Amarillo Marijuana Possession Lawyers
Arrested For Marijuana Possession In Amarillo? Call (806) 216-3226
If you were recently arrested or cited for marijuana possession in Amarillo, you are likely worried about what happens next. A single charge can raise questions about your job, your record, and your future. Our team at Tisdell Law Firm is here to guide you through this and help you understand your options.
We built our practice with a focus on marijuana crimes, then expanded to defend clients facing many types of charges in Texas and Colorado. Our firm is led by Attorney Adam Tisdell, who has a background in prosecution. That experience gives us insight into how the state may build a marijuana possession case against you.
Since 2009, we have worked to protect our clients’ freedom and future, achieving positive outcomes in most of our cases. We offer free consultations in person, by phone, or virtually, and we provide bilingual services in English and Spanish so you can talk about your case in the language you are most comfortable using.
Speak with an Amarillo marijuana possession lawyer today by calling (806) 216-3226 or reaching out online. Our firm offers free consultations and the aggressive defense you need to move past these charges.
Understanding Marijuana Possession Laws in Texas
In Texas, marijuana is classified as a controlled substance under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.121. Unlike other states where "cannabis" and "marijuana" might be treated differently, Texas law remains rigid. It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess a "usable quantity" of marijuana.
The Weight-Based Penalty System
The severity of your charge is directly tied to the weight of the substance seized. As your Amarillo marijuana possession lawyer, we meticulously review the lab reports to ensure the weight was calculated accurately and did not include non-usable materials.
- Class B Misdemeanor: Possession of two ounces or less. This is the most common charge, but it still carries up to 180 days in jail.
- Class A Misdemeanor: Possession of more than two ounces but four ounces or less. This can result in up to one year in county jail.
- State Jail Felony: Possession of more than four ounces but five pounds or less. This triggers a mandatory minimum of 180 days in a state jail facility.
- Higher Felonies: Possession of more than five pounds can lead to third, second, or first-degree felony charges, with potential prison sentences reaching up to 99 years for massive quantities.
Your case is typically filed in the county that corresponds to where the alleged possession occurred. In the Amarillo area, that often means proceedings in Potter County or Randall County courts. The specific court and process can depend on whether the case is a misdemeanor or a felony and whether you have prior convictions.
Our attorneys are familiar with how marijuana possession charges are usually handled in these courts and can explain what each setting on your docket is likely to involve.
Penalties of Marijuana Possession in Texas
In Texas, marijuana possession is still illegal under state law, and the penalty depends on the amount of marijuana involved. Charges can range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony with long prison sentences.
- 2 ounces or less: Class B misdemeanor — up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
- More than 2 ounces up to 4 ounces: Class A misdemeanor — up to 1 year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
- More than 4 ounces up to 5 pounds: State jail felony — 180 days to 2 years in state jail and up to a $10,000 fine.
- More than 5 pounds up to 50 pounds: Third-degree felony — 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
- More than 50 pounds up to 2,000 pounds: Second-degree felony — 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
- More than 2,000 pounds: First-degree felony — 5 to 99 years (or life) in prison and up to a $50,000 fine.
Collateral Consequences
- Driver’s License Suspension: Under Texas Transportation Code § 521.372, a conviction for any drug offense results in an automatic 180-day suspension of your Texas driver’s license.
- Employment and Housing: Many Amarillo employers and landlords conduct background checks. A drug conviction can disqualify you from professional licenses (like nursing or teaching) and many rental agreements.
- Student Aid Ineligibility: A drug conviction can make you ineligible for federal student loans and grants, potentially ending a college career.
Why Choose Tisdell Law Firm
Our firm has represented many people who have had marijuana related charges in this area. That local experience matters because it allows us to anticipate common issues with scheduling, court procedures, and communication with the prosecutor’s office.
We are also mindful that many clients in and around Amarillo prefer to speak in Spanish, so we offer bilingual services to make each step of the court process easier to navigate.
As a veteran-led firm, we provide discounted services for veterans who are facing these charges, because we recognize the pressures that service members and former service members can face when a criminal case enters their lives.
Secure your legal defense by calling (806) 216-3226 or reaching out online now. A marijuana possession attorney in Amarillo from our firm will review your case for free and show you how we challenge the state’s evidence to get the best possible results.
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Real Talk, Real Defense
We don’t sugarcoat your situation or make empty promises. We’ll give you straight answers, lay out your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.
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Offering 100% Free Consults
A criminal charge is stressful enough—you shouldn’t have to pay just to understand your options. We offer free consultations so you can get real answers before making a decision.
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Clear Communication, No Runaround
We keep it real with you—no legal jargon, no dodging questions. You’ll always know what’s happening with your case and what to expect next.
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Protecting Your Future Starts Now
A criminal charge doesn’t have to define you. We work aggressively to protect your rights, your record, and your future—so you can move forward.
What To Do After A Marijuana Arrest in Amarillo
The hours and days after a marijuana possession arrest are confusing. You may have a citation, a court date, or bond conditions, and it can be hard to know what is smart to do and what could make things worse. Taking a few deliberate steps now can help protect your rights and give your attorney more to work with later.
One key point is to be careful about what you say and who you say it to. Conversations with friends, text messages, and social media posts can all end up in a prosecutor’s file. It is usually safer to discuss the facts of your case only with your lawyer. It is also helpful to write down everything you remember about the stop and arrest while it is still fresh, including where you were, who was present, what officers said, and where the marijuana was found.
Right after a marijuana possession arrest, it is often helpful to:
- Keep paperwork from the arrest and citation in a safe place and bring it to your consultation.
- Avoid posting or messaging about the incident and discuss details only with your attorney.
- Write down names of officers, locations, and any witnesses to the stop or search.
- Mark your court date on your calendar and plan to arrive early at the courthouse.
- Contact our marijuana possession lawyers in Amarillo for a free consultation so we can review your situation and explain your options.
Court dates in Potter County or Randall County must be taken seriously. Missing a date can lead to a warrant and additional problems. When you attend court, bring all paperwork you received from officers or the jail, and avoid talking about the facts of the case in the courtroom hallway. We can help you understand what to expect at each setting and how to present yourself to the court.
When you reach out to Tisdell Law Firm, we talk through these steps with you in more detail. Our team can answer your questions in English or Spanish and help you avoid common mistakes that might hurt your case later.
How We Defend Marijuana Possession Cases
Every marijuana possession case is different, and our defense strategies are shaped by the specific facts in front of us. We start by looking closely at how officers came into contact with you. That often means reviewing the traffic stop, the reason for the encounter, and how the search took place. If the police did not have a lawful basis for stopping you or searching you, there may be grounds to challenge the evidence they gathered.
We also examine the evidence itself. Questions can arise about whether the substance was actually marijuana, how it was tested, and whether the weight that officers recorded is accurate. In some cases, there are issues about who actually possessed the marijuana, especially when multiple people were in a vehicle or a residence. Our marijuana possession attorneys in Amarillo review reports, videos, lab documents, and other materials to find inconsistencies.
Because our firm was established with a focus on marijuana crimes, we are familiar with patterns that tend to appear in these cases. We draw on that history, along with our background in prosecution, to anticipate how the state may try to prove its case and where it may be vulnerable. Our work in criminal defense since 2009 has resulted in positive outcomes in a large majority of matters, which reflects the care we bring to reviewing every file.
Recognition in publications such as Texas Super Lawyers and Texas Rising Stars reflects the standing our attorneys have in the legal community. For clients, that recognition matters because it signals a level of experience and commitment in criminal defense, including drug-related cases. When we defend someone who is facing marijuana possession charges, we bring that same level of preparation and advocacy to their corner.
Talk To Our Amarillo Marijuana Defense Lawyers Today
During a free consultation, we review the details of your arrest, go over the charges, and talk with you about your goals. We then outline possible next steps, so you leave the conversation with a clearer picture of what to expect. Our firm’s background in marijuana crimes, our experience on the prosecution side, our strong record of positive outcomes, and our recognition in respected legal publications all support the work we do for clients charged with drug offenses.
Call (806) 216-3226 or reach out online now to schedule your free consultation with our marijuana possession defense team.
Hear From Our Clients
At Tisdell Law Firm, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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“Adam Tisdell is the best attorney in the state!”- Patrick F.
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“Adam did more than I could ask for on that day, he literally brought tears to my eyes.”- Lole K.
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“I am 100% satisfied with the results of my case. I would definitely recommend Adam Tisdell.”- Myra
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“He was easy to contact and always answered any question we had.”- Jazmin S.
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“Charles did exactly what he said he would do.”- Patrick R.
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“Adam Tisdell is just overall a great kind hearted attorney who will put ALL his efforts in making sure that you receive the assurance necessary to beat your case.”- Miss V.
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“I hired Leah Thornton to handle my case and she helped me every step of the way!”- Alana W.
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“Adam works hard to get you the best result.”- Kevin P.
