For most people who are arrested, the process can be frightening and confusing, and they will be wondering when they can be released from police custody and return to their normal lives. A person can usually get out of jail by posting bail, but coming up with the money to do so is not always easy. Fortunately, by working with a bail bondsman, a person or their friends or family members can pay the amount of bail set by a judge quickly, allowing them to be released as soon as possible. In cases involving illegal drugs or controlled substances, the amount of bail will often depend on the specific charges. By understanding these charges, a person can make sure they take the right approach during their case.
For most drug crimes, the seriousness of an offense will depend on a drug’s penalty group and the amount of drugs involved in a case. The state of Texas considers substances in Penalty Group 1 to be the most dangerous drugs, while drugs in Penalty Group 2 are less dangerous, those in Penalty Group 3 are even less dangerous, and so on. Marijuana is not included in any of the penalty groups, but it is considered separately, and it can also carry serious penalties.
Generally, drug crimes will fall into one of the following categories:
Drug possession - This may include carrying or owning any amount of an illegal drug or possessing a controlled substance without a prescription or legal authorization. A person may be charged with this crime if police officers perform a search of a person and find that they are carrying drugs in their pockets or if drugs are found after police search a person’s car or home. For drugs in Penalty Group 1, such as heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamines, possession of even a small amount can result in felony charges. Possession of small amounts of marijuana is a misdemeanor, but possession of more than four ounces is a felony.
Drug manufacturing or delivery - Criminal charges will usually be more serious if a person is accused of selling drugs to others or transporting drugs illegally. A person may be charged with manufacturing controlled substances if they use lab equipment or other methods to create or process drugs or if they package drugs with the intent of selling or distributing them to others. If police find a large amount of drugs or other related items, such as packaging materials, a person may be accused of possession with intent, and “simple” drug possession charges may be increased to drug manufacturing or delivery. The minimum charge for drug distribution or manufacturing is usually a state jail felony.
Possession of drug paraphernalia - Any items that are used to grow, manufacture, process, package, or use drugs are considered to be drug paraphernalia. Possessing or selling these items is usually charged as a misdemeanor.
Because drug crimes are treated so seriously, bail may be set at high amounts for those who are arrested on these charges. A person may also face certain restrictions after they are released, such as regular drug testing or being prohibited from associating with other people who are suspected of using or distributing drugs.
If you or someone close to you has been arrested on drug charges, Doc’s Bail Bonds can help you get out of jail fast. We will make sure bail is posted and that all other requirements are met in order to be released. We also provide assistance to those who have been released on bail, ensuring that they meet all of the court’s requirements. To learn how we can help, contact a McKinney, TX bail bondsman at 214-747-4110. We are available to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.