If you or someone you know is facing cocaine charges in Texas, it’s wise to understand what to expect. Cocaine is illegal at the federal level and in Texas. Cocaine charges in Texas can vary based on a few factors.
How much cocaine you possess
The amount of jail time served or money owed depends on how much cocaine you possessed. Generally speaking, someone possessing a small amount of cocaine would face less severe charges than a person with a lot of cocaine on their person.
Here’s a breakdown of potential drug charges faced based on cocaine possession:
- Less than one gram: Six months to two years in prison.
- 1 to 4 grams: Up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000
- 4 to 200 grams: A $100,000 fine and serving 10 to 99 years behind bars.
- 201 to 400 grams: Fines of up to $100,000 and 10 to 99 years behind bars.
- Over 400 grams: Paying up to $250,000 in fines and spending 15 to 99 years behind bars.
Intent to sell or distribute
If law enforcement believes you intended to sell or distribute cocaine, your punishments could be more severe:
- Less than a gram: 180 days to two years behind bars and fines up to $10,000
- 1 to 4 grams: Up to 20 years behind bars.
- 4-200 grams: 10 to 99 years behind bars and fines up to $100,000
- 200 to 400 grams: 10 to 99 years behind bars and fines of up to $100,000
- Over 400 grams: 15 to 99 years behind bars and fines up to $250,000
Texas treats all instances of cocaine possession as felonies, whether you intended to sell this drug or not. This state might also enact more severe punishments to repeat offenders.