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:
Keeping pediatrics afloat in a sea of funding cuts
Giant resistivity reduction in thin film a key step towards next-gen electronics for AI
First pregnancy with AI-guided sperm recovery method developed at Columbia
Global study reveals how bacteria shape the health of lakes and reservoirs
Biochar reimagined: Scientists unlock record-breaking strength in wood-derived carbon
Synthesis of seven quebracho indole alkaloids using "antenna ligands" in 7-10 steps, including three first-ever asymmetric syntheses
BioOne and Max Planck Society sign 3-year agreement to include subscribe to open pilot
How the arts and science can jointly protect nature
Student's unexpected rise as a researcher leads to critical new insights into HPV
Ominous false alarm in the kidney
MSK Research Highlights, October 31, 2025
Lisbon to host world’s largest conference on ecosystem restoration in 2027, led by researcher from the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon
Electrocatalysis with dual functionality – an overview
Scripps Research awarded $6.9 million by NIH to crack the code of lasting HIV vaccine protection
New post-hoc analysis shows patients whose clinicians had access to GeneSight results for depression treatment are more likely to feel better sooner
First transplant in pigs of modified porcine kidneys with human renal organoids
Reinforcement learning and blockchain: new strategies to secure the Internet of Medical Things
Autograph: A higher-accuracy and faster framework for compute-intensive programs
Expansion microscopy helps chart the planktonic universe
Small bat hunts like lions – only better
As Medicaid work requirements loom, U-M study finds links between coverage, better health and higher employment
Manifestations of structural racism and inequities in cardiovascular health across US neighborhoods
Prescribing trends of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes or obesity
Continuous glucose monitoring frequency and glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes
Bimodal tactile tomography with bayesian sequential palpation for intracavitary microstructure profiling and segmentation
IEEE study reviews novel photonics breakthroughs of 2024
New method for intentional control of bionic prostheses
Obesity treatment risks becoming a ‘two-tier system’, researchers warn
Researchers discuss gaps, obstacles and solutions for contraception
Disrupted connectivity of the brainstem ascending reticular activating system nuclei-left parahippocampal gyrus could reveal mechanisms of delirium following basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage
[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.