San Antonio Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer | Bexar County Criminal Defense | Jones & De La Garza

Arrested for a Drug Charge in San Antonio? Your Case Is Still Pending — And Your Defense Starts Now.

If you have a pending drug case in San Antonio or Bexar County, what you do next matters. A drug arrest does not equal a conviction. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor marijuana charge or a first-degree felony drug trafficking indictment, you have constitutional rights under the Texas Penal Code, the Texas Controlled Substances Act, and the United States Constitution.

At Jones & De La Garza, we defend clients in pending drug cases throughout San Antonio, Bexar County, and surrounding counties. From pre‑charge investigations to trial and appeal, we build strategic, aggressive defenses designed to protect your record, your freedom, and your future.

Drug Charges in San Antonio: What You Need to Know

Drug crimes in Texas are prosecuted under the Texas Health & Safety Code, particularly Chapters 481 and 483 (Texas Controlled Substances Act). Charges depend on:

  • Type of substance (Penalty Groups 1–4, Marijuana, Controlled Prescription Drugs)
  • Quantity alleged
  • Intent (possession vs. delivery vs. manufacturing)
  • Prior criminal history
  • Location of the alleged offense (drug-free zones enhance penalties)

Common pending drug charges in Bexar County include:

  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS)
  • Possession of Marijuana
  • Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID)
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Manufacturing or Delivery of Controlled Substances
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Federal Drug Indictments

If your case is currently pending in Bexar County District Court or County Court at Law, you still have options.

Penalty Groups Under Texas Law

Texas classifies controlled substances into penalty groups:

Penalty Group 1 (PG1): Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, certain opioids
Penalty Group 1-B: Fentanyl derivatives
Penalty Group 2: MDMA (Ecstasy), PCP
Penalty Group 3 & 4: Prescription medications without valid prescription
Marijuana: Charged separately under Texas law

Penalties escalate quickly based on weight. For example:

  • Under 1 gram of a PG1 substance: State jail felony
  • 1–4 grams: Third-degree felony
  • 4–200 grams: Second-degree felony
  • 200+ grams: First-degree felony (potential life sentence)

Federal charges may apply if the case involves interstate activity, large quantities, or federal task force investigations.

Penalties are also likely to be enhanced based on whether the intent to deliver is charged.

Here is the reality: a pending drug case is often the most critical stage of your defense. Before indictment, before plea negotiations, and before trial, strategic intervention can change everything.

We regularly:

  • Challenge unlawful searches under the Fourth Amendment
  • File motions to suppress evidence obtained without probable cause
  • Attack faulty lab testing procedures
  • Examine chain-of-custody issues
  • Negotiate for dismissal or reduction
  • Seek diversion programs when appropriate

Search and Seizure Issues in San Antonio Drug Cases

Many drug arrests stem from traffic stops, vehicle searches, or home search warrants. Under both the U.S. Constitution and Texas law, law enforcement must follow strict procedural rules.

Common defense issues include:

  • Illegal traffic stops
  • Lack of probable cause
  • Invalid search warrants
  • Improper K‑9 deployment
  • Coerced consent searches

If evidence was obtained unlawfully, it may be suppressed — meaning the prosecution cannot use it against you.

State vs. Federal Drug Charges

Some San Antonio drug arrests are adopted by federal authorities, particularly large-scale trafficking cases. Federal drug charges are prosecuted under 21 U.S.C. §841 and related statutes and often involve mandatory minimum sentences.

Jones & De La Garza defend clients in both state courts in Bexar County and federal court in the Western District of Texas.

Drug-Free Zone Enhancements

If the alleged offense occurred near a school, playground, or youth center, Texas law allows enhanced penalties under the Texas Health & Safety Code. These enhancements can increase both prison exposure and mandatory minimum time.

We carefully analyze mapping data and enhancement allegations to determine whether they are legally valid.

Why Choose Jones & De La Garza for Your San Antonio Drug Case?

  • Extensive experience in felony and misdemeanor drug defense
  • Trial-ready representation in Bexar County courts
  • Experience handling high-profile and complex cases
  • Knowledge of diversion and alternative sentencing programs
  • Full-spectrum defense from investigation through appeal

We are not a volume firm. Every case receives strategic analysis and individualized attention.

Speak with a San Antonio Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer Today

If you have a pending drug case in San Antonio or Bexar County, do not wait. The early stages of a drug prosecution are often where cases are won or lost.

Contact Jones & De La Garza today for a confidential consultation and strategic defense planning.

Jones & De La Garza
San Antonio Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys
Serving Bexar County | Western District of Texas | State & Federal Court

Client Reviews

Very qualified and competent!

Joseph Ecke

She did a wonderful job in my case and get it over turn

Justin Lopez

The best lawyer you could ever have I appreciate the professionalism and treating everyone with respect 🙂

Julie Alderete

Worked great with my mental health and fighting my cases

Aaron Torres

Hands down one of the nicest, most attentive people I’ve ever met thank you so much for helping me realize my issue !!!

Austin Spicuzza

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Our office is located in the heart of downtown San Antonio at 401 S. Presa Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205, inside the historic Walter Tynan Building. This iconic location not only places us steps away from local and federal courthouses, but also reflects our deep roots in the San Antonio legal community. We are proud to serve clients from across Bexar County and beyond with unmatched dedication and accessibility.

San Antonio Office
401 S Presa St

San Antonio, TX 78205

Phone: 210-401-0000
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Free Consultation 210-401-0000