Texas sheriff deputy could be charged with drug crimes

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 29-Jul-2013

Anytime a person is charged with a drug crime in Dallas it's very important for him or her to understand the legal ramifications. A drug crime of any kind, including possession, trafficking, or sales can carry lengthy jail time. However, being charged does not make a person guilty.

A Smith County sheriff deputy could possibly be facing some lengthy prison time after being arrested for allegedly planning to sell drugs. A judge has ordered the man be held in jail in order to ensure that he doesn't flee, considering the lengthy prison time he might face pending the outcome of a trial. If convicted of the crimes, the deputy could be sentenced to as many as 20 years for each separate drug charge, as well as at least five more years for an additional weapons charge.

Specifically, among the charges the man faces are possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in this case methamphetamine and cocaine, and use and carry of a firearm related to a drug trafficking crime. Authorities say that they recovered drugs in the deputy's patrol car, but it is not known if he was collecting them while he was on the clock. Investigators have already searched his home for additional evidence.

When a person is arrested and charged for drug crimes there can be very serious consequences. These kinds of charges can affect a person's life for years to come and possibly for the rest of his or her life. However, just because someone has been charged with a drug crime that doesn't mean he or she is guilty. Therefore, speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney might be the first thing a person in this kind of situation should do.

Source: KLTV, "Smith Co. deputy facing drug, firearm charges," Marshall Stephens, July 10, 2013