Heroin Charges in Fort Worth

A heroin conviction can ruin your life, but fighting your charges can keep your life from being forever altered. Hiring a Fort Worth heroin attorney with the Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy could keep you free and in control of your life.

When you’ve been charged with possession of heroin, you’re facing a very serious charge. If you’re convicted of a drug crime in Texas, you could be looking at time in state jail or prison, large fines, and probation.

A heroin conviction could affect your life in many other ways. You could struggle to find employment, your family could suffer, and you could lose custody of your children. Don’t take a chance with your future. Call a Fort Worth heroin lawyer who can help you avoid a conviction.

What Are the Penalties For a Heroin Conviction in Fort Worth?

Legal penalties will depend on the circumstances of your case, such as aggravating factors. If you have a criminal history, have prior drug offenses, or your drug crime involved a minor, you’ll face higher penalties if convicted.

Here’s a look at some of the legal penalties for heroin crimes in Fort Worth, Texas.

• Possession of Heroin – Less than one gram of heroin is a state jail felony punishable by 180 days to two years in state jail and a fine up to $10,000. At the other extreme, possession of more than 400 grams could land you in prison for as long as ninety-nine years and slap you with up to $100,00 in fines.
• Sale of Heroin – Less than one gram of heroin sold is a state jail felony, which could mean up to two years in state jail and as much as $10,000 in fines. Sale of more than 400 grams could mean ninety-nine years in prison and fines of $250,000.

Jail time and fines for heroin charges are classified by the amount found:

• Less than 1 gram — Up to two years in state jail + fine up to $10,000
• 1-4 grams — 3rd degree felony: 10 years prison + fine of up to $10,000
• 4-200 grams — 2nd degree felony: 20 years prison + fine of up to $10,000
• 200-400 grams — 1st degree felony: 99 years or life prison + fine of up to $10,000
• 400 grams  or more— 1st degree felony: 0 years up to 99 years or life prison + fine of up to $100,000

For charges involving manufacturing or delivery of heroin are having harsher penalties below.

• Less than 1 gram — up to two years in state jail + fine of up to $10,000
• 1-4 grams — 2nd degree felony: 20 years prison + fine of up to $10,000
• 4-200 grams — 1st degree felony: 99 years or life prison + fine of up to $10,000
• 200-400 grams — 1st degree felony: 10 years up to 99 years or life prison + fine of up to $100,000
• 400 grams or more — 1st degree felony: 15 years to 99 years or life prison. Including a possible fine up to $250,000

Penalties for Federal Heroin Charges

• 99 Grams or less – maximum 20 years in prison or a fine up to $1 million for individuals and $5 million if other than an individual
• 100-999 Grams  – maximum 40 years in prison or a fine up to $5 million for individuals and $25 million if other than an individual
• 100-999 Grams – if charge accompanies death or serious injury: maximum 20 years in prison or a fine up to $5 million for individuals and $25 million if other than an individual
• 100-99 Grams or less – with prior conviction: maximum 40 years in prison or a fine up to $8 million for individuals and $50 million if other than an individual
• 100-99 Grams or less – if charge includes death/serious injury + prior conviction: maximum life in prison or a fine up to $8 million for individuals and $50 million if other than an individual
• 1kg or more- maximum 10 years in prison or a fine up to $10 million for individuals and $50 million if other than an individual
• 1kg or more- if charge accompanies death or serious injury: maximum 20 years in prison or a fine up to $10 million for individuals and $50 million if other than an individual
• 1kg or more- with prior conviction: maximum 20 years in prison or a fine up to $20 million for individuals and $75 million if other than an individual
• 1kg or more- with prior conviction + death or serious injury: maximum life in prison or a fine up to $20 million for individuals and $75 million if other than an individual
• 1kg or more- with two or more prior drug convictions: maximum life in prison or a fine up to $20 million for individuals and $75 million if other than an individual

How Do I Avoid a Heroin Conviction?

There are defenses against heroin convictions, and given the seriousness of heroin charges, it’s almost certainly best for you to have legal counsel. Possible defenses against conviction on a heroin-related crime are as follows:

• The heroin wasn’t yours.
• You’re being framed.
• There was a mistake of fact.
• Police officers made procedural errors.
• Police mistook you for someone else.

Why Get Legal Help For a Heroin Charge in Fort Worth?

In addition to struggling with a potential drug addiction, you’re now facing legal trouble as a result. This only compounds your life struggles, and you may feel as though the world is collapsing around you.

You may need help from a criminal defense attorney to fight against your charges and avoid being put behind bars for years. Avoiding a conviction can also mean avoiding probation and all the added stresses that come with being convicted of a heroin charge. A confidential case review is yours when you complete the online contact form below or call 817-605-1010.