TL;DR
Texas drug laws carry strict penalties for possession, distribution, and manufacturing. In Arlington, police actively enforce these laws, and even minor charges can have serious consequences for your record and future. Understanding the law’s details and how local courts handle these cases can help you make smarter decisions if arrested. Our Arlington drug crime lawyers explain what you’re up against and how we help you fight back.
You don’t have to be a kingpin to end up in handcuffs. In Arlington, it could be as simple as a traffic stop on I-20 or getting caught at a music festival with a few pills in your pocket. Texas drug laws are some of the toughest in the country, and police here enforce them aggressively.
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in Arlington, you’re probably worried about what comes next: jail, fines, your record, your future. At Arlington Criminal Attorneys, we help you understand the law, protect your rights, and fight back.
The Basics Of Texas Drug Laws
Texas divides controlled substances into penalty groups. These groups determine how serious a charge is based on the type of drug. Here’s a quick overview to help you see where most charges fall:
| Penalty Group | Examples of Drugs | Why it matters |
| PG1 | Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine | Highest penalties, even for small amounts |
| PG2 | Ecstasy (MDMA), PCP, synthetic THC | Serious penalties, but slightly lower |
| PG3 | Xanax, Valium, Ritalin | Often tied to prescription fraud cases |
| PG4 | Some opioids and cough medicines | Lowest penalty group, but still a crime |
Marijuana is in its own category. Even though other states have legalized it, in Texas, possessing even a small amount can result in fines and jail time.
If you’re charged in Arlington, police and prosecutors don’t care if it was “just weed” or “just a couple of pills.” The law applies strictly. Next, we’ll look at what kinds of drug crimes are most commonly charged here.
Common Drug Crimes Charged In Arlington
Arlington sees a wide range of drug offenses, from simple possession to serious trafficking. Some happen during routine traffic stops, others during larger investigations. Below are the most common charges we see at our Arlington drug crime law firm, along with real-life examples.
Possession
One of the most frequent charges. Even less than a gram of cocaine can be a felony in Texas. We’ve seen cases where someone was stopped near AT&T Stadium with just a trace amount in a pocket and ended up facing prison time.
Possession With Intent To Distribute
If police find baggies, scales, or a larger quantity of drugs, they may claim you intended to sell, even if you didn’t. This bumps up the severity of your charge.
Manufacturing Or Cultivation
Growing marijuana plants in your backyard or running a small meth lab in a garage can lead to some of the harshest penalties under state law. Even a small-scale operation can be charged as a felony with years of prison time and steep fines.
Prescription Drug Offenses
Using someone else’s pills or forging prescriptions has become more common in recent years, especially with opioids and ADHD medications. Doctors and pharmacies are on high alert, and even a single forged prescription can result in a felony charge.
Drug Trafficking
Arlington’s location along I-20 and I-30 makes it a corridor for trafficking. If you’re caught transporting drugs through town, police may charge you with trafficking even if you’re not part of a larger operation.
Why Drug Laws Are Enforced So Aggressively In Arlington
Police and prosecutors in Arlington take drug cases seriously, and the reasons go beyond just the law on the books. Here’s what you need to know:
- Location matters: Arlington sits between Dallas and Fort Worth, with major highways like I-20 and I-30 cutting through. These routes are heavily monitored for trafficking and drug movement.
- Big events draw big crowds: From Cowboys games at AT&T Stadium to concerts at Globe Life Field, undercover officers often target events where they expect drug activity to spike.
- Task forces and funding: Arlington PD often works with regional and federal drug task forces. That means more officers and more incentive to make arrests, even for minor possession.
One client was stopped after a tail light violation near Six Flags. Officers claimed they smelled marijuana and searched his car, finding a vape cartridge with THC. What started as a $50 light bulb turned into a felony arrest.
This kind of aggressive enforcement is why it’s so important to know your rights and talk to an Arlington drug crime attorney as soon as possible after an arrest.
Penalties You May Face
The consequences of a drug conviction in Texas can be harsh, even for first-time offenders. Jail, steep fines, probation, and a criminal record that follows you for years are all on the table. Below is a quick look at the penalties based on the type of offense.
| Charge Type | Penalty Range |
| Marijuana possession < 2 oz | Up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 fine |
| Marijuana possession > 4 oz | Up to 2 years in state jail and $10,000 fine |
| PG1 (cocaine, heroin) < 1g | State jail felony: 6 months–2 years + $10,000 fine |
| PG1 (cocaine, heroin) > 4g | 2–20 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine |
| Intent to distribute | Starts as a felony, can reach a life sentence if large |
| Prescription fraud | Typically a felony, possible 2–10 years in prison |
Even misdemeanor charges can mean probation conditions that disrupt your work and personal life. Felonies take it even further: loss of voting rights, firearm restrictions, and huge barriers to employment and housing.
Do’s & Don’ts If You’re Arrested For A Drug Crime
Getting arrested is stressful, but what you do in those first few moments can change everything about your case. Here’s how to protect yourself if you’re stopped or taken into custody in Arlington.
Say As Little As Possible
You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Anything you say can and will be used against you later. You don’t have to explain where the drugs came from, who you were with, or whether you “knew it was there.” Simply say, “I’d like to speak with my attorney before answering any questions.”
Don’t Consent To Searches
Police may ask if they can look through your car, bag, or phone. You can say no. If they have a warrant or claim probable cause, let them proceed, but don’t help them. Do not sign any consent forms or unlock your phone voluntarily.
Call An Arlington Drug Crime Attorney Fast
The sooner you contact legal counsel, the sooner you can start building a defense. Waiting too long makes it harder to suppress evidence or challenge procedures.
Knowing and asserting your rights helps your Arlington drug crime lawyer protect you from mistakes and overreach.
How We Help You Defend Against Drug Charges
At Arlington Criminal Attorneys, we help you fight back against drug charges by digging into the details and challenging what the prosecution claims. No two cases are alike, but here are some of the defenses that often make a difference.
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If police didn’t have probable cause or conducted an unlawful search, evidence can sometimes be thrown out.
- Lack of Possession: Just because drugs were found nearby doesn’t mean they were yours. Proving possession beyond a reasonable doubt can be harder than police admit.
- Testing and Lab Errors: Crime labs make mistakes more often than you’d think. If the substance wasn’t properly tested or stored, it can help your case.
- Entrapment: In undercover operations, if an officer pressured you into committing a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, this defense may apply.
- Diversion Programs or Probation: For first-time or low-level offenders, it’s sometimes possible to avoid a conviction entirely by completing a treatment or probation program.
One client we helped was charged with possession after a car search at a Rangers game. We showed the officer lacked probable cause to open the trunk. The case was dismissed before trial.
Why You Should Work With Arlington Criminal Attorneys
When you’re facing drug charges in Arlington, you need someone who knows the courts here and understands how prosecutors build their cases. That’s where we come in.
We help you make sense of the process and fight for your best possible outcome from day one. At our Arlington drug crime law firm, you get more than legal advice; you get a team that listens, explains your options, and stands up for your rights.
We’ve handled everything from minor marijuana possession to major trafficking indictments in Tarrant County courts. That experience means we know how to spot weak points in the prosecution’s case and how to negotiate when it’s in your best interest.
Our goal is simple: help you protect your record, your freedom, and your future. If you’ve been arrested, don’t wait. Call and speak with an Arlington drug crime attorney today.
One Mistake Doesn’t Have To Define You
Getting charged with a drug crime in Arlington can feel like your life has just been flipped upside down. But one arrest doesn’t have to decide your future. You still have rights, and you still have options, but only if you act quickly.
We help you understand exactly what you’re facing and work to get you the best possible result. Whether it’s fighting the charges in court, negotiating a lesser penalty, or getting a case dismissed entirely, we’re here to stand by you.
If you or someone you care about has been arrested for a drug offense, contact our Arlington drug crime law firm today. Speak with an experienced Arlington drug crime attorney who knows how to protect your rights and help you move forward.
