Authorities raided a residence in Cooper, Texas, on March 27 and arrested four people on charges of possession and sale of methamphetamines. The specific charges were possession of a controlled substance, and bond for each person was set at $30,000. One person who was arrested was already on parole for a previous offense, so the Texas Department of Criminal Justice was notified. Individuals tried and found guilty of illegally possessing a controlled substance face serious jail time. Depending on the amount of the drug found and any prior record, the judge can impose a sentence ranging from probation to a long prison sentence. In Texas, defendants convicted on charges of possession of any drugs can have licenses revoked for six months.
Dallas man arrested during multistate meth bust
A 40-year-old Dallas man and 15 others were taken into custody during a large roundup of alleged participants in a methamphetamine trafficking ring. State, local and federal officers were part of Operation Crystal Clear, which took place in both Texas and Arkansas. Eight people are still being pursued. According to authorities, the search warrants were served and executed in Dallas and Desoto as well as in Arkansas. The FBI stated that the operation started in early 2012 and consisted of drug buys that were monitored by law enforcement and surveillance. The drug sales occurred in Texarkana, Southwest Arkansas and Dallas.
20-year-old woman charged with sale of marijuana
A 20-year-old Texas woman was taken into custody on March 6 after a sheriff's deputy stopped her for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, the officer allegedly perceived the odor of marijuana and glimpsed several stacks of money on the vehicle's passenger seat. The driver admitted she was on her way to Virginia and was smoking marijuana while traveling. A subsequent search revealed nearly $2,000 in cash in the car along with drug paraphernalia, a gas mask and about 47 grams of marijuana divided into individual baggies. The suspect faces felony drug charges, including possession with intent to sell marijuana, maintaining a vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was held by Rowan County pending the payment of a $10,000 bond.
Supreme Court: police can use drug-sniffing dogs in traffic stops
A recent Supreme Court ruling could have impacted future drug charges in Texas and throughout the country in cases where drug-sniffing dogs were used during traffic stops.
Advocates want drug treatment instead of punishment
Many criminal justice advocates in Texas think that drug offenders should receive treatment instead of being sent to prison. A new report by the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition supports the claim that treatment is more beneficial for drug offenders than prison sentences.
Possible crime lab errors lead to dismissal of drug cases in Texas
Drug cases in Texas have been dismissed after allegations of crime lab errors. The Galveston County District Attorney has already dismissed 30 drug cases after errors were reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
More rehab programs needed for drug offenders in federal prison
Did you know that drug offenders make up the largest category of offenders in federal prison? A new report shows that thousands of non-violent drug offenders in federal prison have to wait months to begin drug rehabilitation programs due to staff shortages and budget cuts.
What are your legal rights if you have been arrested?
Getting arrested can be a frightening ordeal. Understanding your rights during an arrest can help reduce fear and confusion over what you are legally required to do or say if you are arrested in Texas.
Texas man sent to prison for drug-related charges
A man in Texas has been sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison for drug-related charges. In addition to his prison sentence, the man has been ordered to pay a $300,000 fine.
Texas truck driver sentenced to five years after drug money found
A Texas man was sentenced to prison after he allowed law enforcement authorities to search his trucking rig during an inspection.
