Facing charges for PG1 (or “Penalty Group One”) drugs in Texas can be a life-altering event. These charges are among the most serious drug-related offenses in the state and can lead to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.

Fortunately, you are not without hope – but you do need to act quickly. If you or someone you know is dealing with a PG1 drug charge, understanding the nature of these drugs and the legal implications is crucial.

In this guide, we’ll break down what PG1 drugs are, the penalties for possessing them, and when it’s time to contact a Fort Worth drug possession lawyer.

What Are PG1 Drugs?

PG1 drugs, or Penalty Group One drugs, are classified under Texas law as substances with a high potential for abuse. This classification places them among the most tightly controlled substances, reflecting their dangerous nature and the severe legal consequences associated with them.

The following are some of the most commonly known drugs classified as PG1:

• Cocaine: A powerful stimulant often used recreationally for its euphoric effects, but highly addictive and illegal without a prescription.
• Heroin: An opioid derived from morphine, known for its high addiction potential and severe withdrawal symptoms.
• Methamphetamine: A potent central nervous system stimulant associated with increased energy and focus but highly addictive and damaging to the body.
• Fentanyl: This powerful opioid has exploded in popularity and has lead to accidental overdoses across the country.

Legal Penalties for PG1 Drug Possession

Possession of PG1 drugs in Texas carries severe penalties that vary depending on the amount in possession.

“If it’s under a gram and you’re accused of possessing it, it’s a state jail felony, which means you can face between six months and two years in a state jail facility and up to a $10,000 fine,” says Graham Norris, founder of Norris Legal Defense. “If it’s between one and four grams, that makes it a third-degree felony, meaning you could face between two and 10 years prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Between four and 200 grams, it’s a second-degree felony, meaning you could face between two and 20 years in prison, then up to $10,000 fine.”

The penalties continue to go up from there. Here’s a condensed breakdown of this group and the associated penalties:

Penalty Group 1 (e.g., Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl)

Amount	Offense Level	Fine	Prison Sentence
<1g	State jail felony	Up to $10,000	180 days – 2 years
1-4g	3rd Degree Felony	Up to $10,000	2-10 years
4-200g	2nd Degree Felony	Up to $10,000	2-20 years
200-400g	1st Degree Felony	Up to $100,000	5-99 years
>400g	Enhanced 1st Degree Felony	Up to $100,000	10-99 years

Additional Consequences

A conviction of a PG1 drug offense results in a mandatory suspension of driving privileges, regardless of the amount and regardless of whether there was any driving actually involved. This makes it all the more important to avoid a conviction.

It’s also crucial to note that these penalties can be enhanced if there’s evidence of intent to sell or manufacture the substance.

“If you’re accused of delivering that substance, so any type of evidence that would show that you are intending to sell it, or that you are manufacturing it for delivery, then it enhances the charge a full degree,” Graham says. “So what would otherwise be a state jail felony now is a third-degree offense and on up the chain.”

This means that possession of more than four grams with intent to sell could result in a first-degree felony charge, carrying penalties similar to those for murder: between five and 99 years or life in prison.

Defense Strategies for PG1 Drug Charges

When defending against PG1 drug charges, Graham emphasizes the importance of a thorough legal approach. He outlines a couple of key strategies that have brought success for his clients:

1. Constitutional Rights and Search Legality: “The Constitution lays out very specific rules about what the government is allowed to do to search and ultimately seize something from its citizens,” Graham says. “It’s always important to check the police reports, to look at the video that’s available and to find out what happened, to make sure that this was a valid search, that it’s legal and that there’s not an opportunity to suppress that evidence. … Even though somebody may have had a substance, the way in which it was obtained might have been illegal, and if that’s the case, then the whole charge should be thrown out.”
2. Leveraging Prosecutorial Discretion: In some cases, especially for first-time offenders or those with mitigating circumstances, working with prosecutors to reduce charges or seek alternative resolutions can be highly effective. Graham cites a case where a 19-year-old facing a first-degree felony charge for selling cocaine had his charge reduced to a third-degree felony possession charge. This reduction made the client eligible for a first-offender drug program, resulting in case dismissal and the opportunity for expungement after a short probationary period. “It was really a second chance for him to have a clean record with what started with a really scary charge of delivery of a controlled substance, a first-degree felony,” Graham says.

Why Choose Norris Legal Group for PG1 Drug Cases?

Selecting the right attorney can make all the difference when facing PG1 drug charges. At Norris Lega Group, we provide comprehensive legal support tailored to your unique situation. Here’s how we can help:

• Personalized Defense Strategy: We tailor our defense strategies to fit the specific circumstances of your case, ensuring a thorough examination of all details.
• Comprehensive Case Review: Our team conducts an in-depth review of the evidence, identifying any weaknesses or inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
• Negotiation Skills: With a proven track record of negotiating favorable plea deals, we work to reduce charges and penalties wherever possible.
• Aggressive Courtroom Representation: We are committed to fighting for your rights in court, challenging any procedural errors or inconsistencies in the evidence.
• Support Throughout the Process: We guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you are informed and prepared for what lies ahead.
• Strong Track Record: Our success in securing positive outcomes for clients facing PG1 drug charges reflects our dedication and experience.

Facing PG1 Drug Charges? Contact Norris Legal Group Today

Facing PG1 drug charges in Texas is a serious matter that requires immediate attention and experienced legal representation. The consequences of a conviction can be severe, affecting every aspect of your life.

At Norris Legal Group, we understand the stakes and are here to help you navigate this challenging time. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing the strong legal assistance you need to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

Don’t wait to seek help—contact Norris Legal Group today for a free consultation and take the first step towards defending your future.