Explaining Texas Law: What Counts as Controlled Substance?

Did you know that "controlled substance" is an umbrella term in Texas that covers four separate groups of drugs? The penalties differ greatly depending on each group. Let me explain.

What is a Controlled Substance in Texas?

According to the Texas-based law office of Matthew Sharp, Texas defines controlled substances as an illegal street drug or medication where the manufacture, possession and usage are all regulated by the state or federal government.

These substances can be categorized into one of four separate groups.

Group 1

Group 1 includes cocaine, ketamine, mescaline, meth, codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, heroin, other opioids, psilocybin, other hallucinogens.

Although LSD is in its own specialized subcategory, it carries the same penalties as Group 1 substances: at least two years in prison and a potential $10,000 fine. If 400 grams or more of any Group 1 substances are involved, then the punishment is extended to a potential life sentence and a $250,000 fine.

Group 2

Group 2 includes Ecstasy, PCP, hashish, marijuana, synthetic marijuana, other cannabinol derivatives.

Penalties for Group 2 range from two years in jail for under a gram to a possible life imprisonment and a $50,000 fine when it includes over 400 grams.

Group 3

Group 3 drugs include anabolic steroids, Ambien, Xanax, other benzodiazepines, valium, other sedatives, Ritalin.

Penalties involving under 200 grams of Group 3 substances start at one year in jail. Over 200 grams can lead to a 20-year prison sentence and fines up to $10,000.

Group 4

Group 4 consists of any opioid not listed in Groups 1 or 2. It also includes chemical compounds and formulas containing narcotic ingredients.

Punishments under this group are similar to Group 3: one year in jail for minor infractions, up to 20 years for crimes involving 200 grams or more.

Drug-Free Zones in Texas

Similar to how traffic fines are doubled in work zones, punishments for manufacturing or distributing controlled substances automatically increase in severity when they take place in drug-free zones. Unless clearly stated, these typically include anywhere within 1,000 feet of a daycare or school.

Also, Texas often punishes to the highest extent non-violent first offenders charged with crimes in Group 1 due to the drugs' addictive nature.

For more information on controlled substances in Texas and how the state punishes offenders, you can visit sharpcriminalattorney.com. Your call to action for this story is this: don't do or sell drugs, especially the ones that could land you a life sentence in prison.