One common question my clients always want to know is, how does the process work? If you are charged with a drug crime you can expect your case to follow a similar path up until it goes to trial:

• In the first few court settings, not much happens. Maverick will sign onto your case and reset it as the investigation by both sides begins. As time goes by, more and more evidence is discovered and plea negotiations begin. Maverick will begin digging into the facts of your case and determine what defenses, if any, you have.
• A couple months into the process, Maverick and the prosecutor will look at their evidence and decide if your case is one that either needs to be dismissed, go to trial, have a suppression hearing, or be plead out. Depending on the facts and evidence in your case, it is often best to proceed to trial and see how the remaining evidence falls into place. Sometimes drugs may be found illegally and against your rights, in this scenario it may be best to have a suppression hearing.
• Often a suppression hearing will be dispositive, meaning you agree with the prosecutor that if you lose the hearing you will plead guilty to a certain punishment. If you win, the case will be dismissed. Maverick understands that patience can work to your benefit and will wait for all of the facts to materialize before advising you on the course of action to take.
• Trial dates are usually set several months into the future. Once your case is set for trial, Maverick will begin to prepare your case, often investigating each witness, conducting scene visits, and subpoenaing the evidence needed. Even if you case goes to trial, the evidence can still be suppressed at this time if testimony indicates that your 4th Amendment rights were violated. Maverick knows there is always a fighting chance even when your case appears bleak in the offense report and isn’t scared to roll the dice when you don’t get the offer you were expecting.

Possession Crimes: Hire an Attorney Who Knows How to Suppress the State’s Evidence.

Whether you were caught with a small amount of weed or a large amount of a controlled substance, let Maverick attack the way the evidence was obtained. People think they are guilty simply because they were caught with drugs. This is NOT the case. You are only guilty once you are found guilty, and you can’t be found guilty if the drugs can’t be used at trial. Having a  lawyer who knows the mechanics of drug suppression can be the difference in losing your freedom and keeping your constitutional rights from being violated. If the drugs you possessed were obtained through police coercion or without a search warrant, there is a good chance the evidence was obtained illegally. Even a valid search warrant or your consent can be and will be challenged through Maverick’s aggressive approach. The government must prove that you had possession—meaning you had care, control, custody, or management of the drugs or drug paraphernalia. Often times, there is a reasonable doubt about this issue. The drugs could be found in a common area, in someone else’s purse or car, or could have been planted on you without your knowledge. If you are serious about fighting your possession charge, give Maverick a call.

Marijuana Possession in Texas

Despite many states legalizing the recreational use of marijuana for adults, Texas still considers possession of the drug a crime. 

Possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Possession of 4 ounces could result in a felony conviction, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 180 days and a fine of up to $10,000. 

If you are charged with possessing marijuana, you need an attorney. It is illegal and could result in jail or prison time.

Approaches to Defeat Your Manufacture or Delivery Charge

The prosecutors have to prove that you intentionally or knowingly delivered or manufactured a controlled substance or marihuana. Depending on the amount of drugs the offense could be either a state jail felony or a first degree felony. This means for the smallest amount of drugs you are looking at least 180 days in state jail and for a very large amount up to life in prison. A skilled attorney can combat these charges in many different ways. Depending on the search or seizure, the drugs could be suppressed. If the tip is based on a confidential informant, the informant’s specific knowledge and credibility could be attacked. If you just had a large amount of drugs in your possession, the prosecutors must then prove you intended to deliver or sell the drugs; in this case, an assault on the actual elements of the offense would need to be utilized. No matter the facts, Maverick can develop a plan of action to fight your case.