Compassionate Fort Worth Marijuana and Drug Crimes Lawyer
Experienced Fort Worth drug crime lawyers with a reputation for customized strategies and aggressive negotiation. Our local experience gives us a critical edge.
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Don’t Let a Ft. Worth Drug Charge Derail Your Life.
Michael & Associates has a 100% success rate in Fort Worth drug cases in 2025, as measured by our client satisfaction surveys. Our ultimate goal is for every single client to walk away with no lifelong consequences for a one-time mistake.
If you’re facing charges for drug possession in Fort Worth or elsewhere in Tarrant County, you need an attorney with experience — one who understands how prosecutors think, how local courts operate, and is familiar with the key players.
Many of our Fort Worth attorneys were born and raised in the area and have established trust and rapport with local judges, prosecutors, and juries. Two are former prosecutors, while others have dedicated their entire careers to criminal defense. One is a past president of the Ellis County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
We’ve built a reputation in Fort Worth for thorough investigations, aggressive negotiation, and unwavering support. Our local experience gives us a critical edge. We represent clients not only in Tarrant County, but also in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Rockwall, Kaufman, and Ellis counties. Unsure how to begin? Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
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Fort Worth Drug Possession Laws
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), but 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) |
Group 1: No acceptable medical use; high potential for abuse (§481.102) |
Codeine Cocaine Ecstasy Heroin Opium Oxycodone |
State jail felony to first-degree felony |
Group 1A |
LSD and other hallucinogens |
State jail felony to first-degree felony |
Group 1B |
Fentanyl and derivatives |
State jail felony to first-degree felony |
Group 2: Some accepted medical uses; high abuse potential (§481.103) |
PCP Hashish Psilocin Mescaline |
State jail felony to second-degree felony |
Group 2A |
Synthetic cannabinoids (such as K2 and Spice) |
Class B misdemeanor to second-degree felony |
Group 3: Accepted medical uses; lower abuse potential (§481.104) |
Valium Xanax Ketamine Ritalin Opiates not listed in Group 1 |
Class A misdemeanor to second-degree felony |
Group 4: (§481.105) |
All opiates and opioids not listed in the other groups and other prescription drugs |
Class B misdemeanor to second-degree felony |
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 arrestAre 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.
Real Case. Real Results.
For example, a recent case involved a college student who was caught with a small amount of marijuana.
Our client – a dean’s list student – could have faced serious repercussions, including a permanent criminal record. We negotiated a deal with the prosecutors that resulted in the case being dismissed upfront, so there is no active case or conviction on the record. As long as the client does not violate the law, the state will not refile the case.
This is our ultimate goal for every single client – no jail, no record, and no future consequences.
Drug Counseling Resources in Fort Worth
If you’re struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. These local programs offer counseling and treatment options:
Nexus Recovery Center
8733 La Prada Dr, Dallas, TX 75228
(214) 321-0156
https://nexusrecovery.org/
Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
800 Kirnwood Dr, DeSoto, TX 75115
(972) 982-0897
https://www.dallasbehavioral.com/
Recovery Resource Council
2700 Airport Fwy, Fort Worth, TX 76111 (serves Dallas and surrounding)
(817) 332-6329
https://recoverycouncil.org/
Phoenix House Texas – Dallas Outpatient
2345 Reagan St, Dallas, TX 75219
(844) 748-3927
https://www.phoenixhouse.org/locations/texas/
Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Search for licensed providers in the Dallas area:
https://www.hhs.texas.gov
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes in Fort Worth
Yes, we can attempt to get drug possession charges dismissed in several ways. We can get you enrolled in a pretrial diversion program. First-time offenders who successfully complete a pretrial diversion program will have their charges dismissed and may later be eligible to have their record sealed or expunged.
Requirements could include:
Participation in drug education classes
Agreeing to complete random drug testing
Community service
Participation in counseling or treatment
Active possession means someone has direct physical control over the drugs in question. You’re knowingly carrying or holding the substance. For example, if drugs are found in your pocket, backpack, or hand, it would be considered active possession.
Constructive possession means the drugs are not physically on you, but you still have the power and intent to control them. Prosecutors must be able to prove that you knew the drugs were present and that you had control (or the right to control) of the location or container where they were found. For example, if drugs are found in your car, home, or locker, and the evidence shows you knew they were there and had access to them, you could be charged under constructive possession.
In Texas, either type of possession can result in criminal charges.
If you’re arrested for drug possession in Tarrant County, you need to take steps to protect yourself immediately. Contact an attorney as soon as possible. In the meantime, exercise your right to remain silent. Don’t answer police questions – no matter how innocuous they may seem – until your attorney is present. Don’t try to handle the situation on your own.
Any drug possession conviction could potentially impact many aspects of your personal life. It leaves you with a permanent criminal record that shows up on background checks. This can make it tougher to get hired, particularly in fields that require licenses or security clearance. You may lose eligibility for certain professional licenses, federal jobs, or financial aid for education. Landlords may deny rental applications, and public housing programs often restrict access for individuals with drug convictions. You could also lose child custody or visitation rights.
Beyond employment and housing, a conviction can lead to a suspension of your driver’s license and the loss of gun rights, especially in felony cases, where federal law imposes a lifetime firearm ban. It can also affect your right to vote or serve on a jury during and shortly after your sentence. If you aren’t a U.S. citizen, a conviction can carry severe immigration consequences, including deportation or denial of citizenship.
While Texas offers a few options for record sealing or expungement, they are limited and typically not available to those with a felony conviction. However, completing a pretrial diversion program could help avoid a conviction entirely.