Drug Trafficking

Drug Trafficking Attorney in Georgetown

Former Texas Prosecutors Defending State & Federal Drug-Trafficking Charges

If you’re facing a drug-trafficking allegation in Georgetown, a Texas charge is generally framed under the Texas Controlled Substances Act as manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance rather than as a standalone offense called “drug trafficking.” Texas Health and Safety Code Section 481.112 addresses knowingly manufacturing, delivering, or possessing with intent to deliver a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1. Under Texas law, “deliver” includes an actual or constructive transfer and an offer to sell. The specific charge and its punishment range depend on the alleged substance, the aggregate weight including any adulterants or dilutants where the statute provides, and the conduct alleged.

Beyond the charge itself, the evidence in these cases typically addresses who possessed the substance, whether that person knew about it, whether they exercised control over it, and whether the facts support an intent-to-deliver theory. Anyone questioned or arrested in connection with these allegations should avoid discussing the facts with law enforcement and request legal counsel before making any substantive statements. At Winters & Chidester, we represent clients facing state and federal criminal charges in Georgetown and throughout Central Texas.

Contact our Georgetown drug-trafficking attorneys at (512) 961-4555 today!

Former Texas Prosecutors Preparing Cases for Negotiation or Trial

At Winters & Chidester, our attorneys use their former-prosecutor experience to assess the prosecution’s theory and identify issues in the evidence. We prepare each case for negotiation or trial and keep clients informed throughout the process.

James Winters prosecuted misdemeanor and felony cases in Travis County and serious felony matters in Bell County before moving to defense work. Veronica Chidester worked in the Texas Attorney General’s Office Law Enforcement Defense Division and prosecuted felony trial-court matters in Travis County. That combined prosecutorial background shapes how we evaluate evidence, anticipate the state’s theory, and build a defense strategy for each client. We handle both state and federal criminal matters and offer consultations in English and Spanish.

Felony criminal cases in Williamson County are heard in the county’s district courts, including the 26th, 277th, 368th, and 512th District Courts. The assigned court affects scheduling and case management, while the charged offense, penalty group, and alleged weight shape the potential punishment range. Understanding the charging document and the forum handling the case is an early priority in any defense review.

How We Review a Drug-Trafficking Allegation

A defense review for a manufacture, delivery, or possession-with-intent charge typically examines several areas:

Charging Theory: Identifying whether the alleged conduct supports the specific offense charged and the applicable penalty group.
Search and Seizure: Reviewing the legality of any traffic stop, warrant, consent search, vehicle search, or residence search. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 38.23 addresses the use of evidence obtained in violation of constitutional or statutory protections, subject to stated exceptions.
Laboratory Testing and Weight: Evaluating chain of custody, testing methodology, the alleged aggregate weight of the substance, and whether adulterants or dilutants are properly included under the applicable statute.
Possession and Control Evidence: Assessing whether the evidence actually supports the inference that the person knew about and exercised control over the substance.
State or Federal Jurisdiction: Determining the forum, because a federal case involves a different court, charging process, and sentencing framework from a Texas state prosecution.

Based on that review, we prepare each case for negotiation or trial. Our experience on both sides of the courtroom informs how we assess the prosecution’s likely presentation and possible defense responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about drug-trafficking allegations in Georgetown and Williamson County.

What Should I Do If I Am Arrested for Drug Trafficking in Georgetown?

Remain calm and assert your right to legal counsel immediately. Don’t make any statements to law enforcement without your attorney present. Keep detailed notes of the arrest and your interactions with law enforcement, as this information can be important when evaluating whether proper procedures were followed.

How Can a Drug-Trafficking Lawyer Evaluate My Case?

Our defense attorneys review the charging documents, the evidence the prosecution intends to use, and the circumstances of the arrest or investigation. That review looks at whether the stop or search was lawful, whether the substance was properly tested and weighed, whether the evidence actually supports the charged theory of possession or delivery, and whether the case will be handled in state or federal court. At Winters & Chidester, our background on both sides of the courtroom shapes that evaluation from the start.

What Factors Affect the Potential Punishment for a Texas Drug-Trafficking Charge?

Punishment under the Texas Controlled Substances Act depends on the penalty group the substance falls into, the aggregate weight alleged, and the specific conduct charged. Prior criminal history and whether the alleged offense occurred in a drug-free zone can also affect the range. Because these variables interact, the applicable statute and the specific facts of the case determine the exposure.

How Can Williamson County Court Assignment Affect My Case?

Felony drug cases in Williamson County are assigned to a district court that handles criminal cases. The assigned court affects scheduling, local procedural rules, and how the case is managed. Understanding the forum is part of case preparation, and we factor that in when advising clients on their options and developing a defense strategy.

Can a Drug-Trafficking Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Whether a charge can be reduced or dismissed depends on the facts, the evidence, and the applicable law. Procedural errors, weaknesses in the evidence, or issues with a search or seizure may support arguments for suppression or dismissal. Negotiated resolutions are also possible in some cases depending on the circumstances.

Discuss Your Georgetown Drug-Trafficking Case With Former Prosecutors

Facing drug-trafficking charges in Georgetown is serious, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. James Winters and Veronica Chidester draw on their former-prosecutor experience to evaluate the charging theory, evidence, and search procedures, then prepare each case for negotiation or trial. We handle both state and federal criminal matters and offer free consultations in English and Spanish.

Contact us today at (512) 961-4555 to schedule your free consultation and discuss the arrest, investigation, or charge confidentially.

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 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.
Case dismissed Drug Possession
We recently represented a person charged with drug possession. We were able to work out a deal that resulted in dismissal after the first court setting.
Case Dismissed Assault Family Violence Causing Bodily Injury
Despite the prosecutor's initial reluctance due to our client's prior case, we successfully argued for dismissal on self-defense grounds, supported by the victim's non-prosecution affidavit, leading to a swift resolution with only two court appearances for our client.
Case dismissed Assault Family Violence
We represented a client who was accused of assault family violence while on parole. We took the case and were able to get it dismissed, despite the challenges at hand.
Probation terminated early Extended Adjudication Probation
We represented a client who wanted to terminate their probation early. We gathered compelling evidence on their behalf and were able to have their probation terminated several years before the scheduled end date.