Being caught with marijuana in Texas can land you in serious legal trouble. Texas laws on cannabis are some of the toughest in the country. A little bit of marijuana is sufficient to send you to jail, fine you, and leave you with a marred criminal record for life. If you or a loved one is arrested for marijuana use, your first phone call must be made to a legal professional like London & London Law Firm in Dallas. They can lead you through the steps of the law and represent your rights.
Even though it’s legal to possess marijuana in some states, according to Texas law, it is still an illegal drug. Possession, distribution, or sale of cannabis is still punishable as a criminal offense, even for the minimal amount that an individual may use for recreational purposes.
Possession Charges Depend on Weight
All the Texas punishments for possession are based on how much weed you get caught with. When you are caught with 2 ounces or less, it’s a misdemeanor. They can send you up to 180 days in jail, and you can be fined as much as $2,000. For between 2 ounces and 4 ounces bumps the penalty to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Once the amount hits 4 ounces to 5 pounds, it becomes a felony. You’re looking at 180 days to 2 years in state jail and a fine of up to $10,000. As the weight increases, so do the consequences. For anything above 2,000 pounds, the punishment can be 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine of $50,000.
Selling Weed Is Even More Serious
Selling marijuana has even greater penalties. Even if you give someone 7 grams or less as a present without getting paid, it’s still a misdemeanor that can land you in jail for 180 days and cost you $2,000. But if payment is involved, then it raises the penalty to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Selling 7 grams to 5 pounds is a felony. This crime has a minimum of 180 days in state jail. Sell more than that—especially more than 2,000 pounds—and you’re facing 10 years to life and a $100,000 fine. Selling to a minor? That’s an automatic felony with 2 to 20 years in prison.
Hash, Concentrates, and Edibles Are Worse
You can think of hash, THC oil, or edibles as being safer. They’re not. Texas law is more severely penalizing these products than marijuana flower. It’s a felony to possess less than 1 gram of hash or concentrate. You could receive 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
If you have in excess of 400 grams, the crime would carry 10 years to life in prison. Selling or making these drugs is handled in a similar manner. Concentrates are taken seriously by Texas, even small edible or vaping sizes.
What about Drug Paraphernalia?
Possessing a pipe, grinder, or rolling papers isn’t harmless in Texas. Having drug paraphernalia is a Class C misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $500. Selling paraphernalia is worse. First offenses are misdemeanors, but if you’ve been caught before or sell to a minor, it becomes a felony.
It might seem minor, but even this type of charge can impact your criminal record, your job opportunities, and beyond.
Faking a Drug Test Can Get You into Trouble
Trying to cheat a drug test? That’s against the law, too. Replacing fake urine or other substances to cheat a drug test is a Class B misdemeanor. It’s punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. The law considers this an attempt to obstruct justice.
What You Should Do If You’re Caught
If you find yourself caught with marijuana in Texas, do not try to handle it by yourself. Do not say one word until you have a lawyer. Anything that you say can be used against you. Request a legal representative and wait for them to arrive.
This is where Dallas criminal defense lawyers can make a difference. They understand how the system works and can fight to reduce or eliminate charges. Your best hope for a lighter sentence—perhaps even no sentence at all—is with experienced legal representation.
Texas is not easy on marijuana possession. An infinitesimal amount can cost you dearly, legally. The laws are harsh, and the punishments are harsh. But being very aware of your rights and getting the right legal help can make your future intact.
If you or someone close to you is being charged, don’t wait. Talk to a criminal defense attorney right away. The cost you pay for your hesitation may pursue you for the next couple of years.
