Do I Need an Attorney for a Possession of Marijuana Charge in Texas?

Many states are becoming more lenient on the issue of marijuana use. Some states are even legalizing it for recreational use. Texas is not one of those states. However, I continue to receive a growing number of phone calls from individuals charged with possession of marijuana who want to know if it is necessary to have an attorney. While you certainly have the right to represent yourself, I do not advise it.

Texas still takes possession of marijuana charges seriously. While you may not receive a jail sentence from a conviction (although you could), your driver’s license will be suspended even if you were not in a vehicle at the time of your arrest. Yes, you read that correctly.

Further, many employers are continuing to reject applicants who have possession of marijuana convictions on their record. Unfortunately, once a conviction is on your record, it is there forever. That means when you are 45 years-old and applying for that upper-level management position, your possession of marijuana conviction from college is going to appear on your background search.

I know what you’re thinking. “I was caught with a bag of marijuana in my pocket. Hiring a lawyer will not do me any good, and it will cost me more money.” That’s not necessarily true. There are many situations where hiring a lawyer can lead to a result other than a conviction. Your lawyer may be able to work out a deal that will ultimately lead to a dismissal even if it is obvious that you are guilty.

Before you run to the courthouse and plead guilty because, “it’s just marijuana” or “hiring a lawyer won’t help,” take a minute to think about how a conviction will affect your future. If you have been arrested for possession of marijuana in Texas, call us to see how we can help you.