Fort Worth Xanax and Drug Defense Lawyer

If police have charged your with possession of Xanax, you need to speak with a criminal defense attorney immediately. Some people mistakenly think that because Xanax can be legally obtained with a prescription that possession of Xanax is less serious than drug charges (like marijuana). Possession of Xanax can result in serious jail time, high fines, driver’s license suspension and a permanent criminal record. The possession and use of Xanax is highly regulated in Texas.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax (generic Alprazolam) is a drug belonging to the group called benzodiazepines. Doctors prescribe Xanax for a variety of symptoms, illnesses, and disorders to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Xanax is administered in pill form in a variety of shapes and colors. You cannot legally obtain Xanax in Texas without a prescription from a medical doctor. Possession of Xanax without a prescription is a criminal charge in Texas. Alprazolam (Xanax) is a Controlled Substance listed in Penalty Group 3 of the Texas Health & Safety Code.

Penalties for Possession of Xanax in Fort Worth and Texas

A person commits a criminal offense if the person knowingly or intentionally possesses Alprazolam (Xanax), unless the person obtains the substance directly from or under a valid prescription or order of a practitioner acting in the course of professional practice.

Possession of Less than 28 Grams of Xanax: Class A misdemeanor, up to 365 days in jail and up to a $4000 fine.
Possession of more than 28 Grams but less than 200 Grams of Xanax: Third Degree Felony, 2 years to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Institutional Division and up to a $10,000 fine.
Possession of more than 200 Grams but less than 400 Grams of Xanax: Second Degree Felony, 2 years to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Institutional Division and up to a $10,000 fine.
Possession of 400 Grams or more of Xanax: First Degree Felony, 5 years to 99 years (or life) in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Institutional Division and up to a $50,000 fine.

The amount of Xanax is determined by aggregate weight including adulterants or dilutants. The penalty for possession, manufacturing, or delivery can be much more substantial depending on other factors such as criminal history. You need to discuss any Xanax possession charge with a skilled criminal defense attorney.