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Biography
When you’re facing drug charges in Houston, the Cory Roth Law Office provides aggressive criminal defense representation. Attorney Cory Roth defends clients against possession, trafficking, and manufacturing charges throughout Harris County—fighting to protect your freedom, your record, and your future from serious criminal penalties.
Texas classifies controlled substances into penalty groups that determine the severity of criminal charges. The Texas Health and Safety Code establishes these classifications and the corresponding penalties for possession, manufacture, and delivery of each substance. Understanding which penalty group applies to your case is essential for developing an effective defense strategy.
Penalty Group 1 includes the most heavily penalized substances: cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and oxycodone. Even small amounts of these drugs can result in felony charges carrying years or decades in prison. Penalty Group 2 covers hallucinogens and certain stimulants, while Penalty Groups 3 and 4 contain prescription medications like benzodiazepines and compounds with limited controlled substance quantities.
Marijuana occupies a separate category under Texas law. While many states have legalized cannabis, Texas maintains strict criminal penalties for marijuana possession, sale, and cultivation. The Cory Roth Law Office defends clients against all controlled substance charges, regardless of the substance involved or the quantity alleged.
Drug possession charges in Texas range from Class B misdemeanors to first-degree felonies depending on the substance and quantity. Simple possession cases require proving you knowingly possessed a controlled substance—meaning prosecutors must demonstrate you knew the drugs were present and knew they were illegal. Our defense strategies often challenge this knowledge element, particularly in cases involving multiple occupants of vehicles or residences.