Name: Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock - Criminal Defense Attorney
Address: 1800 McCullough Avenue, San Antonio, TX, 78212
Telephone: (210) 223-8844
Price range: $

Trusted San Antonio Cocaine Possession and Delivery Defense Lawyer - Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock

Cocaine Possession and Delivery Possession of any amount of cocaine can lead to felony charges in Texas. If you have been arrested for possession of cocaine, you need experienced defense counsel to fight these charges, protect your rights, and keep you out of prison.

Whether you have been caught with a large quantity of narcotics or been arrested following a sting, if you have been accused of possession with intent to deliver or drug trafficking, then you need a strong criminal defense. In reality, prosecutors aggressively pursue these crimes and will usually seek substantial prison time.

At the Texas law office of Patrick Hancock, we put 30 years of substantial and proven experience behind our clients. We understand the local court systems and we know what to expect from prosecutors and judges that will be involved in your case. Rely on our practical and legal experience for your drug crimes defense.

FAQ - SAN ANTONIO DRUG CRIME LAWYER FOR COCAINE POSSESSION AND DELIVERY

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please speak with an experienced drug crime attorney for advice regarding your specific case.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I'M ARRESTED FOR COCAINE POSSESSION OR DELIVERY?

If you're arrested for cocaine possession or delivery in San Antonio, the steps you take immediately following your arrest are crucial to your defense:

Remain Calm and Composed: It's important to stay calm and polite during your interaction with law enforcement. Avoid resisting arrest or making any sudden movements that could escalate the situation.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Politely decline to answer any questions until you have spoken with an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it's best to avoid making any statements or admissions.
Request Legal Representation: Ask for a criminal attorney immediately. The sooner you have a San Antonio criminal defense lawyer or drug defense lawyer by your side, the better your chances of navigating the legal process effectively. The Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock specializes in defending clients against cocaine-related charges.
Do Not Consent to Searches: Without a warrant, you have the right to refuse a search of your property. Politely decline any requests to search your vehicle, home, or belongings.
Document Everything: Take note of the details surrounding your arrest, including the officers' names and badge numbers, the location, and any witnesses.

Contact the Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock at (210) 223-8844 immediately for expert guidance. Our team will work diligently to protect your rights and build a strong defense.

CAN I BE CHARGED WITH COCAINE DELIVERY IF I WAS JUST GIVING THE COCAINE TO A FRIEND?

Yes, in Texas, you can be charged with cocaine delivery even if the transaction involved no money. Cocaine delivery is broadly defined under Texas law, and it can include:

Actual transfer: Physically handing over the substance.
Constructive transfer: Arranging for someone else to deliver the drug.
Offering to sell: Even if no transaction occurs, offering to sell can be considered a form of delivery.

If convicted of cocaine delivery, penalties vary depending on the amount of cocaine involved:

Less than 1 gram: State jail felony.
1 to 4 grams: Second-degree felony.
4 to 200 grams: First-degree felony.
200 to 400 grams: Enhanced first-degree felony.
Over 400 grams: Life imprisonment or 15 to 99 years, with up to $250,000 in fines.

For those facing such charges, hiring a skilled cocaine delivery lawyer from the Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock in San Antonio is crucial to achieving the best outcome.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED "POSSESSION" OF COCAINE UNDER TEXAS LAW?

In Texas, cocaine possession is defined as having "care, custody, control, or management" of the drug. Possession doesn't require ownership; mere access or proximity to cocaine can be enough for a charge. Texas law recognizes two types of possession:

Actual possession: The cocaine is found on your person, such as in your pocket or hand.
Constructive possession: Cocaine is found in a place you control, like your car, home, or locker.

Being charged with cocaine possession can result in severe penalties. An effective defense often hinges on challenging the prosecution's evidence or demonstrating a lack of knowledge about the presence of the drug. At the Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock, our experienced drug defense lawyers and San Antonio criminal defense lawyers are equipped to analyze every detail of your case and provide the most robust defense possible.

WHAT IF I WAS FOUND IN A PLACE WHERE COCAINE WAS PRESENT, BUT IT WASN'T MINE?

If you were found in a place where cocaine was present but it wasn't yours, you could still be charged with possession under Texas law. However, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had knowledge of and control over the cocaine. Factors that can influence this include:

Proximity to the drug: How close you were to the cocaine.
Ownership of the property: If the cocaine was found in a place you own or control.
Presence of incriminating evidence: Paraphernalia or other drugs found near you.
Statements or actions: Anything you said or did that could indicate knowledge of the cocaine.

To defend against such charges, it's crucial to have a skilled criminal attorney and drug offense attorney on your side. The Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock in San Antonio offer experienced representation to help you navigate these complex legal challenges.

WHAT EVIDENCE IS NEEDED TO PROVE COCAINE DELIVERY?

To secure a conviction for cocaine delivery, the prosecution must present specific evidence, including:

Substance identification: Proof that the substance involved was indeed cocaine.
Intent to deliver: Demonstrating that you intended to deliver or sell the cocaine.
Actual transfer or offer: Evidence of a physical handover or an offer to sell the drug.
Witness testimony: Statements from those involved or law enforcement officers.
Circumstantial evidence: Items like packaging materials, scales, or large sums of cash that suggest drug distribution.

The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, and any gaps or weaknesses in their case can be pivotal in your defense. As seasoned drug crime lawyers and San Antonio criminal law attorneys, the Law Offices of Patrick L. Hancock are dedicated to rigorously challenging the evidence against you, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

SAN ANTONIO DRUG CRIME LAWYER FOR COCAINE POSSESSION AND DELIVERY - AREAS WE SERVE

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Bexar County Drug Offense Attorney for Cocaine Possession with Intent Drug Charges

The Need for Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney for Drug Possession and Delivery of Cocaine

When accused of drug possession or trafficking, police officers and prosecutors make your conviction a priority. You need legal counsel on your side that can rise to the challenge. Unlike less aggressively pursued crimes such as misdemeanor drug charges or minor possession charges, there are far fewer alternatives to trial for clients facing possession with intent crimes.

Our firm has years of experience handling complex cases and the complicated issues that are involved in a drug trafficking or possession with intent case. We stand ready to help if you have been arrested for possession with intent to deliver involving:

Possession of unusually large quantities of drugs
Possession of scales, baggies, or drugs split into individual amounts
A sting operation
Undercover officers
Allegations by an informant

With the potential for years of prison time, probation, hefty fines and a permanent criminal record on the line if convicted, it is important to work with someone you trust to handle your case. We are a small law firm, but we offer a lot of experience and a proven reputation. We will take the time to make a difference in your case and aggressively pursue dismissal and the reduction of charges.

Texas Felony Drug Arrest Penalties - Experienced Drug Defense Lawyer

With the exception of small amounts of drugs in Penalty Groups 3 & 4, most possession of controlled substance charges are felony offenses. Most felony crimes are divided into four levels, (not including capital crimes) and each level has a different range of punishment. The typical felony levels, their range of jail time available, and some examples are:

State Jail Felony – 180 days to 2 years in State Jail
- (possession of substance under 1 gram – Penalty Groups 1 & 2)
Third Degree Felony – 2 to 10 years in Prison
- (possession of substance 1 to 4 grams – Penalty Groups 1 & 2,
- possession of substance 28 to 200 grams – Penalty Groups 3 & 4)
Second Degree Felony – 2 to 20 years in Prison
- (possession of substance 4 to 200 grams – Penalty Group 1,
- possession of substance 4 to 400 grams – Penalty Group 2,
- possession of substance 200 to 400 grams – Penalty Group 3 & 4)
First Degree Felony – 5 to 99 years in Prison
- (possession of substance 200 to 400 grams – Penalty Group 1,
- possession of substance over 400 grams – Penalty Groups 2, 3, &4)

Protecting Your Rights and Your Future After a Cocaine Possession Arrest in San Antonio

In Texas, cocaine is a Penalty Group 1 drug. Even if you possess less than one gram of cocaine, you face felony charges, including up to two years behind bars and a fine of up to $10,000. The more cocaine in your possession, the greater the penalties.

At the law firm of Patrick L. Hancock, we will work to protect your rights and your future through aggressive criminal defense. Attorney Patrick L. Hancock has in-depth knowledge of police procedure and will thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to your arrest. If the police violated your constitutional rights or wrongfully searched and seized your property, he will fight to have evidence suppressed and your case dismissed.

Selected for Inclusion in The Best Criminal Attorney in America and Texas Super Lawyers

Attorney Patrick L. Hancock provides aggressive criminal defense in the San Antonio area. He has more than 32 years of experience representing clients charged with drug crimes involving cocaine, including possession and delivery charges.

His trial experience, knowledge and client-focused representation have led to many awards, including being selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, Texas Super Lawyers and S.A. Scene Magazine's Best Lawyers in San Antonio.

Contact Patrick L. Hancock, a San Antonio possession of cocaine defense attorney, to discuss your defense in a free and confidential consultation. Call 210-223-8844 anytime, day or night.

Contact a Skilled San Antonio Cocaine Possession Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested for possession and delivery of cocaine, Patrick L. Hancock can defend you. As a Bexar County cocaine possession defense lawyer, he provides aggressive and focused representation to clients throughout the San Antonio area. Contact Patrick L. Hancock online or call his office at (210) 223-8844.

SAN ANTONIO DRUG CRIMES ATTORNEY – POSSESSION AND DELIVERY OF COCAINE