The United States Department of Justice considers Houston, TX an area of high intensity drug trafficking. So much in fact, that its considered a HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area).
Houston, located in Harris County, is a major drug distribution center that supplies Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, New York City, and Philadelphia (PA) with illicit drugs, primarily cocaine and marijuana. Houston’s well-developed highway system, established financial infrastructure, racial and ethnic diversity, and large volume of international trade contribute to the area’s role as a major transshipment center for illicit drugs destined for U.S. drug markets and drug proceeds destined for Mexico.
SOURCE:The Justice Department’s National Drug Intelligence Center
If you were charged with a criminal offense in connection with drug manufacture or distribution in Houston, TX, The Gagliardi Law Firm, PLLC can help you. Our legal team, and Attorney Joseph Gagliardi, can be reached at 713-224-6277.
Drug Distribution Charges Explained
As you may gather, local law enforcement officials are on the lookout for the trafficking and delivery of, mainly cocaine and marijuana, in addition to other illegal drugs. We say this because we feel it prudent to point-out that Houston Drug Task Force officers know exactly what they’re looking for, and everything about who they’re investigating.
If you think you’re being investigated for drug trafficking by the FBI, DEA, of local law enforcement, contact The Gagliardi Law Firm, PLLC immediately, at 713-224-6277.
Drug distribution related criminal charges are more serious than cases of simple drug possession charges. These type of criminal charges are usually reserved for cases involving massive quantities of controlled substances.
In fact, the federal government may decide to pursue the case depending on the type of drug and/or the quantity, regardless of whether or not state-lines were violated. In most cases, the State of Texas will prosecute cases in which massive quantities of drugs were discovered, however, it’s not unprecedented for a federal prosecution to occur.
The Gagliardi Law Firm, PLLC will defend you in federal court if the situation escalates to that level. If convicted of drug dealing or “delivery & manufacture, criminal penalties range from 5 years to life, but in some instances probation is possible.
Drug Delivery, Manufacture, and Texas Law
“Delivery” is defined by the Texas Controlled Substances Act as giving a controlled substance, simulated or real, to another person. “Indirect delivery” is also defined by “delivery”. In other words, if you physically give another person the controlled substance, or provide them access to the controlled substance, whether you’re present or not, the conditions for a criminal charge by the State of Texas for “delivery” are met.
Thus, people who are arrested for selling drugs in Texas are charged with “delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance”. Also worth noting, a financial transaction is not a component of the definition of “delivery”.
Common Causes of Delivery Cases
- Police Informant or “Snitch”: It is not uncommon for the police to use confidential informants as a law enforcement tool, nor is it uncommon for someone to report illegal activities to police or to “snitch” in exchange for favorable treatment from the State of Texas. Often, they’ll testify in court on behalf of the State of Texas to conclude their arrangement with the DA’s office.
- The Undercover Officer: Undercover officers are often used to execute drug purchases in order to justify drug dealing or “delivery/manufacture” charges. Also, undercover officers often penetrate drug dealing operations.
- Surveillance: The police or federal government may also stake-out or keep you under surveillance until they have collected enough evidence to warrant criminal charges.
Regardless of the reason you were arrested for “delivery & manufacture”, you have rights, the burden of proof is on the government, and you’ll have The Gagliardi Law Firm, PLLC on your side. We’ve successfully defended hundreds of people accused of drug dealing, and we can probably help you with your case. If you need to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney, call Joe at 713-224-6277.