Principal Office
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
Years Defending Texans
Cases Dismissed
Criminal Cases Handled
Counties Served Across Texas
Available | Serving All of Texas
The term “dangerous drug” may create images of highly addictive substances such as heroin or LSD.
Under Texas law, however, this is NOT the case.
A dangerous drug is simply any prescription medication that requires a “prescription only” label, from blood pressure pills to anxiety medication. If you possess these without a valid prescription, you face serious drug possession charges.
Dangerous drugs are defined by Health and Safety Code Section 483.001 as any drug not listed in schedules I through V, or penalty groups 1 through 4. These classifications exclude controlled substances like marijuana or acid.
Being arrested for possession of dangerous drugs can severely damage your financial and personal life.
Without experienced legal representation, that risk is potentially higher.
If you or a loved one has been charged with possession of a dangerous drug, contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today at 197-230-38867. Our Dallas criminal defense lawyers will work to get your drug charges reduced or dismissed.
Time is critical in dangerous drug possession cases. Here’s what you should do immediately:
⚖️ Not all prescription-related arrests are equal under the law. Whether a charge sticks often hinges on legal definitions and who is authorized to prescribe or possess the drug.
Texas Statute Section 483.042 states that certain licensed individuals and organizations are legally allowed to deliver, manufacture, or offer dangerous drugs.
If the alleged offender does not fall under one or more of these categories, they are committing a drug crime.
Driving while intoxicated by a prescription drug—whether or not it’s considered a controlled substance—can still lead to serious DWI charges in Texas. Learn how controlled substance DWI charges work and what defenses may apply.
A common qualified professional to distribute dangerous drugs is a pharmacist. Pharmacists can only deliver a dangerous drug if they receive a prescription from:
Texas uses a complex system to classify different types of drug charges and determine penalties:
| Drug Classification | Examples | Legal Status |
|---|---|---|
| Penalty Groups 1-4 | Methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana | Controlled substances with varying penalty levels based on harm potential |
| Dangerous Drugs | Prescription medications (blood pressure pills, anxiety meds) | Require medical supervision and a valid prescription for legal possession |
| Over-the-Counter | Aspirin, cold medicine, and vitamins | Generally legal for anyone to possess and use as directed |
Simply having someone else’s prescription drug, even from a family member, can result in drug possession charges under Texas law.
Legally, one can only possess a dangerous drug if he or she has a prescription from a pharmacist or practitioner.
There are strict laws and stipulations on how dangerous drugs can be distributed. If you do not meet these requirements, you face a Class A misdemeanor offense.
The following are penalties you may face with a Class A misdemeanor:
Dangerous drug possession charges are defined by the amount obtained during arrest. Any amount less than 28 grams is a Class A misdemeanor. If you carried more than 28 grams during arrest, you may be subject to felony charges with substantially harsher penalties, including a lengthy prison sentence.
Some individuals facing dangerous drug charges are also investigated for related crimes like forging prescriptions or obtaining medications under pretenses. Read more about prescription drug fraud under Texas law.
Dangerous drug convictions can be particularly devastating for certain professions:
| Profession | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Workers | Automatic licensing board review, and potential career-ending sanctions for any drug conviction |
| Educators | Loss of teaching certificates, employment termination for drug crimes |
| Law Enforcement | Immediate suspension and termination proceedings for any drug offense |
| Financial Services | Loss of required licenses and security clearances for felony convictions |
| Transportation Workers | CDL suspension and disqualification from transportation jobs for dangerous drug convictions |
We have successfully defended numerous dangerous drug possession cases throughout Dallas County.
Our criminal defense firm has achieved over 1,000 case dismissals in the DFW area since 2002, demonstrating our ability to achieve the best possible outcome in challenging drug possession cases.
💡 Legal defenses aren’t one-size-fits-all. Identifying technical issues like a lack of possession knowledge or chain of custody problems could be the key to dismissal.
With over 35 years of experience and 1,000+ cases dismissed in the DFW area, Richard C. McConathy is a Criminal Law Specialist with extensive experience in Dallas County courts. We know the prosecutors, judges, and procedures that will impact your drug offense case.
Our approach is simple: we fight for dismissals and not guilty verdicts. We don’t just process cases—we aggressively defend your rights and freedom to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Dangerous drug possession charges require immediate attention from our experienced criminal defense attorney.
Call us now at 197-230-38867 to speak directly with our legal team and schedule your free consultation.
Dangerous drugs are prescription drugs that require a “prescription only” label, while controlled substances are classified in penalty groups 1-4 and include drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and heroin.
Yes. Texas law requires that you personally have a valid prescription. Sharing prescription drugs between family members is illegal under the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Most professional licensing boards require reporting of drug convictions and may impose disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation.
Depending on the outcome of your case, expungement may be possible. We help clients go through the expungement process after a successful case resolution.
Lack of knowledge can be a valid defense. We thoroughly investigate whether you had actual knowledge of the substance’s presence and nature during your free consultation.
Whether you're facing a felony charge or fighting a traffic ticket, every case deserves serious attention. Get an experienced defense team in your corner now.
