Most people, thanks to pop culture references, have at least heard of meth-amphetamines, even if they have never seen or been around them. “Meth,” as it is commonly called, is considered one of the most dangerous drugs in the world today, both for the effects using it, as well as the hazard of producing it in illegal labs. As a result, there are severe penalties for involvement with this drug.
Meth: An Overview
Meth is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. While it is often associated with recreational use, there are (very limited) medicinal uses for meth. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies it as a schedule II drug, which means a prescription is required to obtain it. These prescriptions are for doses that are significantly lower than the doses a person abusing it recreationally would use. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse that may lead to addiction.
Possession
According to Texas law, it is illegal for a person to knowingly or intentionally possess meth, unless the person obtained it directly from or under a valid prescription. Texas considers meth among the worst and most dangerous drugs. As a result, the penalties for a conviction are severe, even if the amount possessed is very small. The following chart illustrates the penalties:
Amount Possessed: Less than 1 gram
Penalty: STATE JAIL FELONY
Amount Possessed: Between 1 and 4 grams
Penalty: 3RD DEGREE FELONY
Amount Possessed: Between 4 and 200 grams
Penalty: 2ND DEGREE FELONY
Amount Possessed: Between 200 and 400 grams
Penalty: 1ST DEGREE FELONY
Additionally, if the amount possessed is over 400 grams, the offender faces a potential life sentence or a sentence between ten and 99 years. The person may also be fined up to $100,000.
Manufacturing or Delivering
It is also illegal for a person to knowingly manufacture, deliver, or possess with the intent to deliver meth. The penalties are similar to possession, but are slightly more severe if the amount involved is over one gram. The penalties for manufacturing or delivering include the following:
Amount Involved: Less than 1 gram
Penalty: STATE JAIL FELONY
Amount Involved: Between 1 and 4 grams
Penalty: 2ND DEGREE FELONY
Amount Involved: Between 4 and 200 grams
Penalty: 1ST DEGREE FELONY
If the amount is between 200 and 400 grams, the penalty may be a life sentence, or up to 99 years but with a minimum of ten years. A fine of up to $100,000 may also be assessed. The maximum prison sentences are the same if the amount is greater than 400 grams, but the minimum sentence is 15 years and the fine may be up to $250,000.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys
The consequences for being convicted of a crime related to methamphetamines can be very severe. If you have been accused of a meth-related offense, you need to speak with an attorney as quickly as possible. 
At the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, we have helped defend numerous clients against the entire range of drug-related offenses.
We are conveniently located In The Heights and have over 25 years of experience handling drug cases. Contact us today and allow Houston criminal defense lawyers Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock an opportunity to put that experience to work for you.
