September 19, 2012 (Press-News.org) In Nueces County, drug crimes, including simple drug possession, are the number one reason for appearing in court on felony charges. This figure highlights why Texas must revisit its drug possession penalties and help those who are convicted of simple possession get treatment rather than jail time.
Nueces County Drug Crimes
In the past decade, over 10,000 of the 32,000 felony cases in Nueces County -- which borders Mexico -- were for drug crimes. The majority were cocaine-related, totaling 6,790 cases, while methamphetamine offenses accounted for over 1,000 cases. Marijuana and heroin cases each totaled 600.
Some in Nueces County believe the state's drug possession penalties should be changed so addicts can get the help they need and the state's prison system is not overtaxed by scores of inmates doing time for simple drug possession. Some judges recommend treatment as a sentence for simple drug possession, while other critics of the state's drug laws believe drug possession should be decriminalized.
Texas' Drug Crime Penalties
The penalties for possession of drugs are harsh:
- Up to one gram of any drug can mean six months to two years in the state jail and a fine up to $10,000
- One to four grams of any drug will result in two to ten years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines
- Four to 200 grams of any drug carries a fine of $10,000 and two to twenty years in prison
- Two hundred to 400 grams carries a fine of $10,000 and five years to a lifetime in prison
- Four hundred or more grams of any drug -- called "aggravated possession" --carries a fine of $100,000 and ten years to life in prison
Penalties for delivering drugs carry the same penalties, with two exceptions: Delivering 200 to 400 grams of any drug is considered "aggravated delivery" and results in ten years to life in prison and a fine of $100,000. Delivering more than 400 grams of any drug is also aggravated delivery, but carries a fine of $250,000 and 15 years to life in prison.
Texas takes drug crimes seriously and current penalties reflect that attitude. However, some believe that these penalties are too stiff and should be reformed to provide treatment for addicts while reducing state prison populations. A change in the law would also save the state a lot of money. State costs for a supervised treatment program costs less than $2.50 a day, per person as compared to $50 per day to keep one person in a state jail.
Until such time as a change is made, simple possession still means the possibility of serious jail time and fines. If you are accused of a crime, consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Article provided by Law Office of Ruben Ortiz
Visit us at www.rubenortizlaw.com
Drug Crimes, Including Simple Possession, Top List of Common Felonies
Drug crimes in Texas are the number one reason for appearing in court on felony charges. Some believe drug possession penalties are too high and want to change drug crime laws.
2012-09-19
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Should Older Physicians Take Competency Tests?
2012-09-19
As the baby boomer generation enters into its later years, more and more of the nation's medical professionals are nearing retirement age. While many physicians continue to make contributions to the medical world well into their senior years, most will also experience the physical and mental issues that come with age. To prevent these issues from interfering with the safety and care of patients, some believe older physicians should be required to take fitness-for-duty competency evaluations.
Safety Concerns in Older Physicians
As more doctors choose to work into their ...
Study Finds Lump Sum Settlements Help Workers Return to Work
2012-09-19
A new study by the Workers' Compensation Research Institute has found that lump sum workers' compensation settlements may help injured employees return to the workforce. The study helps put to rest the controversy over the effectiveness of lump sum awards.
Lump Sum Settlement Payments
Lump sum workers' compensation settlement payments help injured workers and their families cover medical costs and other expenses for recuperation and support the rehabilitation process that allows workers to return to their jobs. It also helps bring closure for these employees so they ...
Separate Means Separate: Separate Property in New York
2012-09-19
During a divorce, there is always the matter of dividing the marital assets. New York's Equitable Distribution Law is based on the concept that marriage is an economic partnership.
The Court of Appeals, the highest court in the State of New York, has held that "upon dissolution of the marriage, there should be a winding up of the parties' economic affairs and a severance of their economic ties."
The distribution of marital assets must be fair and equitable, but it does not have to be a 50/50 split. However, before one can divide the marital assets one must ...
Foreclosures Increase in Indiana but Homeowners Have Options
2012-09-19
According to new reports, the real estate market could get worse before it gets better. Banks continue to force homeowners into foreclosure, which has increased the number of filings in recent months. In particular, Indiana has seen a large rise in home foreclosures since the start of 2012. For Indiana homeowners facing foreclosure, one option to consider is bankruptcy.
Foreclosure Trends in Indiana and Nationally
Nationwide, over one million properties were foreclosed on during the first six months of this year, according to RealtyTrac. Twenty states experienced ...
Paternity Leave for New Dads
2012-09-19
While maternity leave is a well-known concept and necessarily used by mothers to recover from a pregnancy and bond with their baby, paternity leave is perhaps somewhat less recognized.
A survey by Monster.com indicates it is increasingly used by new fathers. Their survey should that in 2007, 60 percent of new fathers used some type of paternity leave.
If you are soon to be a new dad, you may want to explore your options for leave. Generally, leave may be available from your employer, the federal government or your state government.
Your Employer
Your first and ...
Increased Traffic Fatalities in Missouri
2012-09-19
In the past, Missouri has excelled with road safety. Fatalities in Missouri have steadily declined for the past six years. That trend, however, appears to be changing.
In 2012, 459 fatal accidents have occurred on Missouri roads. This represents 14 percent increase in the number of deaths as a result of a car accident. The numbers are not encouraging and police efforts are working for change.
Factors Contributing to the Fatality Increase
Although there is no singular cause for the increase in fatalities, there are some commonalities between accidents. Officers ...
Texting Behind the Wheel Ruins Lives of Victims and Offenders
2012-09-19
"Texting and driving: it can wait." That simple phrase is the backbone of an anti-texting public awareness campaign around the country led by cellular giant AT&T. The company is airing commercial-length public service announcements featuring real people whose lives have been irreparably changed because of vehicular accidents caused by reading or sending text messages. They are also sponsoring an online pledge drive aimed at convincing people to refrain from texting behind the wheel.
The AT&T campaign coincides with a landmark case from Massachusetts ...
The Most Dangerous Times to Drive
2012-09-19
According to the American Automobile Association's Foundation for Traffic Safety, the summer months are known as "the 100 deadliest days for drivers." As fall approaches, the roads are no less dangerous. In some respects they may become more treacherous. This is especially true during certain times of the day, as well as on particular days of the week.
Studies conducted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that most accidents occur between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m.; also known as "rush hour". A number of factors contribute ...
New Law Bans the Sale of Synthetic Drugs in Minnesota
2012-09-19
On the heels of the methamphetamine epidemic, law enforcement agencies across Minnesota are now dealing with a serious problem involving synthetic drugs. These substances, often known as "bath salts" are powerful, mind-altering drugs that mimic the sensations produced by other drugs such as PCP, cocaine and speed.
They are sold in innocuous, yet misleading packing under names like "Cloud Nine" and "Purple Wave" at gas stations, convenience stores and other independent retailers. These substances are comprised of a constantly changing mix ...
Considering Annulment? Find Out If You Are Eligible Under Arizona Law
2012-09-19
While many people have a general idea of how divorce works in Arizona, they may not understand the difference between divorce and another way to dissolve a marriage: annulment. It is important for couples to understand the difference between the two to determine what option best fits their situation.
What Is an Annulment and How Is It Different from Divorce?
Unlike a divorce, which ends a marriage, an annulment invalidates a marriage so it is considered as never having occurred in the eyes of the law. A marriage can be annulled for a variety of reasons. A union may ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
What rattlesnake venom can teach us about evolution: New USF study
A new druggable cancer target: RNA-binding proteins on the cell surface
MIT engineers print synthetic “metamaterials” that are both strong and stretchy
Bacteria killing material creates superbug busting paint
Therapist in your pocket
The antisemitic wave is calming – yet levels remained significantly higher than before the war
Current AI risks more alarming than apocalyptic future scenarios
Generative AI masters the art of scent creation
Empathy might be retained in Alzheimer’s disease
New research from Child Development shows fostering a warm home environment leads to young people’s beliefs that the world is safe
How do parental leave policies affect mothers’ decisions to become entrepreneurs?
Researchers identify a key biological mechanism that promotes healthy aging
Which patient characteristics might contribute to poor recovery after hip replacement surgery?
Do traumatic events predict eating disorders among Palestinians?
Does anemia during pregnancy affect newborns’ risk of heart defects?
How does climate policy uncertainty affect energy stock returns?
World on course to trigger multiple climate ‘tipping points’ unless action accelerates
Research on genetic differences in men's and women's health awarded
Police officers fire more shots than civilians in homicides, research shows
People turn to conspiracy theories in a subconscious quest to feel like they ‘matter’, research suggests
Alliance presents project cure CRC poster sessions at AACR Annual Meeting & awards new grants to accelerate progress
Family dynamics shape body image differently across cultures
Crystal clear design for high-performance flexible thermoelectric semiconductor
Detecting lung cancer 4 months earlier at the GP using artificial intelligence
Safer opioid supply improves health outcomes among people at high risk of overdose
Micronanoplastics found in artery-clogging plaque in the neck
TOS statement on oral GLP-1s
Pulmonary fibrosis has no cure. Could a cancer drug hold the answer?
Trial explores drug-free approach to treat ADHD symptoms in children exposed to alcohol before birth
New research points out a promising strategy for treating metastatic medulloblastoma
[Press-News.org] Drug Crimes, Including Simple Possession, Top List of Common FeloniesDrug crimes in Texas are the number one reason for appearing in court on felony charges. Some believe drug possession penalties are too high and want to change drug crime laws.