If you’re facing a conviction for marijuana possession in Texas, it’s critical to understand the potential consequences. While laws surrounding marijuana use are changing rapidly in many states, Texas still takes a strict stance when it comes to cannabis possession. Even for a small amount, a conviction can have far-reaching effects on your life.
Knowing the potential consequences and how to respond can make all the difference in protecting your future. Here’s what you need to know.
Texas Marijuana Laws on Possession
Texas law criminalizes the possession of marijuana in almost all forms. The penalties depend on the amount found in your possession:
- Less than 2 ounces: Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
- 2 to 4 ounces: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
- More than 4 ounces: A felony offense with increasingly severe penalties as the quantity increases.
Even being caught with drug paraphernalia can lead to charges, fines, or additional complications.
These laws show why it’s vital to treat a marijuana charge seriously. Beyond the penalties handed down in court, the effects of a conviction can extend far beyond the legal system.
Marijuana-related Criminal Record Implications
One of the most significant ways a marijuana possession conviction can affect your future is through a criminal record. Once you've been convicted, the offense becomes part of your permanent record. Unfortunately, this can create challenges in many areas of life, including:
Employment
Many employers conduct background checks on potential hires. A drug-related offense can raise red flags, even if it’s for a misdemeanor. Employers may view the conviction as a liability, limiting your career opportunities or impacting your ability to obtain certain professional licenses.
Housing
Landlords routinely review criminal records during the application process. A conviction for marijuana possession could result in rental denial, limiting your ability to secure housing.
Education
If you’re pursuing higher education, a conviction could affect your eligibility for federal financial aid. Under certain circumstances, drug convictions can disqualify students from grants, loans, and scholarships, making it harder to continue your education.
Licenses and Certifications
Certain professions, such as healthcare, law, and education, require state licenses or certifications to practice. A marijuana charge may cause issues during the licensing process or serve as grounds for revocation.
Immigration Consequences
For non-U.S. citizens, even a simple marijuana possession charge can have life-altering consequences. Federal immigration law considers drug-related offenses to be serious violations. Depending on the situation, a conviction could lead to:
- Denial of visa applications
- Deportation proceedings
- Loss of eligibility for citizenship
If you’re not a U.S. citizen and are facing charges, speaking with both a criminal defense and immigration attorney is crucial.
Driver’s License Suspension
Under Texas law, individuals convicted of certain drug offenses may face an automatic suspension of their driver’s license, regardless of whether the offense involved a vehicle. Losing your license could hinder your ability to get to work, run errands, and fulfill daily responsibilities.
Social Stigma
The stigma of a drug-related conviction shouldn’t be overlooked. While attitudes toward marijuana use are shifting in some areas, a conviction can still carry judgment from employers, colleagues, and even within your community. These biases can add to the challenges of rebuilding your life after a conviction.
Options for Addressing a Marijuana Charge
If you’ve been charged with marijuana possession, don’t lose hope. There are potential strategies to minimize the impact on your future:
Pretrial Diversion Programs
Some Texas counties offer pretrial diversion programs for first-time offenders. These programs allow for alternative outcomes, such as community service or completing educational courses, which could lead to a dismissal of charges or keep the conviction off your record.
Drug Court
For those facing more serious charges, drug courts may provide an opportunity for rehabilitation instead of jail time. Completing a drug court program can help you avoid harsh penalties and show the court that you’re committed to turning your situation around.
Legal Defense
Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential. A skilled lawyer can challenge the evidence, negotiate plea deals to reduce charges, or even get the case dismissed outright. Your attorney’s knowledge of Texas law and local court systems can make a significant difference.
Expungement or Non-Disclosure
After a certain period of time, you may be eligible to have your record expunged (completely cleared) or sealed through an order of non-disclosure. This can limit who can access your record and help you rebuild your future without the weight of a past conviction.
Take Action With a Texas Marijuana Lawyer
A conviction for marijuana possession can have significant consequences, but you are not powerless. Taking steps to address the charge early and working with legal experts to explore your options can help protect your career, education, and personal life.
If you’re facing marijuana-related charges in Texas, don’t wait to seek guidance. At Tisdell Law Firm, we offer legal support and defense from our law offices in Amarillo and Dumas to those with marijuana charges and anyone in the state who needs to stand up to marijuana charges. We're here to help you.
Fight for your rights now. Contact us at to schedule a free consultation and explore every possible avenue to minimize the outcome of your case.