to protect yourself. Immediate action is necessary when your freedom and future are at risk.

Your Rights Matter: What to Do If You’re Arrested for a Drug Charge

When you’re arrested, emotions can run high, and you might feel pressured to cooperate with law enforcement. However, it’s important to remember that you have rights, and exercising them can make a huge difference in your case.

Stay Silent

Police officers may ask you questions, hoping to get you to incriminate yourself or admit wrongdoing. You might feel tempted to explain the situation, thinking you can talk your way out of trouble.

Don’t fall into that trap.

Politely but firmly inform the police that you won’t answer any questions without an attorney present. This isn’t about being uncooperative – it’s about protecting your case and ensuring that your words aren’t used against you later. Even seemingly harmless statements can come back to haunt you in court.

Don’t Consent to Searches

Police may ask for your consent to search your vehicle, home, or personal belongings. If they don’t have a warrant, you can refuse the search. Consenting to a search may provide law enforcement with the evidence they need to charge you, even if you believe you have nothing to hide.

Many think cooperating with a search will show they have nothing to hide, but it can work against you. If drugs or paraphernalia are found, even if they aren’t yours, you can still be charged. Without a warrant, police often don’t have the authority to search your property, and refusing a search is a way to protect your rights.

Ask for a Lawyer

The moment you’re arrested, ask for a Houston drug defense lawyer. Hiring an experienced drug case attorney is one of the most important steps to safeguard your rights and future. Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process, ensuring you don’t unintentionally say or do something that can damage your case.

Having a lawyer by your side ensures you don’t deal with the system alone. Your defense attorney will communicate with law enforcement and the prosecution, helping you avoid common pitfalls and protect your interests.

The Stakes of a Conviction: Why You Can’t Afford to Lose

A drug conviction can have far-reaching consequences beyond fines and jail time. Even after you’ve served your sentence, the impact of a conviction can linger for years, affecting every aspect of your life. The stakes are high, which is why immediate action is so important.

Employment

One of the most significant consequences of a drug conviction is its impact on your employment prospects. Many employers run background checks on potential hires, and a drug-related conviction can be a red flag. Some employers may hesitate to hire individuals with criminal records, particularly for positions requiring trust and responsibility.

Even if the drug offense occurred years ago, it can still follow you around and limit your career opportunities. This can make it difficult to secure stable employment, affecting your financial stability and ability to support yourself or your family.

Housing

A drug conviction can also limit your housing options. Many landlords conduct background checks on prospective tenants, and a drug-related conviction can lead to being denied housing. Many larger rental companies have strict policies about renting to individuals with criminal records.

In addition to private housing, drug convictions can affect your ability to qualify for public housing programs. Many public housing authorities have rules that disqualify individuals with certain types of criminal records, including drug offenses. These rules can leave you with fewer options for safe, affordable housing, compounding your challenges after a conviction.

Family and Relationships

A drug conviction can have a profound impact on your personal relationships, too. Your family and loved ones may be affected by your legal troubles, and the strain of a criminal case can put pressure on even the strongest relationships.

If you have children, a drug conviction can affect your custody or visitation rights. Courts may view a drug conviction as a sign that you’re not fit to care for your children, which can result in losing custody or facing restrictions on when and how you can see your kids.

For non-citizens, the consequences can be even more severe. A drug conviction can affect your immigration status, potentially leading to deportation or making it more difficult to obtain legal residency or citizenship. Immigration laws regarding drug convictions are strict, and even a minor drug offense can result in life-altering consequences for you and your family.

The Importance of a Strong Legal Defense

Given the serious consequences of a drug conviction, it’s clear why taking immediate action is so important. You can’t afford to take chances with your future, and that’s where a Houston drug defense lawyer comes in. Your criminal defense attorney will work to build a strong defense, challenging the prosecution’s case and protecting your rights.

In drug cases, the evidence is often key. Law enforcement may claim they found drugs on your person or in your possession, but how that evidence was obtained matters. If the police conducted an illegal search or violated your constitutional rights in any way, the evidence against you can be thrown out.

A Houston drug defense lawyer will carefully examine the details of your case, looking for weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument. If the evidence against you is flawed or obtained illegally, your lawyer can challenge it in court. This can result in reduced charges or even a dismissal of the case altogether.

Building Your Defense: Strategies a Houston Drug Defense Lawyer Can Use

When it comes to defending against a drug charge, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each case is different, and a Houston drug defense lawyer will look at the facts of your case to determine the best strategy. Here are some of the defense tactics they might consider:

Proving Lack of Possession

In some cases, it’s possible to argue that the drugs didn’t belong to you. If the drugs were found in a car or home where multiple people were present, your lawyer can raise doubts about whether you had control or ownership of the substances.

Arguing Entrapment

If you were induced or coerced into committing a drug offense by law enforcement or a government agent, this might constitute entrapment. For example, if an officer pressured you into selling drugs or committing another crime, this can be a valid defense.

Proving Lack of Intent

If you’ve been charged with possession with intent to distribute, for example, the prosecution must prove that you planned to sell or distribute the drugs. Simply possessing a large quantity of drugs isn’t always enough to establish intent. Your defense attorney may argue that the drugs were for personal use or present other evidence that challenges the prosecution’s claim.

Exploring Alternative Sentencing Options

In some cases, a Houston drug defense lawyer can negotiate for alternative sentencing options. For example, if this is your first offense or you’re struggling with addiction, you may qualify for a diversion program. This program can involve rehabilitation or community service instead of jail time. These programs offer a way to avoid the harshest penalties and give you a second chance.

What You Can Expect From the Legal Process

Navigating a drug case can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first encounter with the legal system. Here’s what you can expect as your case moves forward:

Arraignment

You’ll be formally charged at your arraignment, and the court will ask how you plead – guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Your Houston drug defense lawyer will guide you on the best way to respond based on the specifics of your case.

Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery

During this phase, your attorney will file pre-trial motions, which can include a motion to suppress evidence. Both sides will also exchange information during discovery, which helps your lawyer understand the prosecution’s case against you.

Plea Bargaining

In some cases, the prosecution may offer a plea deal. This typically involves pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for reduced penalties. After weighing the pros and cons, you should decide whether to accept a plea deal with your lawyer’s input.

Trial

If your case goes to trial, your Houston drug defense lawyer will present your defense, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. The outcome will depend on the strength of the case against you and the defense strategy your attorney employs.

Sentencing

If you’re convicted, the court will decide on your sentence. This can range from probation to jail time, depending on the severity of the charges and other factors.

Don’t Let a Drug Charge Define Your Future, Hire a Houston Drug Defense Attorney

When you’re charged with a drug offense in Houston, the deck may feel stacked against you. But a skilled Houston drug defense lawyer can level the playing field. You don’t have to let one mistake – or a false accusation – define the rest of your life.

You’re more than the charges against you; you can secure the best possible outcome with the right legal strategy.

So, take a stand. Your freedom, your future, and your reputation are worth fighting for. Contact criminal defense attorney in Houston, Texas Eric Benavides, who will put you first and help you through this difficult time. You can contact Benavides Law Group online or call (713) 222-2828 for a free consultation.

Our Houston Office Location

2180 North Loop,
West Suite 310
Houston, TX 77018