# Drug Possession vs. Drug Distribution | TadLaw Being convicted of a drug-related [crime](https://tadlaw.com/) comes with serious penalties, including hefty fines and significant jail time. Certain types of drug offenses, however, including distribution of a controlled substance, come with particularly harsh penalties, so if you were recently accused of possessing or [distributing drugs](https://tadlaw.com/houston-tx/drug-crime-lawyer/), it is important to contact an experienced drug charges lawyer in Houston, Galveston, or League City who can help you start building a strong defense.  ## Drug Possession Charges Texas law prohibits the possession of certain types of drugs, known as controlled substances, which are classified based on their perceived danger, whether they have an acceptable medical use, and their potential for dependency. Schedule I drugs, for instance, are deemed the most dangerous and include substances such as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. Schedule II drugs, on the other hand, while considered to have a high potential for abuse are considered somewhat less dangerous. This category includes cocaine, methamphetamines, oxycodone, and fentanyl in amounts totaling less than 15 milligrams. Examples of Schedule III drugs include products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine, ketamine, or anabolic steroids, while Schedule IV drugs include Xanax, Soma, Ambien, and Valium. Finally, Schedule V drugs, which are defined as having the lowest potential for abuse, include cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine or 100 milliliters of Robitussin.  ![drug deal](https://tadlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/drug-dealer_opt.jpg) Under both state and federal law, anyone who is found intentionally and knowingly possessing one of these substances without a valid prescription can be charged with drug possession. The severity of the penalties faced by those who are convicted of this offense will vary depending on a number of different factors, including the type of controlled substance in question, whether they have a prior criminal record, how much of the substance was in their possession, and whether they were also found in the possession of drug paraphernalia. Drug possession is not, however, the most serious crime that a person who is found with drugs on his or her person can face.  ## Drug Distribution Charges [Drug distribution](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.481.htm) is a more serious offense than simple possession, as it indicates that law enforcement had reason to believe that a defendant wasn’t just possessing the drug for personal use, but was intending to sell it. Whether a person is charged with possession or distribution depends on a couple of different factors, including whether he or she had a significant amount of cash or individual baggies on his or her person. It is also not uncommon, however, for a person to be charged with this offense simply because he or she had a lot of the substance in his or her possession. Fortunately, it is possible to defend oneself against unfair charges of distribution, so if you were recently arrested for possessing or distributing a controlled substance, you should speak with an attorney who can help you begin building a strong defense.  For a free legal consultation, call [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) today ## Call Today for Help with Your Case To speak with an experienced Houston drug charges lawyer about your own pending criminal charges, please call[The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) at [(281) 280-0100](tel:(281) 280-0100). You can also reach a member of our legal team by completing one of our brief online contact forms. Call or text [(281) 280-0100](tel:+12812800100) or fill out our [Free Case Evaluation Form](https://tadlaw.com/contact-us/) to get started Drug Crimes Blog Posts: [Exonerated Texas Man Faces New Drug Charges Drug Crimes A57-year-old Texas man who was exonerated in late 2009 for a murder he did not commit is once again back in jail....](https://tadlaw.com/blog/exonerated-texas-man-faces-new-drug-charges/) [Houston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Charges Drug Crimes The founder of a Houston record label pleaded guilty last week to charges of cocaine distribution and money laundering. Prosecutors alleged that...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/houston-man-pleads-guilty-to-federal-drug-charges/) [Willie Nelson Pot Bust Legality Questioned Drug Crimes Country-music legend Willie Nelson was arrested for drug possession at a Border Patrol checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, Texas, on November 26, 2010....](https://tadlaw.com/blog/willie-nelson-pot-bust-legality-questioned/) [No Early Pleas in Harris County Drug Cases Drug Crimes After an investigation by a local newspaper and the fallout of having to pay out nearly $150,000 in taxpayer dollars to those...](https://tadlaw.com/blog/no-early-pleas-in-harris-county-drug-cases/) --- Source: https://tadlaw.com/blog/drug-possession-vs-drug-distribution/