As the state with the highest count of incarcerated people per capita, everything is indeed bigger in Texas, including arrest rates. While the vast majority of people are charged with low-level misdemeanors, such as Possession of Marijuana, others are charged with serious felony offenses, such as Capital Murder. Here are the three most common criminal charges that would require a criminal defense attorney in Galveston.
1. Personal Possession of Drugs
This charge is doled out when someone is caught with either an illicit, or “street,” drug, or they have a prescription drug without a doctor’s permission. Texas has four “Penalty Groups” for drugs, arranged in order of most severe to least severe. Cannabis has its own “Penalty Group.”
The lowest drug possession for personal use charge is a Class B Misdemeanor. This includes drugs like cannabis as well as prescription drugs in lower penalty groups, such as Xanax. Anyone convicted of a Class B Misdemeanor in Texas faces up to six months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
Those caught with more addictive drugs such as methamphetamine and heroin in Galveston will be subjected to a Class A Misdemeanor. This means potentially up to a year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000. Bail bonds will vary widely for drug crimes. Release on “Personal Recognizance” is generally not given for these crimes. For lower-level ones, defendants can usually just post a cash bond. However, a “Security Bond” or “Property Bond” will be necessary for those charged with selling or trafficking drugs. This stricter form of bond that must be through a licensed agent may be necessary for repeat offenders, as well.
Petty Theft
If the goods or services that are stolen are worth under $50, the violator faces a fine of up to $500 and no jail time (Class C Misdemeanor). If the theft is of a value greater than $50 but less than $500, the violator faces up to 180 days in county jail (Class B Misdemeanor). For thefts of more than $500 and less than $1,500, the violator faces up to a year in county jail (Class A Misdemeanor).
Note that thefts above this amount are felonies in Galveston, Texas. Bail bonds for non-jailable misdemeanors, like theft of under $50, are typically based on “Personal Recognizance,” meaning defendants won’t need to pay out of pocket. For higher-level misdemeanors, defendants will likely owe a “Cash Bond” of up to $1,000. The exact amount depends on the severity of the offense.
Wrapping Up
If someone is charged with even a Class C Misdemeanor, obtaining a criminal defense attorney right away is recommended. Mark Diaz Criminal Defense Attorney can help soften the penalty and ensure that the individual doesn’t face undue punishment.
