Drug Distribution Lawyer in Fort Worth
Two Decades of Tarrant County Defense, an 85% Felony Plea Success Rate
A drug distribution charge in Texas is a felony offense that can reshape every aspect of your life. Sentencing exposure ranges from a state jail felony to a first-degree felony depending on the substance and quantity involved, and a conviction follows you well beyond any prison term. Burns & Davis has defended clients against these charges since 2001, building more than two decades of working knowledge of the Tarrant County court system, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, and the procedures at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center where felony cases are resolved.
Attorney Blake R. Burns is board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a credential that requires demonstrated competence and peer recognition in the field. Our firm handles drug distribution cases in both state and federal courts, and we offer a free consultation to anyone facing these charges. Hablamos Español.
Don’t face a drug distribution charge without experienced defense counsel. Call Burns & Davis at (817) 873-1883 to schedule your free consultation.
What Texas Law Means by Drug Distribution
Texas Health and Safety Code Section 481.112 makes it illegal to knowingly manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance. The statute doesn’t require police to catch someone mid-transaction. A possession arrest can escalate to a distribution charge when the surrounding evidence suggests an intent to transfer the substance to someone else.
Common indicators prosecutors use to argue distribution intent include drug quantities above personal-use levels, multiple small, individually packaged bags, digital scales, large amounts of unexplained cash, and text messages or digital communications suggesting sales activity. No single item is automatically disqualifying, and no fixed weight threshold converts possession to distribution. Prosecutors build the case from the total package of evidence.
The severity of the charge depends on the penalty group Texas assigns to the controlled substance involved:
- Penalty Group 1 (cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, opioids): Carries the most severe distribution penalties, ranging from a state jail felony for amounts under one gram to an enhanced first-degree felony for larger quantities
- Penalty Groups 2 through 4: Cover a range of other controlled substances with graduated sentencing exposure depending on the group and the amount
- Distribution vs. possession penalties: A distribution charge involving the same substance and quantity as a simple possession charge carries significantly higher sentencing exposure
Why Fort Worth Clients Choose Burns & Davis
Local knowledge isn’t a marketing phrase for us. Since 2001, we’ve handled cases in Tarrant County courts long enough to understand the procedural norms, the tendencies of local prosecutors, and the jurisdiction-specific strategies that carry weight at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center. We report an 85% successful outcome rate in felony plea negotiations, and we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That preparation is what creates real negotiation leverage when a plea is in a client’s best interest.
Attorney Burns’s board certification in criminal law by TBOLS directly shapes how we approach complex distribution cases. We defend clients at both the state and federal levels, and through the appeals process. Clients have described our dedication as life-saving. We pair that commitment with honest, objective assessments because you deserve to know exactly where your case stands.
Start Your Defense with a Free Consultation
The earlier defense counsel is involved, the more opportunities exist to challenge evidence, address bail conditions, and engage with the prosecution before positions become fixed. Time matters when a drug distribution charge is on the table.
Call Burns & Davis at (817) 873-1883 to speak with our team today. We offer a free consultation and serve clients throughout Tarrant County and surrounding areas, in English and Spanish.
Defense Strategies We Use in Drug Distribution Cases
Every drug distribution case begins with a thorough investigation of how the arrest occurred. Constitutional violations, procedural errors, and evidentiary weaknesses are the building blocks of a strong defense, and our team examines all of them before the case moves any further.
- Fourth Amendment suppression motions: Both the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution protect against unreasonable searches and seizures. If evidence was obtained without a valid warrant, without probable cause, or through an unlawful traffic stop, we file a motion to suppress it. Evidence excluded before trial can significantly weaken or end the prosecution’s case.
- Challenging distribution intent: We argue that drugs were for personal use, that the defendant had no knowledge of their presence, or that the circumstantial indicators the prosecution relies on were misread or taken out of context.
- Chain of custody challenges: Evidence must be properly labeled, stored, and handled from seizure through trial. Breaks in that chain can undermine the credibility or admissibility of the evidence itself.
- Entrapment: When law enforcement or informants induced the commission of an offense that the defendant wouldn’t otherwise have committed, entrapment is a recognized defense under Texas law.
- Expert witness challenges: When the prosecution presents expert testimony about drug distribution patterns, we evaluate the methodology and, when warranted, present counter-expert testimony to dispute it.
Burns & Davis has achieved case dismissals and favorable outcomes in serious felony matters in Tarrant County. Those past results don’t guarantee a specific outcome in any individual case, but they reflect the preparation we bring to every defense.
Our Commitment to You
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Relentless RepresentationWhether in or out of the courtroom, we fight passionately to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your future.
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Hablamos EspañolWe provide exceptional legal services in both English and Spanish, ensuring every client feels heard and understood. Your case is our priority.
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Proven Legal ExpertiseWith years of experience and a track record of success, we deliver strategic, results-driven solutions for even the most complex legal matters.
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Client-Centered AdvocacyAt Burns & Davis, we prioritize your needs, ensuring every case is handled with personalized attention and unwavering dedication.
Stories of Success
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"Life-Saving Legal Team"
These attorneys go above and beyond! Their dedication and expertise are unmatched. If you need help, they’ll work tirelessly for you. Thank you for everything!
- Mark P. -
"Grateful for a Dismissed Case"
Blake Burns stood by me every step of the way and got my case dismissed! Truly a dedicated attorney. Highly recommend for exceptional legal support!
- Danya C. -
"Did Not Hang Up Until I Understood"
Nick took the time to answer all my questions and made me feel confident in my case. Professional, thorough, and truly cares—highly recommend!
- Marcela M. -
"Case Dismissed with Exceptional Representation"
Davis and his team deliver results! Case dismissed on 2nd appearance, professional service, and affordable pricing. Highly recommended for defense needs!
- Giovanni M.
Collateral Consequences of a Drug Conviction & What to Do After an Arrest
A drug distribution conviction in Texas doesn’t end when a sentence is served. A permanent criminal record affects employment applications, housing eligibility, professional licensing, and federal student financial aid. Texas law may also restrict access to public housing and certain government benefits. These collateral consequences make the quality of your defense from day one more important than many people realize.
After a drug distribution arrest in Tarrant County, a magistrate sets bond. For felony charges, that amount is often high and may come with conditions such as drug testing or travel restrictions. If the bond is unreasonably high given the circumstances, we can file a motion to reduce it.
The single most important step after any drug arrest is to exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney before speaking with law enforcement. Statements made during questioning, even ones that seem harmless, can significantly complicate a defense. Contact Burns & Davis as early as possible so we can begin protecting your rights from the start.
Your Questions, Answered Explore Our FAQ
Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 817-873-1883 today!
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How can a lawyer help with a sex crime charge?Being charged with a sex crime in Texas can leave you extremely anxious about your future—with good reason. Once our attorneys are on your case, we will start fighting for you with the fierce advocacy we are known for. You can rest easy, knowing that we will immediately begin an exhaustive search for evidence in your case and that we will build a solid case on your behalf. With more than a decade of positive results for our clients, we never back down—inside or outside the courtroom.
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Is a writ the same as an appeal?An appeal is a petition to a higher (appellate) court in an attempt to overturn the ruling of a lower court. A writ of habeas corpus is a directive from a higher court that orders a lower court to take a specific action in accordance with the law. A direct appeal is filed through the appellate court, while the habeas corpus process is filed and managed through the court of conviction. A writ of habeas corpus is often seen as the last resort to legally dispute a conviction and incarceration.
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What does the Court of Appeals do?The task of the Court of Appeals is only to determine whether or not the law was applied correctly in the trial court and whether legal errors were made during your trial. In some instances, the legal error could rest on the ineffectiveness of counsel—your trial attorney failed to call a crucial witness, failed to follow up on evidence, or in some other way failed to fully represent you.