Although most people consider marijuana to be less harmful than drugs such as methamphetamines and cocaine, the state of Texas takes crimes involving marijuana seriously and the penalties, if convicted, are severe.Even the possession of a small amount of marijuana can impact your ability to get a job, can cause your driver’s license to be suspended, and prohibit you from receiving federal financial aid for school. Marijuana charges may seem minor; however, without proper guidance and representation from an experienced Houston marijuana attorney, you could be facing severe consequences.
Marijuana Possession Information Center
Was your high school or college-age child arrested for possessing pot? Contact our law firm for a free initial consultation with an experienced drug defense attorney in Houston. We handle many of these cases for first-time offenders every day.
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer and Former Prosecutor Protecting Your Rights
At the Houston, Texas, law firm of Lisa Shapiro Strauss Attorney at Law, we provide comprehensive criminal defense representation. We understand the importance of handling drug crime cases properly in order to protect schooling, driver’s licenses, professional licensing and other rights.
Lisa Shapiro Strauss is a former prosecutor who handles Houston assault cases, drug crimes defense and theft defense. Her background and extensive experience defending criminal charges enable her to handle your drug crime case the right way. She will evaluate your charges — or your child’s situation — to determine the best course of action.
We understand that law enforcement personnel often overstep boundaries in their pursuit of evidence. We can determine if the police had the right to search your person, car or home. If we uncover improper police procedures, we will fight to have evidence suppressed and charges dismissed.
What Are Your Options? Contact Us Today for Answers.
In Texas, your criminal history can impact how your marijuana possession charge will be handled by the prosecutor. If you have a prior record, the state will likely pursue jail time. We will discuss all of your options, so you can make an informed decision. Our extensive experience includes negotiating:
- Pretrial diversion programs
- Deferred adjudication probation
- Straight probation
- Lesser sentences
For the effective defense of marijuana possession or possession with intent to distribute charges, we urge you to contact Houston marijuana attorney Lisa Shapiro Strauss today.
Answers to Your Marijuana Charge Questions
How Do Recent Changes in Texas Hemp Laws Affect Marijuana Possession Charges in Harris County?
House Bill 1325 is a recent law signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. It makes marijuana and hemp with low levels of THC, below 0.3%, legal in Texas. Many testing facilities can’t determine the level of THC in a sample, so the Harris County District Attorney’s Office said it will not pursue criminal charges for possession of marijuana for 4 ounces and under without a lab test proving a THC level of more than 0.3 percent. Read more about recent changes to marijuana and hemp laws.
How Does Vaping and Possession of Other THC Concentrates Compare to Normal Marijuana Possession Cases?
Under Texas Law, THC concentrates such as shatter, hash, and hash oil are not considered marijuana. Possession of “loose” marijuana is a misdemeanor offense while possession of a THC concentrate is a felony. If you are caught with less than one gram of a THC concentrate it is considered a felony, and you could be sentenced to 6 months to 2 years in jail, and receive a fine of up to $10,000. Read more about vaping and other THC concentrates, and how they compare to normal marijuana cases.
How Does Possession of Marijuana in a Drug Free Zone Affect My Case in Houston?
Drug Free Zones in Texas are designated areas in which drug crimes are more severely penalized. If a person is convicted of marijuana possession in a Drug Free Zone, it has two effects on the severity of the penalty. First, the punishment range is increased by one degree. And Second, the individual’s eligibility for parole is affected. Read more about how possession of marijuana in a Drug Free Zone affects your case in Houston.
Is CBD Oil Legal in Harris County? What About CBD Oil Infused with Synthetic Cannabinoids?
CBD is an extract from the hemp or marijuana plant, and it is legal in Texas. Synthetic cannabinoids, which are chemicals made to mimic the effects of THC- the active ingredient in pot- is not legal, though it is sometimes sold mixed with legal CBD oil. There are often misunderstandings by consumers AND sellers about synthetic cannabinoids, but ignorance of the law will not keep you out of trouble. Read more about CBD and synthetic cannabinoid mixtures, and the potential consequences of not knowing the law in Harris County.
Houston Marijuana Attorney Lisa Shapiro Strauss Can Help
Lisa Shapiro Strauss has 25 years representing men, women, and young adults accused of crimes in Houston, TX. She is a former prosecutor, so she understands how the prosecution will build their case against you, and can use that knowledge to formulate defense strategies. Contact us today if you or a family member needs assistance.
Harris County Drug Charge Case Results
State v BW: Client charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. Lisa got the case dismissed.
State v RW: Client charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance. Lisa got the case dismissed.
State vs JT: Client charged with Evading Arrest and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Lisa got the case dismissed.
State vs DP: Client charged with Possession of Marijuana. Lisa got the case dismissed.
