Drug Charges

Houston Drug Charges Defense Attorneys

Criminal Defense Attorneys Board-Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Standing as the Voice of Reason to Protect and Defend the Accused

Have you been charged with a drug crime in Texas such as:

• drug possession; marijuana possession; cocaine possession
• drug distribution, sales, or trafficking
• dealing, delivery, importation, or transpiration of narcotics
• manufacture or cultivation of controlled substances
• possession of chemicals for drug manufacturing?

For a zealous defense of your constitutional rights in the face of drug charges, contact a highly experienced drug charges defense attorney.

Preventing State and Federal Drug Convictions

Drug offenses can be prosecuted in federal or state court. Usually, though not always, the drug amount determines which prosecuting agency handles the case. The Houston drug charges defense attorneys of Stradley, Chernoff & Alford, L.L.P. , fight zealously to prevent both state and federal drug convictions that may lead to jail time for our clients.

Fighting Illegal Search and Seizure

We will investigate all aspects of a drug arrest to determine whether unlawful search and seizure procedures occurred. We believe that illegal search and seizure is a threat not only to our clients but a threat to the liberty and privacy of all Americans. In addition to fighting to have the evidence thrown out of court, we will ensure that your property is returned to you following any illegal property seizure.

Preserving Freedom, Avoiding Jail Sentences

We work diligently to provide the most aggressive defense possible to preserve our clients’ freedom and avoid a jail sentence.

The United States Attorney normally deals with cases investigated by the DEA and FBI. Those agencies tend to focus on a larger picture. Many times, by the time our client is aware that he is a suspect he has been part of an ongoing investigation for many months or even years.

Effects of the Sentencing Guidelines

Recently the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Federal Sentencing Guidelines are not mandatory. However, the High Court advised Federal District Judges to consult the guidelines in considering the proper punishment. Often, the only way that an accused can reduce his punishment under sentencing guidelines is to quickly admit guilt and agree to cooperate with the government. A good federal defense attorney may wind up being the best advocate for his client by negotiating a plea agreement that favors his client, as opposed to arguing the weakness of the facts.

Seizure of Cash or Property in a Drug Case

The war on drugs is like all wars; both combatants and innocents are harmed. A good example is the latest trend allowing property seizure and forfeiture of automobiles that contain trace amounts of a controlled substance.

Because the laws used to seize property are usually civil in nature, the usual constitutional protections do not apply, including the presumption of innocence. If you wish to have your property back, there are time limits and bonding procedures that must be followed to properly protect your interest in seized cash or property.

Learn what your rights are by contacting an experienced Houston drug charges defense attorney for a free consultation drug charges anywhere in Texas.