{"id":376610,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:52","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/texas-law\/texas-drug-trafficking-distribution-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-05-20T15:47:13","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T20:47:13","slug":"texas-drug-trafficking-distribution-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/texas-law\/texas-drug-trafficking-distribution-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Texas Drug Trafficking Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Texas Drug Trafficking \/ Distribution Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Drug trafficking is the illegal distribution or delivery of controlled substances, violating the Texas Controlled Substances Act.<\/h3>\r\n

Under the Texas Controlled Substances Act<\/a>, drug trafficking is the delivery, manufacturing, or possession with intent to deliver controlled substances.<\/p>\r\n

Law enforcement authorities may find a person guilty of drug trafficking<\/a> if it is proven that they knowingly delivered illegal drugs. For those facing drug trafficking charges under Texas law, this article serves as a helpful guide in understanding the penalty groups and the charges associated with them.<\/p>\r\n

Controlled Substances and Their Penalty Groups<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The Act categorizes controlled substances into four penalty groups, each with corresponding penalties and prison sentences depending on the type of drug and the quantity involved. The penalties range from state jail felonies to first-degree felonies.<\/p>\r\n

Penalty Group 1<\/b><\/p>\r\n

This group includes controlled substances such as ketamine, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and other opiates.<\/p>\r\n

Penalty Group 1-A<\/b><\/p>\r\n

This group includes controlled substances like LSD.<\/p>\r\n

Penalty Group 1-B<\/b><\/p>\r\n

This group includes controlled substances like fentanyl and its derivatives.<\/p>\r\n

Penalty Group 2<\/b><\/p>\r\n

This group includes controlled substances like PCP, mescaline, ecstasy, psilocybin, and synthetic cannabinoids.<\/p>\r\n

Penalty Group 3<\/b><\/p>\r\n

This group includes controlled substances like oxycodone, benzodiazepines, peyote, anabolic steroids, and certain barbiturates. It also includes drugs containing hydrocodone.<\/p>\r\n

Penalty Group 4<\/b><\/p>\r\n

This group includes controlled substances like cough medications containing codeine of 200 milligrams per 100 grams.<\/p>\r\n

Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Texas<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Under the Texas Health and Safety Code, the penalty for drug trafficking depends on the type of drug and the quantity involved. It may be anywhere from a state jail felony, which carries the lightest sentence, to a first-degree felony, which carries the harshest. The factors influencing the criminal charges are:<\/p>\r\n