On Dec. 10, it was reported that the 23-year-old boyfriend of a missing Texas woman was charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. The authorities stated that the drug charge was not related to the missing woman’s case.
The man has a history of drug possession convictions that go back to 2009. He was taken into custody along with 15 other individuals thought to be involved in the distribution of drugs after the police began an investigation into a nightclub where drugs were allegedly bought and sold. A 19-year-old woman reportedly overdosed and died at the club following drug use.
The authorities seized a number of different types of drugs from the building, including Xanax, mollies and cocaine as well as several firearms. The man was originally held at the Dallas County Jail before he was transferred to the Kaufman County Jail. He could face up to two decades in federal prison as well as a $1 million fine if he is convicted of the charges.
A person who is accused of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and has a history of drug-related crimes can face serious penalties in the state of Texas. Even if a person has a history of drug crimes, a criminal defense lawyer may still put together a strong defense for his or her client. For example, a lawyer could review reports of the arrest to ensure that police did not overstep their boundaries. The lawyer could also potentially negotiate with the prosecution if the evidence against a client is weak, which could reduce the severity of any penalties.
Source: NBCDFW.com, “Boyfriend of Christina faces federal drug charge“, December 10, 2014