Drug Manufacturing Attorney in Laredo

Penalties for Drug Manufacturing Convictions in Texas

A conviction for drug manufacturing in Texas carries exceptionally severe penalties, often including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and other long-term consequences. These are always felony offenses.

Standard Penalties Based on Penalty Group and Quantity:

Penalty Group 1 (Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, etc.):

• Less than 1 gram: State Jail Felony (180 days - 2 years in state jail; up to $10,000 fine).
• 1 gram to 4 grams: Second-Degree Felony (2-20 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine).
• 4 grams to 200 grams: First-Degree Felony (5-99 years or life in prison; up to $10,000 fine).
• 200 grams to 400 grams: Enhanced First-Degree Felony (10-99 years or life in prison; up to $100,000 fine).
• 400 grams or more: Enhanced First-Degree Felony (15-99 years or life in prison; up to $250,000 fine).

Penalty Group 1-A (LSD): Penalties are based on the number of "abuse units."

• Less than 20 abuse units: State Jail Felony (180 days - 2 years in state jail; up to $10,000 fine).
• 20 to 80 abuse units: Second-Degree Felony (2-20 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine).
• 80 to 3,999 abuse units: First-Degree Felony (5-99 years or life in prison; up to $10,000 fine).
• 4,000 abuse units or more: Enhanced First-Degree Felony (15-99 years or life in prison; up to $250,000 fine).

Penalty Group 2 (Ecstasy, PCP, Psilocybin, etc.):

• Less than 1 gram: State Jail Felony (180 days - 2 years in state jail; up to $10,000 fine).
• 1 gram to 4 grams: Second-Degree Felony (2-20 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine).
• 4 grams to 400 grams: First-Degree Felony (5-99 years or life in prison; up to $10,000 fine).
• 400 grams or more: Enhanced First-Degree Felony (10-99 years or life in prison; up to $100,000 fine).

Penalty Group 3 or 4 (Xanax, Valium, certain codeine compounds):

• Less than 28 grams: State Jail Felony (180 days - 2 years in state jail; up to $10,000 fine).
• 28 grams to 200 grams: Second-Degree Felony (2-20 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine).
• 200 grams to 400 grams: First-Degree Felony (5-99 years or life in prison; up to $10,000 fine).
• 400 grams or more: Enhanced First-Degree Felony (10-99 years or life in prison; up to $100,000 fine).

Marijuana Manufacturing (growing large quantities, often considered manufacture with intent to deliver):

• 1/4 ounce to 5 pounds: State Jail Felony (180 days - 2 years in state jail; up to $10,000 fine).
• 5 pounds to 50 pounds: Second-Degree Felony (2-20 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine).
• 50 pounds to 2,000 pounds: First-Degree Felony (5-99 years or life in prison; up to $10,000 fine).
• 2,000 pounds or more: Enhanced First-Degree Felony (10-99 years or life in prison; up to $100,000 fine).

Enhanced Penalties and Aggravating Factors:

Sentences for drug manufacturing charges can be further enhanced if certain aggravating factors are present:

• Manufacturing drugs near schools, playgrounds, or other drug-free zones.
• Using a minor in the drug manufacturing operation.
• Possessing or using a firearm during a drug manufacturing offense often triggers additional and consecutive prison time.
• Having previous felony drug convictions can significantly increase the minimum and maximum penalties.
• Being involved in a larger criminal organization can lead to more severe charges, including engaging in organized criminal activity (Texas Penal Code 71.02), which elevates the underlying offense to the next higher degree.
• Manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance, and the substance is the direct proximate cause of death or serious bodily injury to another.

Drug manufacturing often crosses state lines or involves large quantities, leading to federal charges, which typically carry even harsher mandatory minimum sentences. A Laredo drug manufacturing attorney must be prepared to defend in both state and federal courts.

The profound and escalating nature of these penalties underscores why immediate engagement with a highly experienced drug manufacturing lawyer in Laredo is not merely a preference, but an absolute necessity to protect your future.