Experienced criminal defense attorneys know that sometimes a guilty plea can be the most effective result for their clients charged with drug offenses. Drug possession, drug trafficking, drug delivery and drug manufacturing offenses subject the offender to penalties that may include a prison sentence, probation supervision and monetary fines. Three Texas Christian University football players arrested as part of a police drug investigation earlier this year recently avoided prison by pleading guilty to marijuana charges.
The three TCU students who were arrested in February, as we wrote about on this blog, as part of a police drug investigation pled guilty recently in Tarrant County to drug delivery charges involving marijuana. The three men faced imprisonment if they had been tried and convicted of the original charges. By pleading guilty, the three were sentenced to deferred adjudication probation and ordered to pay fines ranging from $1,200.
If the former football players successfully complete their probation, they will not have a criminal record. A violation of probation will subject them to a possible state jail sentence from six months to two years without parole and a fine of up to $10,000. An important factor weighing in favor of the former TCU students was that none of them had any prior convictions for drug offenses.
A drug charge can have serious consequences and raise legal issues unique to drug offenses. A felony conviction can result in penalties that could include a prison sentence, fines and license suspension. Searches and seizures conducted by law enforcement can be challenged in court. A person who is arrested and facing drug charges can consult with an attorney to determine their options.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram,”3 former TCU football players get probation on marijuana charges,” Alex Branch, July 25, 2012