Distribution, Money Laundering, & Asset Forfeiture

Drug Distribution, Money Laundering, & Asset Forfeiture Attorneys in Central Texas

Designing a Criminal Defense for Residents in Travis & Bastrop Counties

Facing drug-related charges can be overwhelming, but the experienced attorneys at Winters & Chidester are here to help. Our team specializes in criminal defense for drug cases, including drug possession, sale, and manufacturing across Travis and Bastrop counties. We’re committed to protecting your rights, challenging the evidence, and working towards the best possible outcome for your case.

Experienced Defense for Drug Possession and Manufacturing Cases

Drug possession, sale, and manufacturing charges can carry severe penalties in central Texas. Our skilled attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and will build a personalized defense strategy tailored to your unique situation. Whether you’re accused of possessing small amounts of a controlled substance or facing allegations of large-scale manufacturing, our lawyers are prepared to fight for you.

In Texas, drug dealing and related offenses fall under the category of “Manufacturing/Delivering a Controlled Substance.” These charges carry significantly enhanced penalties compared to simple possession.

To determine whether a case qualifies as possession or manufacturing/delivering, law enforcement and prosecutors evaluate several key factors beyond just the amount of the substance found. They consider:

Are the drugs packaged for resale? Packaging methods, such as individual baggies, can indicate intent to distribute.
Is there paraphernalia associated with drug sales? Items like scales or jeweler bags often suggest involvement in drug distribution.
Are firearms discovered? The presence of weapons can escalate the severity of the charges.
Is money discovered, and if so, how is it stored? Cash in denominations commonly associated with drug sales can be a strong indicator of dealing activity.

These factors play a critical role in shaping the charges and potential penalties you may face.

Our services also extend to defending against related charges, such as money laundering and asset forfeiture. With a deep understanding of Texas law and strong courtroom experience, we’ll help you challenge any unlawful seizures of assets while defending your innocence.

Call (512) 961-4555 for a free consultation.

Understanding Texas Drug Laws and Penalties

Texas’s drug laws are governed by Chapter 481 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, which categorizes controlled substances into penalty groups. These determine the severity of charges and penalties. For example:

Methamphetamine and heroin fall under Penalty Group 1, which carries the harshest penalties.
THC (other than plant-based marijuana) is classified under Penalty Group 2.

When it comes to possession of a controlled substance, the seriousness of the offense depends on the amount of drugs found.

Here are the punishment ranges for the most commonly encountered drugs:

Under 1 gram: State Jail Felony
1-4 grams: 3rd Degree Felony
4-200 grams: 2nd Degree Felony
200-400 grams: 1st Degree Felony
400+ grams: Enhanced 1st Degree Felony

The higher the amount of drugs, the more severe the penalties, which can include longer prison sentences and higher fines. Understanding these classifications is essential for anyone facing drug possession charges in central Texas.

Texas Money Laundering Laws

Texas has one of the broadest money laundering statutes in the country. Unlike federal laws or those in other states, Texas doesn’t require complex elements like “layering” (hiding the origin of illegal funds through multiple transactions). Instead, the state only needs to prove that someone acquired, maintained, concealed, possessed, transferred, or transported proceeds from criminal activity.

In this context, “criminal activity” typically refers to a felony offense. The severity of the money laundering charge depends on the value of the property involved, as outlined below:

$2,500 to $30,000: State Jail Felony
$30,000 to $150,000: 3rd Degree Felony
$150,000 to $300,000: 2nd Degree Felony
$300,000+: 1st Degree Felony

Asset Forfeiture in Texas

In addition to criminal charges, the state can also pursue asset forfeiture, which is a civil lawsuit against property believed to be connected to a crime. This means the state can seize items like money, vehicles, weapons, or even homes if they claim the property was used in committing a crime or obtained through illegal activity.

If the state wins the case, it keeps the property. Unlike criminal cases, the burden of proof in asset forfeiture is lower—it only requires showing that it’s “more likely than not” the property is tied to a crime.

It’s important to act quickly if you’re facing asset forfeiture. The state has a limited time to file a case, and you also have a limited time to respond. Failing to respond can result in losing your property permanently. Understanding these laws is crucial to protecting your rights and property if you’re facing drug-related charges in central Texas. Our attorneys are well-versed in dissecting these charges and mounting robust defenses.

The asset forfeiture process can be equally intimidating. Once the state believes an asset is connected to criminal activity, it can seize property without a criminal conviction. Our team can help challenge these actions and ensure your assets are protected.

Contact Winters & Chidester for a Strong Defense

If you’re facing drug charges in Travis and Bastrop counties, the attorneys at Winters & Chidester will stand by you, offering skilled legal guidance and an aggressive defense.

Contact us today for a free consultation to begin protecting your future.

Real People. Real Wins.

Review Some of Our Results to See for Yourself What We’ve Worked to Achieve

As Georgetown criminal attorneys, we recognize the importance of what we do. Our goal is to help our clients face brighter futures, all while protecting their constitutional rights to the fullest. We couldn't be more proud of the people we've helped and the lives we've changed.

View All Results

Case Dismissed Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Case Dismissed Assault Family Violence
We represented a client accused of assault family violence who was actually the victim. By highlighting significant issues to the prosecutor using our experience in family violence cases, we achieved a dismissal.
No Charges Pursued Child Abuse
We recently represented a person being investigated for sexually abusing a child. We interviewed him, worked with law enforcement, and provided an interview. As a result, no charges are being pursued.
Case pending dismissal DWI Case
Case dismissed Assault Family Violence
We represented a client who was arrested for assault family violence over the weekend. We worked quickly and got the case dismissed the following Wednesday.