Frisco Drug Charges Defense Attorney
How Serious are Drug Charges in Collin County, Texas?
Most people know that police and other law enforcement agencies take drug use and possession very seriously. For many generations of Texans, “Don’t do drugs” and “Just say no” were vital school lessons along with reading and math. In recent years, though, Texas has become even harsher in its pursuit of drug charges. In March 2025, Texas launched Operation Lone Star, an initiative to combat illegal drug use in the State. By August 2025, Operation Lone Star had already led to nearly 52,000 arrests and 44,000 felony charges.
Because of Texas’ approach to law enforcement, anyone convicted of a drug crime faces harsh prison sentences, massive fines, and a criminal record that could severely impact their ability to find a job or a place to live. Prosecutors in Texas have no hesitation about “making an example” out of people in a trial. This means that even a seemingly “minor” drug arrest could mean the end of your life as you know it.
But it doesn’t have to.
If you or a loved one has been arrested on drug charges in Collin County, get legal representation from one of the compassionate yet aggressive attorneys at our firm. Our skilled defense attorneys are equipped to help you protect your rights and to assist you in building a quality defense, no matter the drug charges you may be facing.
What Are Texas’ Drug Laws?
Drug laws and penalties in Texas are defined under the Texas Controlled Substances Act. As part of Texas’s efforts to be “tough on crime,” the Controlled Substances Act is incredibly long and complex. It lays out the various illegal drugs you can be arrested for, the charges you might face depending on the quantity of drugs you were arrested with (such as drug possession, drug distribution, and drug manufacturing), and the different sentences you might face. Prior convictions may also impact the charges against you. Depending on certain circumstances, even possession of prescription medications can potentially lead to an arrest.
The Controlled Substances Act categorizes types of drugs according to how dangerous the State of Texas considers them to be. These categories are called Penalty Groups. Penalty Group 1 contains the “worst” drugs. Texas Drug Penalty Groups include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Group 1: Cocaine, Heroin, Meth
- Group 1A: LSD
- Group 2: Psilocybin (“Magic Mushrooms”)
- Group 3: Anabolic Steroids, Xanax
- Group 4: Narcotics With Small Amounts of Codeine or Opium
Depending on the quantity of drugs in question and your criminal history, you will face either misdemeanor or felony charges. The penalty group and quantity determine potential sentences. Oftentimes, even conviction for a small amount of drugs can lead to harsh penalties. For example, suppose someone were arrested for possession of cocaine. This is a Group 1 drug. The police would then determine the amount of drugs in order to determine charges. Between one and four grams is a 3rd degree felony, between four and two grams is a 2nd degree felony, between 200 and 400 grams is a 1st degree felony, and any amount over 400 grams is considered an enhanced felony. Each potential charge carries its own penalties. For example, conviction on a 3rd degree felony is punishable by between two and ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Conviction on a 1st degree felony is punishable by between 5 and 99 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
These are only a few examples of the complexity of Texas drug laws and sentencing. In many instances, the law may seem intentionally vague or challenging to understand. This is why an experienced drug attorney is necessary if you or a loved one has been arrested on drug charges in Texas. Our team’s experienced drug attorneys have decades of experience with Texas legal code. We can both help you understand the precise charges you are facing and how best to fight back against them.
What if I’m Facing Federal Drug Charges in Denton County and Dallas County?
Texas’s crackdown on drugs has led to the State actively cooperating with federal agencies such as the FBI and DEA. In most cases, possession of a small amount of drugs for personal use or quantities for limited distribution is tried at the state level. However, when the charges involve larger amounts of drugs, or there is reason to believe that the drugs have been transported internationally or across state lines, federal agencies may get involved. If a federal agency conducts an investigation that leads to an arrest, the charges will almost certainly be filed by a United States Attorney in federal district court.
In most situations, the penalties associated with a conviction for federal drug charges are more severe than the penalties at the state level. Depending on the circumstances and the specific charges, mandatory minimum sentences may apply. This means that if you are found guilty, a judge must sentence you to a specific amount of time in prison, regardless of other circumstances.
In many instances, mandatory sentences are intentionally harsh and meant to “send a message.” Usually, when federal agencies make an arrest, it is because they’re sure they can secure a conviction. Federal cases are built over a period of months and even years. In most circumstances, if an arrest is made, it is because the federal government believes they have enough prosecution evidence to ensure a conviction. That’s why if you or a loved one were arrested on drug charges in Denton or Dallas County, it’s imperative you contact one of our experienced attorneys.
What Should I Tell the Police if I’m Arrested on Drug Charges?
Many law enforcement officers and even the courts consider drug-related crimes “easy” to handle. Their logic is that if a drug is illegal, and you were arrested with that drug in your possession, you must necessarily be guilty. Many times, members of the criminal justice system carry a negative stigma against drug users, considering them either weak or predatory. Because of these stereotypes and prejudices, it is not unusual for the criminal justice system to be exceptionally aggressive in pursuing drug users.
It is critical to reach out to a qualified lawyer as soon as you have been arrested on drug charges. Do not speak to the police until your attorney is present. Many people believe they can “reason” with the police or “talk things out.” They think that if they are truly innocent, they have nothing to worry about. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Can the Police Lie to Me During an Interrogation?
It is not the police’s job to determine the guilt or innocence of suspects. It is their job to identify likely criminal suspects, arrest them, and collect evidence for the courts. Many people do not realize that the police are allowed to lie during interrogations. They may claim that they have arrested someone else who has agreed to testify against you, that they have searched your home or vehicle and found incriminating evidence, and more. The police will say things like this to get you to say something to incriminate yourself. They’ll tell you that if you “fess up,” it’ll “make things easier” on you. This is not true.
Once you have said something self-incriminating, the police can and will arrest you, and prosecutors can and will use what you’ve said against you. Even a single wrong word or awkward turn of phrase can be twisted by a skilled prosecutor to make you seem more guilty. That’s why, if you or a loved one has been arrested on drug charges, it’s vital that you contact one of our skilled defense attorneys.
How Can a Defense Attorney Help Me?
When you hire one of our defense attorneys, they don’t just show up in court on the day of a trial. The Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson, P.L.L.C., get to work immediately on reviewing every aspect of your case and every available piece of evidence, from your testimony to police reports and surveillance footage.
Most drug cases rely almost entirely on the evidence discovered during searches by the police. If the search is deemed to be an illegal search or in violation of your rights under the Fourth Amendment, the evidence produced could be barred by the court. This could lead to the entire case being dismissed. Additionally, if officers failed to properly read you your Miranda rights prior to questioning, or if you were coerced into speaking to the police without an attorney present, we may also be able to have your case dismissed.
These are only a few potential defense strategies for having your case thrown out before it even makes it to trial. Should your case go to trial, our legal team will use our decades of courtroom experience to attack every aspect of the prosecution’s case.
At our firm, we will do everything we can to help you avoid a conviction and to stay out of jail, no matter how serious the charges against you might be.
What Should I Do if I’ve Been Arrested on Drug Charges in Texas?
Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the State of Texas take drug crimes extremely seriously, and the penalties for a drug-related conviction are among the most severe in the nation. Attorneys Troy Burleson and Hunter Biederman have more than 40 years of combined courtroom experience. Together, they have secured over 450 courtroom acquittals and not guilty verdicts for their clients.
At the Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C., we handle both misdemeanor and felony drug charges, including but not necessarily limited to:
- Possession of Illegal Drugs
- Possession of Marijuana and Cannabis, including THC, Edibles, and Oils
- Delivery, Distribution, and Trafficking
- Manufacturing Illegal Drugs and Intent to Distribute
A conviction on any drug crime can cause severe damage to your future, but our firm can provide the guidance and representation you need to protect your rights.
Don’t let yourself become a victim of Texas’ harsh drug laws. If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in Texas, learn more about building a strong defense strategy. Call Biederman & Burleson, P.L.L.C., today at (469) 517-3364 for a free consultation and case review. Our team serves clients in Collin County, Denton County, Dallas County, and throughout North Texas.
