The sheriff in Central Texas recently announced the biggest meth bust in the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office. Three men have been charged after a months-long investigation. Law enforcement seized approximately 38.5 pounds of methamphetamine, 26 oz of marijuana, approximately $18,000 in suspected drug money, a handgun, and an AR-15. The street value of the methamphetamine is around $500,000.
The investigation involved the Waco Texas Anti-Gang Unit, the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office Organized Crime Unit, SWAT, and the WACO Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit. These in-depth, multiple agency investigations have become more common and led to more drug trafficking-related arrests in Texas. If you suspect that you are being investigated or being in a drug trafficking ring, it is crucial that you discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible.
Common Methamphetamine-Related Charges
In Texas, methamphetamine is considered a Penalty Group 1 substance. Penalty Group 1 substances are considered to be the most dangerous and serious. As a result, penalties associated with crimes related to methamphetamine are significant. For example, possessing less than one gram of methamphetamine is a state jail felony that carries a fine of up to $10,000 and up to two years in county jail.
It is also illegal to manufacture, deliver, or possess with the intent to deliver a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1. The penalties depend on the amount of methamphetamine. However, you do not have to be in possession of methamphetamine to face charges. For example, when a person possesses or transports certain chemicals that can be used to make methamphetamine with the intent to manufacture it unlawfully, they can face a second-degree felony punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 20 years in prison.
Legal Defenses to Methamphetamine Trafficking Charges
As you can see, the penalties for methamphetamine-related crimes are significant. The sooner you reach out to an attorney, the sooner your attorney can begin gathering evidence and building a defense. Remember, prosecutors need to prove every element of the criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt to convict a defendant. If the evidence in your case was gathered through an illegal search or seizure or law enforcement violated your rights in any other way, you can petition the court to throw out the evidence they gathered. Many methamphetamine prosecutions rely on constructive possession. For example, if the police found chemicals used to make methamphetamine in your home, they may try to prove that you were in possession of the methamphetamine. You may be able to prove that the methamphetamine belongs to someone else.
Contact a Dallas/Fort Worth Drug Crime Attorney
Texas law enforcement has increased its efforts to investigate and prosecute methamphetamine-related crimes. If you or your loved one have been charged with the possession, manufacturing, or distribution of methamphetamine, it is crucial that you seek legal representation as soon as possible. Contact Abel Law Firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.