To beat a drug charge in Houston, you need experienced attorneys who understand how prosecutors think, how local courts operate, and who know the key players. That’s our team at Michael & Associates.
At Michael & Associates, we know that a drug conviction can derail your future, affecting everything from employment and housing to education and immigration status.
Decades of Experience
Our Houston attorneys have been fighting and beating Houston drug possession charges for decades, taking the time to build trust and rapport with local judges, prosecutors, and juries. One began as a prosecutor in Galveston, while the other is a former public defender. These diverse experiences enable us to view your case from multiple angles.
Customized Drug Possession Defense
But when you hire Michael & Associates to defend you against Houston drug allegations, you don’t just get one lawyer in our Houston office — you get the full force of our entire Texas team, which includes a former FBI agent, an ex-deputy sheriff, a former judge, and attorneys with decades of criminal defense experience. We work together to design a defense tailored to your specific situation, working relentlessly toward the best possible outcome. Our number one goal is a dismissal.
100% Success Rate in Houston
We’ve built a reputation in Southeast Texas for thorough investigations, aggressive negotiation, and unwavering support. Our local experience gives us a critical edge in negotiations. Our client satisfaction surveys indicate a 100% success rate for outcomes in Harris County.
We Treat Our Clients Like Family
We believe that one mistake shouldn’t impact the rest of your life, and we approach each case as if it involves a member of our own families. Our focus is on compassionate representation designed to protect your future, whether this is done by securing a dismissal, negotiating a plea deal, fighting for your enrollment in a pretrial diversion program, or fighting for you in court.
We Handle All Types of Drug Possession Charges in Harris County
The most common drug-related charges in the Houston area include marijuana possession and possession of controlled substances without a valid prescription, but we also handle manufacturing and trafficking charges.
Marijuana Possession
While marijuana laws have evolved in some states, Texas remains strict. Outside of a few very limited exceptions, possession of marijuana is illegal. Even small amounts can result in criminal charges — ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the weight and quantity. If you've been charged with marijuana possession in the Houston area, we're here to fight for your rights.
According to court data, 80% of marijuana possession cases in Harris County in 2024 have been resolved — 75% of defendants had charges dismissed, 12% were convicted, and 11% received deferred adjudication. The remaining 2% of cases had other outcomes.
Marijuana Manufacturing & Delivery
If you’re caught growing marijuana, making products from it, or giving it to others — even just a small amount — you could be facing serious manufacturing or delivery charges. The penalties can get especially harsh if larger quantities are involved.
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Under the Texas Health & Safety Code Sections 481.115 to 481.118, knowingly possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription is illegal. Texas groups these substances by risk and medical use, and penalties will vary based on the type and quantity of the drug.
A conviction could result in jail time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record. Unlike other states, Texas takes a hardline approach — being caught with just a few pills can trigger serious legal consequences.
Court data shows that 5,072 people were charged with drug possession in Harris County in 2024. About 68% of those cases have been resolved — 35% of defendants were convicted, 34% were dismissed, 14% got deferred adjudication, and the remaining 17% had other outcomes.
Cocaine Possession
Possessing any amount of cocaine is a felony in Texas. You don't need to be caught in the act — simply having it on your person, in your car, or even in your home can lead to serious charges, fines, and prison time.
Cocaine Manufacturing & Delivery
In Texas, possessing any amount of cocaine is a felony. You don’t have to be caught using it—just having it with you, in your car, or at your home is enough to face serious criminal charges, steep fines, and possible prison time.
Heroin Possession
Heroin is classified as a Penalty Group One substance, making its possession a felony offense. Even less than one gram can lead to up to two years in state jail. If you're caught with a larger amount, you could be looking at decades behind bars.
Other drugs in Penalty Group One include codeine, ecstasy, opium, oxycodone, and fentanyl.
Heroin Manufacturing & Delivery
Making or selling heroin is a serious felony that can completely change your life. The more you’re caught with, the harsher the penalties can be, and things only get worse if you're a repeat offender.
Methamphetamine Possession
Possession of meth is a felony, no matter the amount. If you're found with methamphetamine on your person, property, or in your vehicle, law enforcement will pursue aggressive charges. Michael & Associates has the experience to challenge the search, evidence, and legality of your arrest.
Methamphetamine Manufacturing or Delivery
Texas prosecutes meth manufacturing and delivery extremely harshly. If authorities suspect you're involved in production — even as an accomplice — you could face years in prison. Don't go through this alone. Let our experienced team help build a strong defense strategy.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking involves the manufacturing, transport, or sale of large amounts of controlled substances. If you're found with large quantities of drugs — or prosecutors claim you intended to distribute — you could face federal charges, with mandatory minimum sentences.
Other Drug Crimes We Handle in Texas
Michael & Associates is equipped to defend against all types of drug charges in Texas, 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
Potential Penalties for Drug Possession Charges
The penalties will depend on the amount and type of drug involved, ranging from a fine to life behind bars.
- 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 Drug Possession Charges
At Michael & Associates, we begin every case by asking the right questions:
- Was there probable cause for the stop or search?
- Were your constitutional rights violated?
- Was the substance in your possession or someone else’s?
- Do you have a valid prescription?
Common defense strategies include:
- Challenging unlawful stops or searches
- Proving a lack of possession or knowledge
- Producing medical documentation or prescriptions
- Negotiating pretrial diversion or reduced charges
Real Cases. Real Results.
One of our recent victories involved a college student caught with a small amount of marijuana.
Our client, an honor roll student, risked a permanent record and lost opportunities. We negotiated directly with prosecutors and secured a pre-file dismissal. There will be no jail time, no conviction, no record—as long as the client remains law-abiding, the charge will not return.
That’s the outcome we fight for in every case.
