Texas Cocaine Possession Charges Understanding Your Legal Options

If you are reading this, chances are you or someone you care about is facing a cocaine possession charge in Texas. You may feel scared, confused, or unsure about what comes next. That’s a natural reaction. Being charged with drug possession can feel overwhelming. It’s not just about going to court. It’s about your future, your job, your family, and your freedom. We want you to know that you’re not alone. These feelings are normal. And even though things may feel uncertain now, you still have options. The right legal help can make all the difference.

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Understanding What Cocaine Possession Means in Texas

In Texas, cocaine is considered a controlled substance. This means it’s illegal to have it unless the law allows it, and the law rarely allows it. If the police say you had cocaine, even just a small amount, they can charge you with a crime. The charges can be serious, and the punishment can be harsh. But just because you were charged doesn’t mean you will be convicted. There’s a big difference between being accused and being found guilty. The law allows you to fight the charges, and you have the right to defend yourself.

What Kind of Punishments You May Face

The punishment for cocaine possession in Texas depends on how much you had. If the amount is small, like under one gram, it is still a felony. That’s a serious charge. A conviction could mean jail time from six months to two years. It could also come with a fine of up to ten thousand dollars. If the amount is between one and four grams, the sentence could be two to ten years in prison. For more than four grams, it only gets worse. You might be looking at twenty years or even life in prison if the amount is large enough.

But jail and fines are only part of the picture. A conviction stays on your record. It can hurt your chances of getting a job or a place to live. It might also affect your immigration status or take away your right to carry a gun. That’s why it’s so important to take your case seriously and understand what you’re facing.

The Zendeh Del & Associates, PLLC Team

Jonathan Zendeh Del

Certified Mediator, Attorney

Gabe Perez

Certified Mediator, Attorney

Natalie Holt

Attorney

Dorothy Comeaux

Office Manager, Paralegal

Pedro Ruiz

Judge

How Charges Are Decided

Not all drug possession cases are the same. How your case goes depends on many things. The amount of cocaine is one part. Another part is whether the police say you had the drug on you or near you. If it was in your pocket or purse, that’s what the law calls actual possession. If it was in your car or house, but not directly on you, that may be called constructive possession. In both cases, the police must prove that you knew the drug was there and that you had control over it.

Sometimes people get charged because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Just being near cocaine doesn’t mean you had it. The law says the state must prove everything beyond a reasonable doubt. That’s a high standard. It means if the jury has a real doubt, they must find you not guilty.

Police Must Follow the Rules

Even if the police found cocaine, how they found it matters. The police are not allowed to search you or your stuff without a good reason. They must follow the rules set by the law and the Constitution. If they broke those rules, the evidence might not be used in court. For example, if they searched your car without permission or a warrant, and had no legal reason, a judge may throw out the cocaine as evidence. This is called suppressing the evidence. Without that, the state may have no case.

Also, if the police made mistakes or didn’t follow the proper steps, it might help your case. An attorney can look at what happened and tell if the police acted the right way. That’s why having someone on your side who knows the law is so important.

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These guys are amazing. They made a most horrific experience bearable. They treated me with respect and no judgment. I cannot describe how grateful I am for their representation with my case. 5 stars is not enough. I hope I never need them again but would ABSOLUTELY use them again and definitely recommend them.

— Jennifer S.

Jonathan Zendeh Del and Associates worked tirelessly on my case. They kept me informed every step of the way. In the end the got my case dismissed and I am so grateful that we out our trust in his law firm. I can honestly say the rumors were true. He really is the best.

— Kristin F.

What the Court Process Looks Like

After you’re charged, your case will go through several steps. First is the arrest. Then there is an arraignment, where you hear the charges and enter a plea. After that, there may be hearings, and then possibly a trial. But many cases never go to trial. Sometimes charges get dropped. Other times, the case ends with a plea deal. A plea deal means you agree to plead guilty to a lower charge or get a lighter sentence.

But not all deals are good deals. Some are better than others. That’s why you need someone who can talk to the prosecutor and work to get you the best outcome. You don’t have to accept the first offer. You have the right to have someone look over the case and tell you if it’s strong or weak.

Programs That May Help You Avoid Jail

Some people may be able to get into programs that keep them out of jail. These are called diversion programs or drug courts. If it’s your first time being charged, and the amount of cocaine was small, you may qualify. These programs focus on helping you instead of punishing you. They may include drug treatment, classes, or community service. If you finish the program, the charge may be dismissed. That means no conviction on your record.

These options aren’t available for everyone. The court decides who qualifies. A lawyer can help you apply and show why you deserve a second chance. Getting into a program like this can change your life. It keeps your record clean and helps you move on.

Case Results

$11,820,000

WARN ACT
SETTLEMENT

Reached a settlement of $11,820,000

$11,820,000

WARN ACT CASE
SETTLEMENT

Employees fired when not given proper notice

Not Guilty

DRUG JURY TRIAL

Client was a dentist caught with 12 grams of methamphetamine. 

Case Dismissed

DRAM SHOP CASE

Death of a person who was run over by a drunk person who left a party.

$2,500,000

CAR ACCIDENT

Confidential settlement of $2,500,000

$4,500,000

DRAM SHOP CASE

Death of a person who was run over by a drunk person who left a party

Not Guilty

DWI JURY TRIAL

Client was asleep on the side of the road with the car on. Breath was .248

Case Dismissed

STATE OF TEXAS v. C.S.

Wrecked motorcycle while leaving the beach, an officer witnessed the accident and assumed he was intoxicated

Why Every Detail Matters

Every drug case is different. The facts, the police report, the lab results, and the way the search was done all matter. Sometimes the drugs were never tested. Other times, what looked like cocaine was something else. Maybe someone else left the drugs where they were found. Or maybe you didn’t know they were there. These details can mean the difference between guilt and innocence.

That’s why it’s so important to look at everything carefully. A good defense starts with knowing the facts. Your side of the story matters. Don’t let just one version be the only one heard. You have the right to tell your story in court.

How the Right Help Can Change Everything

Facing a cocaine charge is not something you should do alone. The stakes are too high. This charge can follow you for life if you don’t take action now. But the good news is that it’s not too late. With the right help, your case can take a different path. You may be able to avoid jail. You may be able to keep your record clean. You may be able to keep your future intact.

At Zendeh Del and Associates PLLC, we know how hard this is. We know how scary it feels to be charged with a crime. But we also know what to do next. We’ve helped many people in your shoes fight back. We’ve seen cases dropped, dismissed, or reduced. And we’re ready to help you do the same.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation. Let’s talk about what happened. Let’s talk about what can be done. You don’t have to face this alone. Your future is worth fighting for, and we’re ready to fight with you.

To learn more about this subject click here: Exploring Plea Bargains and Negotiations in Largo, Florida Drug Cases