Under Texas law, there are two forms of possession, either of which can result in serious drug possession charges. The first of these forms is known as actual possession and as its name suggests, occurs when law enforcement officers actually find illegal drugs in a person’s direct physical possession, such as in their hands or […]
Enhancements for Offenses Committed in Drug-Free Zones
December 4th, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Drug Crime
Any type of drug possession charge should be taken seriously, as a conviction can come with severe penalties, including jail time and fines. These crimes are punished even more harshly, however, when they take place in certain areas. Those who are found in possession of an illegal substance while in a drug-free zone, for example, […]
Drug Possession vs Drug Distribution in Texas
November 4th, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Drug Crime
Being convicted of a drug-related crime 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, it is important to contact an experienced drug charges lawyer […]
Can Police Search My Luggage Without a Warrant If I’m Arrested at the Airport?
October 5th, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Drug Crime
The U.S. Constitution generally prohibits warrantless police searches of a suspect’s property. There are, however, multiple exceptions to this general rule. One such exception is for a “search incident to arrest.” This exception provides that when police lawfully arrest a suspect, the officers may conduct a search of the person and the area within the […]
Do Prosecutors Have to Disclose the Identity of Confidential Informant in Drug Cases?
September 3rd, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Drug Crime
Texas law enforcement often relies on “confidential informants” to assist them in making drug arrests. By law, the prosecution may continue to keep the identity of these informants secret from the defendant during trial, unless the judge determines there is a “reasonable probability” that the informant can offer testimony “necessary to a fair determination of […]
What Is Considered “Entrapment” When It Comes to a Drug Crime?
August 5th, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Drug Crime
Police officers often rely on undercover work and confidential informants to help gather evidence of potential drug crimes. In some cases, however, these actions may cross the line from a legitimate investigation into what is known as “entrapment.” As defined by the Texas Penal Code, entrapment refers to a situation where a defendant engaged in […]
When Police Officers Knock on Your Door, What Should You Do?
July 7th, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Drug Crime
Two police officers knock on your door. When you answer, you notice the officers are wearing bulletproof vests and have their hands on their weapons. They say they just want to “talk” with you. You step outside. The officers remove their hands from their guns. The officer then says they received a report of marijuana […]
Drug Defendants Face Uphill Battle in Seeking COVID-19 “Compassionate Release”
June 5th, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Drug Crime
The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every part of American society. But prisons are especially vulnerable to outbreaks. Thousands of inmates and prison staff have already tested positive for the virus, and dozens have died as a result of their exposure. In response to this crisis at the federal level, Congress included provisions in the CARES […]
Court of Criminal Appeals: Throwing Pill Bottle Over Fence in View of Witnesses Was Not “Tampering”
May 4th, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Drug Crime
How many times have you seen a television show or movie where someone tries to “flush the drugs down the toilet” just before the police bust into the room? What you may not realize is that such actions, standing on their own, are also a criminal offense in Texas. It is known as “tampering with […]
Texas Appeals Court Throws Out Drug Conviction, 68-Year Sentence, Due to Improper Jury Instruction
April 6th, 2020 by Tad Nelson in Drug Crime
During a traffic stop, a police officer may ask for permission to search your vehicle. You should always refuse permission. If the officer has reason to believe you are hiding evidence of criminal activity, such as violations of Texas drug laws, they can also apply to a judge for a warrant. But once you give […]