• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak

Houston Criminal Lawyer

832.315.6283 book a consultation book a consultation

We Are Open Everyday 24/7

  • About
  • Practice Areas
        • Assault
          • Aggravated Assault
          • Assault-Family Member | Domestic Violence
        • Child Endangerment
        • Credit Card Fraud
        • Criminal Defense
        • Drug Crimes
        • DWI
        • Expungement
        • Fraud
        • Gun Crimes
        • Mental Health Defense
        • Misdemeanors
        • Murder
        • Organized Crime
        • Sex Crimes
          • Sexual Assault
          • Aggravated Kidnapping
          • Indecent Exposure
          • Invasive Visual Recording
          • Prostitution
          • Public Lewdness
          • Houston Revenge Porn Defense Lawyer
          • Sexual Coercion
          • Voyeurism
        • Sex Crimes (Minors)
          • Sexual Assault of a Child
          • Compelling Prostitution of a Child
          • Child Pornography
          • Improper Student-Teacher Relationship
          • Indecency with a Child
          • Indecency With a Child by Contact
          • Indecency With a Child by Exposure
          • Online Solicitation of a Minor
          • Sexting
          • Sexual Performance by a Child
          • Statutory Rape
        • Theft
        • White Collar Crimes
          • Embezzlement
          • Money Laundering
          • PPP Loan Fraud Defense
  • Serving Harris County
    • Bellaire, TX
    • Cypress, TX
    • Houston, TX
    • Humble, TX
    • Katy, TX
    • Kingwood, TX
    • Seabrook, TX
    • Spring, TX
    • Tomball, TX
  • Results
    • Notable Case Results
    • Reviews
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • About
  • Practice Areas
        • Assault
          • Aggravated Assault
          • Assault-Family Member | Domestic Violence
        • Child Endangerment
        • Credit Card Fraud
        • Criminal Defense
        • Drug Crimes
        • DWI
        • Expungement
        • Fraud
        • Gun Crimes
        • Mental Health Defense
        • Misdemeanors
        • Murder
        • Organized Crime
        • Sex Crimes
          • Sexual Assault
          • Aggravated Kidnapping
          • Indecent Exposure
          • Invasive Visual Recording
          • Prostitution
          • Public Lewdness
          • Houston Revenge Porn Defense Lawyer
          • Sexual Coercion
          • Voyeurism
        • Sex Crimes (Minors)
          • Sexual Assault of a Child
          • Compelling Prostitution of a Child
          • Child Pornography
          • Improper Student-Teacher Relationship
          • Indecency with a Child
          • Indecency With a Child by Contact
          • Indecency With a Child by Exposure
          • Online Solicitation of a Minor
          • Sexting
          • Sexual Performance by a Child
          • Statutory Rape
        • Theft
        • White Collar Crimes
          • Embezzlement
          • Money Laundering
          • PPP Loan Fraud Defense
  • Serving Harris County
    • Bellaire, TX
    • Cypress, TX
    • Houston, TX
    • Humble, TX
    • Katy, TX
    • Kingwood, TX
    • Seabrook, TX
    • Spring, TX
    • Tomball, TX
  • Results
    • Notable Case Results
    • Reviews
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Contact

Home Our Blog The Serious Nature of a Controlled Substance Conviction

The Serious Nature of a Controlled Substance Conviction

By Nathaniel Pitoniak on September 21st, 2018 in Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes

Every year, thousands of Americans are arrested for crimes related to illegal drugs, known as controlled substances. A controlled substance charge can come with serious ramifications, including a misdemeanor or felony conviction on your criminal record, substantial jail time, a lengthy term of probation, and termination of employment. If you have been arrested on a controlled substance charge, it is paramount to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

The Severity of Controlled Substance Charges in Texas

When it comes to controlled substance charges in the state of Texas, the severity of the charges depends on the type of drug, the amount of the drug, and the intent of the possessor. For instance, someone possessing drugs that fall within Penalty Group 1 (such as heroin), will not face the same consequences as someone possessing a Group 2 drug (such as PCP).

Prosecutors typically use the amount of the substance that a person possesses, along with other factors, when determining the intent of the possessor. Thus, charges increase in severity as the amount of narcotics increase.

Looking specifically at Penalty Group 1 drugs, the Texas Penal Code provides that a person possessing less than one gram will face a state jail felony. Possession of between one and four grams is a third-degree felony, a second-degree for between four and 200 grams, and a first-degree felony for 200 to 400 grams. However, manufacturing or possessing these drugs with intent to deliver can lead to increased charges, and for larger amounts, a person may face prison sentences of at least 10 years to life.

Controlled substance charges should be taken very seriously. Possession of just five grams of a Penalty Group 1 drug, a second-degree felony, can be punished by between two and 20 years in prison. Possessing less than four grams could lead to a sentence of up to 10 years, as well as fines of up to $10,000. These harsh sentences demonstrate the critical importance of having quality legal representation.

Contact a Houston Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

When facing a controlled substance charge, hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer can make the ultimate difference in fighting these charges or reducing the potential penalties you may face. Attorney Nathaniel Pitoniak has years of experience aggressively representing clients facing criminal charges. From marijuana to methamphetamine, any controlled substance charge can lead to monumental changes in your life, and it is essential to have a dedicated advocate fighting for your rights. To set up a consultation with a knowledgeable Harris County criminal defense attorney, call us today at 832-315-6283.

Sources:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.481.htm

Primary Sidebar

Schedule a Consultation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak

4115 Canal St
Houston, TX 77003
(832) 315-6283
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

We serve Harris County: Katy, Houston, Bellaire, Cypress, Humble, Kingwood, Seabrook, Spring, Tomball, and the surrounding areas.

Copyright © 2025 Law Office of Nathaniel Pitoniak
Disclaimer Privacy Policy

  • About
  • Practice Areas
    • Assault
      • Aggravated Assault
      • Assault-Family Member | Domestic Violence
    • Child Endangerment
    • Credit Card Fraud
    • Criminal Defense
    • Drug Crimes
    • DWI
    • Expungement
    • Fraud
    • Gun Crimes
    • Mental Health Defense
    • Misdemeanors
    • Murder
    • Organized Crime
    • Sex Crimes
      • Sexual Assault
      • Aggravated Kidnapping
      • Indecent Exposure
      • Invasive Visual Recording
      • Prostitution
      • Public Lewdness
      • Houston Revenge Porn Defense Lawyer
      • Sexual Coercion
      • Voyeurism
    • Sex Crimes (Minors)
      • Sexual Assault of a Child
      • Compelling Prostitution of a Child
      • Child Pornography
      • Improper Student-Teacher Relationship
      • Indecency with a Child
      • Indecency With a Child by Contact
      • Indecency With a Child by Exposure
      • Online Solicitation of a Minor
      • Sexting
      • Sexual Performance by a Child
      • Statutory Rape
    • Theft
    • White Collar Crimes
      • Embezzlement
      • Money Laundering
      • PPP Loan Fraud Defense
  • Serving Harris County
    • Bellaire, TX
    • Cypress, TX
    • Houston, TX
    • Humble, TX
    • Katy, TX
    • Kingwood, TX
    • Seabrook, TX
    • Spring, TX
    • Tomball, TX
  • Results
    • Notable Case Results
    • Reviews
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Contact