Drug Trafficking Attorney in Brazoria County

Facing Serious Charges? Turn to Local Defense You Can Trust

If you are facing drug trafficking accusations in Brazoria County, immediate and knowledgeable legal guidance makes a crucial difference. At the Law Office of Steve O. Gonzalez, our team draws on more than 32 years of combined criminal defense experience to help people protect their rights across Texas courts. Our drug trafficking lawyers understand the complex realities clients face when these charges arise, and we dedicate ourselves to delivering steady, effective advocacy at every stage of the process.

We know that law enforcement agencies in Brazoria County frequently pursue drug trafficking allegations using focused investigations that demand a fast, thoughtful response. Our experience with the county’s court systems provides practical insight and allows us to help clients understand what to expect at every step. This local understanding gives your defense an advantage from day one, supporting better communication and stronger preparation for your case.

Don't let drug trafficking charges destroy your life. Get the tactical advantage of a Brazoria County drug trafficking lawyer who knows the system from the inside out. We are former prosecutors, we offer bilingual services. Call our firm at (832) 900-9867 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Understanding Texas Drug Trafficking Penalty Groups

Texas law categorizes drug trafficking as a major felony offense, which carries serious potential consequences if a conviction occurs. Drug trafficking charges often involve manufacturing, transporting, or distributing substances like methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, or controlled prescription drugs without authorization. 

Texas enforces some of the toughest drug trafficking laws in the nation under the Texas Controlled Substances Act (Health & Safety Code Chapter 481). The severity of a trafficking charge depends on two key factors: the Penalty Group of the controlled substance (which classifies drugs by their potential for abuse and danger) and the amount or weight involved. Even relatively small quantities can lead to long prison sentences and substantial fines.

Key Penalty Groups and Sentencing Ranges:

• Penalty Group 1 – Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Heroin
  • 4g to <200g: First-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
  • 400g or more: Enhanced first-degree felony with 15 years to life in prison.
• Penalty Group 2 – MDMA (Ecstasy), PCP
  • 4g to <400g: Second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.

Note: Drug trafficking charges often come with enhanced fines up to $250,000 and mandatory minimum prison sentences.

These classifications demonstrate how quickly penalties can escalate, especially for higher quantities or more dangerous substances. Even first-time offenders can face decades behind bars, making experienced legal representation critical in any Texas drug trafficking case.

 A strategic drug trafficking attorney in Brazoria County must immediately challenge the weight calculation, as a small reduction can mean the difference between a 15-year mandatory minimum and eligibility for probation.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

To secure a conviction for Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance, the Brazoria County District Attorney must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you:

• Possessed a Controlled Substance (or engaged in delivery/manufacture): You had actual care, custody, control, or management of the illegal drug.
• Knew the Substance was Illicit: You were aware the substance was classified as a controlled substance under Texas law.
• Possessed with Intent to Deliver/Sell: This is the most crucial element separating drug trafficking from simple possession. The prosecution typically uses circumstantial evidence to prove intent, including:
  • The large quantity of the drug.
  • Packaging materials (e.g., small baggies, scales).
  • Large amounts of cash.
  • Weapons found with the drugs.
  • Testimony from confidential informants (CIs) or co-defendants.

As former prosecutors, we know exactly how the State tries to build the case on circumstantial evidence. We target the elements of knowledge and intent aggressively, often leading to a reduction of the charge to simple possession.

The Defense Process in Brazoria County Courts

Drug cases originating in Brazoria County are tried in the District Courts (Angleton). Effective defense involves a multi-pronged approach that begins with challenging the foundational evidence.

• Challenging the Search and Seizure (Fourth Amendment): Many drug trafficking arrests begin with a traffic stop or a search of a vehicle or property. We meticulously scrutinize the police's conduct to ensure your rights were not violated. If law enforcement lacked probable cause for the search or stop, any evidence obtained is "fruit of the poisonous tree" and must be suppressed by the judge, often resulting in a dismissal of the charge.
• Wiretap and Informant Challenges: If your case involves federal agents, wiretaps, or confidential informants, we file motions to challenge the validity of the warrant or the credibility of the informant's testimony.
• Expert Witness Testimony: We use forensic scientists to challenge the State's analysis of the substance's weight or purity. We also use our own experts to testify that the quantities or packaging found were consistent with personal use, not drug trafficking.
• Mitigation of Mandatory Minimums: Where conviction seems unavoidable, we fight for plea agreements that reduce the charge to a lower felony grade, thereby avoiding the harsh mandatory minimums and opening the door to probation or less severe sentencing options.