Drug Possession Attorney in Brazoria County

Serious Charges, Focused Criminal Defense Help

A drug possession charge in Brazoria County can affect your freedom, your record, and your future opportunities. You may be worried about jail, your job, or what will happen at your first court date. You do not have to face this alone. Our team at Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez defends people accused of drug offenses in this area and works to protect what matters most to them.

With more than 32 years of combined criminal defense experience, our attorneys have guided many clients through Texas drug cases. We appear regularly in Brazoria County courts and understand how local prosecutors and judges tend to approach these charges. When you call us, we listen carefully, review your situation, and begin mapping out a plan that fits your circumstances.

If you are facing a possession case in Brazoria County, time matters. Early advice can help you avoid mistakes and may open up options you did not know you had. You can reach our office at (832) 900-9867 to talk with our drug defense attorneys about your next steps.

Understanding Drug Possession Laws in Texas

Drug possession in Texas is governed primarily by the Texas Controlled Substances Act (Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 481). To be convicted, the state must prove that you intentionally or knowingly had "actual care, custody, control, or management" of a controlled substance. 

Texas divides drugs into several Penalty Groups (PG) based on their perceived danger and potential for abuse:

• Penalty Group 1 & 1-B: Includes substances like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Possession of any amount—even less than a gram—is automatically a State Jail Felony.
• Penalty Group 2: Includes hallucinogens like MDMA (Ecstasy), PCP, and many THC concentrates or oils. Possession of less than a gram is a State Jail Felony.
• Penalty Group 3 & 4: Includes many prescription drugs like Xanax, Valium, and certain codeine compounds. Possession of less than 28 grams is typically a Class A Misdemeanor.
• Marijuana: Classified separately. Possession of two ounces or less is a Class B Misdemeanor, but higher amounts quickly escalate to felonies.

It is vital for a Brazoria County drug possession lawyer to distinguish between "actual possession" (drugs found on your person) and "constructive possession" (drugs found in a car or home you share with others). 

In many Brazoria County cases, the police arrest everyone in a vehicle when drugs are found, even if the drugs belong to only one person. We fight to prove that you lacked the "knowing" control required for a conviction.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Drug Possession in Brazoria County

The penalties for drug possession in Texas are some of the most stringent in the country. Depending on the Penalty Group and the weight of the substance, you could face:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in county jail and a $2,000 fine.
• Class A Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and a $4,000 fine.
• State Jail Felony: 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and a $10,000 fine.
• Third-Degree Felony: 2 to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• Second-Degree Felony: 2 to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• First-Degree Felony: 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Beyond jail time and fines, a drug conviction carries life-altering collateral consequences. Under the Texas Transportation Code, a conviction for any drug offense often leads to an automatic six-month driver's license suspension. 

Furthermore, a drug conviction on your record can disqualify you from receiving federal financial aid for college, render you ineligible for certain professional licenses, and make it difficult to secure housing. For non-citizens, a drug possession conviction can lead to immediate deportation or permanent bars to re-entry.

How Our Team Defends Drug Cases

• Challenging the Search: Many drug arrests in Brazoria County begin with a traffic stop. We analyze the legality of the stop and the subsequent search. If the police exceeded the scope of your consent or lacked a warrant, we fight to throw the evidence out.
• Forensic Verification: Because we are Certified in Blood and Breath Tests, we have a high level of comfort with forensic lab results. We scrutinize the lab’s protocols for testing controlled substances to ensure there was no cross-contamination or misidentification.
• Negotiating as Former Prosecutors: We speak the language of the DA's office. We know which factors—such as a lack of prior history or evidence of a substance abuse problem—can lead to a reduction in charges or a dismissal.
• Bilingual Services: We provide bilingual services to ensure that all our clients fully understand the legal process and their rights, regardless of the language they speak.

What To Do After A Drug Arrest in Brazoria County

A drug possession arrest can feel overwhelming, especially when it is your first time dealing with the criminal system. Taking a few careful steps right away can help protect your rights and keep your options open.

Here are practical steps to take after a drug possession arrest:

• Gather your paperwork, such as your release documents and any charging information, and keep it in one place.
• Write down details about the stop or arrest while they are still fresh in your mind.
• Do not consent to any additional searches or interviews without first speaking to a criminal defense attorney.
• Make sure you know the date, time, and location of your first setting at the Brazoria County courthouse.
• Contact a lawyer promptly so they can begin reviewing your case and guiding you before that first court date.

Why Choose Our Brazoria County Drug Possession Lawyers

When you are deciding whom to trust with a drug possession case, experience and commitment both matter. At Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, our attorneys bring more than 32 years of combined work in DWI and criminal defense. That background has given us insight into how Texas prosecutors build cases, how judges often rule on key issues, and where there may be room to challenge the state.

We regularly represent clients in Brazoria County as well as in neighboring areas such as Galveston, Harris, and Fort Bend Counties. That means we are familiar with the local courthouse, the typical flow of cases, and the procedures that can affect how quickly your case moves. This local knowledge helps us prepare you for what is ahead and address problems as they arise.

Clients who choose our firm usually want more than a quick plea. They want a team that will look closely at the evidence, ask hard questions, and explain options in plain language. We work to provide that level of attention. Our drug possession attorneys, including Steve Gonzalez and Kristina King, approach cases with determination and a willingness to face difficult legal battles when necessary.

Talk To Our Drug Possession Lawyers in Brazoria County Today

If you are facing a drug possession charge in Brazoria County, the decisions you make now can shape your future. You do not have to sort through Texas drug laws or the local court process by yourself. Our team at Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez is here to listen, explain your options, and guide you through each step.

Call (832) 900-9867 or reach out online to speak with our team about your drug possession case.