The most common drug-related charges in the Fort Worth area include marijuana possession and possession of controlled substances without a valid prescription.
Marijuana Possession
Although marijuana laws continue to evolve across the U.S., Texas law remains firm: marijuana is illegal statewide. This includes cannabis-derived edibles, vape cartridges, and oils. However, enforcement varies widely from county to county.
Adding to the complexity, low-potency “hemp-derived” THC products are technically legal in Texas and under federal law (Delta 9 THC is one example). Still, there’s no field testing to determine whether or not the item in your possession is legal. Additionally, the penalties established by Texas Penal Code Chapter 481.12 are assessed by weight, so a single edible can easily be heavy enough to land you with a state jail felony charge, which could include six months to two years in jail.
Court data shows that 2814 people in Tarrant County were charged with marijuana possession in 2024. Close to 80% of those cases have been resolved. While 65% were dismissed, over 16% resulted in convictions, and 14% resulted in deferred adjudication. The remaining 5% had other outcomes.
READ MORE: Study investigates whether your THC gummies are legal
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Under the Texas Health & Safety Code (Sections 481.115–481.118), it is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance without a legitimate prescription. These substances are grouped into categories based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical uses.
Penalties depend on the substance and the quantity found. You could face a misdemeanor or a felony charge with potential jail time. And unlike some other states, Texas does not take a lenient stance on prescription drugs — being caught with a few pills can still lead to life-altering consequences.
Court data shows that about 62% of cases involving drug offenses in Tarrant County in 2024 have been resolved. Almost 38% of those cases resulted in convictions, and 24% of defendants received deferred adjudication. Approximately 18% of cases resulted in dismissals. The remaining 20% had other outcomes.
READ MORE: Texas drug laws
Other Drug Crimes in Texas
Texas has several other less-common drug charges, many of which involve manufacturing and/or delivery of controlled substances. We are prepared to defend against all types of drug charges, including:
- Manufacture or Delivery of a Substance in Penalty Group 1: Texas Health & Safety §481.112
- Manufacture or Delivery of a Substance in Penalty Group 1A: §481.1121
- Manufacture of a Substance in Penalty Group 1 in the Presence of a Child: §481.1122
- Manufacture or Delivery of a Substance in Penalty Groups 2 or 2A: §481.113
- Manufacture or Delivery of a Substance in Penalty Groups 3 or 4: §481.114
- Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession of Miscellaneous Substances: §481.119
- Marijuana Delivery: §481.120
- Delivery of Marijuana or Another Controlled Substance to a Child: §481.122
- Possession or Transport of Certain Chemicals with the Intent to Manufacture a Controlled Substance: §481.124
- Drug Paraphernalia Delivery: §481.125
- Transfer of a Precursor Substance for Unlawful Manufacture: §481.137
- Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance That Causes Death or Serious Bodily Injury: §481.141
Fort Worth Drug Crime Penalty Groups
The Texas Controlled Substances Act categorizes drugs into groups based on their risk and medical use:
Penalties vary based on the classification, substance, and amount. Here are the classifications:
|
Schedule
|
Examples
|
Potential charges (based on volume)
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Group 1: No acceptable medical use; high potential for abuse (§481.102)
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Codeine
Cocaine
Ecstasy
Heroin
Opium
Oxycodone
|
State jail felony to first-degree felony
|
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Group 1A
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LSD and other hallucinogens
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State jail felony to first-degree felony
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Group 1B
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Fentanyl and derivatives
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State jail felony to first-degree felony
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Group 2: Some accepted medical uses; high abuse potential (§481.103)
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PCP
Hashish
Psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms)
Mescaline
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State jail felony to second-degree felony
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Group 2A
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Synthetic cannabinoids (such as K2 and Spice)
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Class B misdemeanor to second-degree felony
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|
Group 3: Accepted medical uses; lower abuse potential
(§481.104)
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Valium
Xanax
Ketamine
Ritalin
Opiates not listed in Group 1
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Class A misdemeanor to second-degree felony
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Group 4: (§481.105)
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All opiates and opioids not listed in the other groups and other prescription drugs
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Class B misdemeanor to second-degree felony
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Source: Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 481
Potential Penalties
- First-degree felony: 5–99 years (or life) in prison, up to $250,000 fine
- Second-degree felony: 2–20 years, up to $10,000 fine
- Third-degree felony: 2–10 years, up to $10,000 fine
- State jail felony: 180 days–2 years, up to $10,000 fine
- Class A misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail, $4,000 fine
- Class B misdemeanor: Up to 180 days in jail, $2,000 fine
- Class C misdemeanor: Fine up to $500
Legal Defenses to Fort Worth Drug Charges
We start every case by examining whether your arrest was lawful. Were your rights violated? Was there probable cause? Was evidence obtained through an illegal search? Was the substance truly in your possession?
Common strategies include:
- What were the circumstances?
- Which drugs were found?
- Did police officers follow the appropriate procedures during your arrest
- Are there inaccuracies in the police report?
- Do you already have a history of drug-related activity?
- Did police find drug paraphernalia?
We Understand What’s at Stake
At Michael & Associates, we understand that a drug conviction can affect your future for years to come—employment, housing, education, custody, immigration status, and more.
One mistake shouldn’t define your life.
That’s why when you choose Michael & Associates to represent you, you aren’t just hiring one attorney. You’re getting an entire team that includes an ex-FBI agent, a former judge, and dozens of attorneys with decades of experience. Together, we tailor every defense to the individual, working relentlessly toward the best possible outcome. Our No. 1 goal is a dismissal.
We prioritize hiring attorneys with diverse skill sets and backgrounds — people who consistently go above and beyond.
Our team brings compassion and a commitment to real outcomes. Whether it’s securing a case dismissal, negotiating for pretrial diversion, or fighting in court, we work tirelessly to protect your future.
