The Texas criminal justice system is notorious for having a harsh stance on drug offenses. While it is true that substances carry various penalties, there is no doubt that charges of manufacturing or distribution are infinitely more serious than allegations of simple drug possession.
Unfortunately, even if you don’t engage in any sort of distribution practices, you could find yourself accused of an offense that involves distribution or sales.
Items that you have in your home or in your car could lead law enforcement to think that you intended to distribute the drugs they found in your possession. Knowing what items put you at risk can help you make better decisions about what you keep in your kitchen and in your car.
Digital scales and baggies are both potential risk factors
There are many reasons why you might have a digital scale in your vehicle or in your home. If you make your own supplements or are on a diet, you often need to weigh what you eat.
If you are an admitted drug user, you may actually use a scale to ensure that the person from whom you buy isn’t effectively stealing from you by giving you less than what you pay for. Just having a scale does not inherently mean you intend to sell the drugs in your possession.
Unfortunately, law enforcement will not see it this way and may use that scale as a way to upgrade you to charges of possession with intent to distribute or worse.
The possession of multiple baggies, from sandwich size down to very small plastic bags, can also lead enforcement to pursue distribution or sale charges. Theoretically, the possession of those baggies could indicate an intent to divide up the drugs in your possession and sell them to others. In reality, you may have them for snack foods or any other number of purposes.
Being aware of the fact that there are dangers related to carrying small plastic bags or a digital scale can help you avoid a situation where possession charges become something else.
Large amounts of cash can also lead police to suspect trafficking or sales
Cash transactions are the standard for any illegal drug people intend to purchase. With the exception of the occasional gas station that still sells synthetic drugs, such as herbal incense or bath salts, cash is the only way you can pay for street drugs or illegally obtained prescription medication.
People carry large amounts of cash for many different reasons. One of them could be an intent to purchase drugs. Another could be the hope of buying a used phone or piece of furniture from an online advertisement. If law enforcement finds you in possession of both drugs and a large amount of cash, it may result in them upgrading possession charges to more serious drug-related charges.
It is absolutely possible to defend yourself against allegations of trafficking or drug sales, particularly if law enforcement builds their case around questionable evidence, such as the items in your possession at the time of your arrest. Understanding your rights and Texas state laws can help you determine the best way to defend yourself against pending drug-related criminal charges.