Georgetown Drug Crimes Lawyer
Serving Clients Throughout the Greater Austin Area
Drug crimes can lead to prison time, steep fines, and leave you or the person you love with a criminal record that will hinder them beyond the parameters of the legal sentence they receive. A strong lawyer can help you fight false allegations or work for reduced penalties. The Law Office of Todd Nickle has served Georgetown, Pflugerville, Leander, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and the surrounding area since 2008.
Call (737) 215-3408 or contact us online today.
Common Drug Crimes
Drug-related allegations typically fall into one of these categories:
- Possession: This is having illegal drugs on your person or property, even in small amounts. Defendants might also be charged if they possess paraphernalia items like pipes, syringes, or equipment used to make or consume drugs.
- Possession with intent to distribute: This charge might be made if drugs are found alongside evidence like scales, baggies, or cash that suggests distribution.
- Trafficking: This is transporting or selling illegal drugs, typically involving larger quantities.
Real Defense Starts With Real Experience
Get Courtroom Confidence With A Personal touch
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Personalized, Strategic DefenseEvery case is different. We build customized defense strategies and works directly with clients, offering responsive, one-on-one representation.
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Former Prosecutor InsightAfter years of experience at the DA’s office handling everything from felonies to capital murder, Todd Nickle knows how prosecutors think—and how to counter them.
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Board Certified in Criminal Law
As a Texas Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Todd Nickle holds a distinction earned by fewer than 10% of attorneys statewide.
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Proven Trial ExperienceWith over 100 jury trials under his belt, Todd Nickle thrives in the courtroom. He’s not afraid to go to trial—and he knows how to win.
Drug Classifications
The potential penalties are based not just on the alleged crime, but the drug that’s involved. The state of Texas classifies drugs thusly:
- Schedule I: High abuse potential, no accepted medical use. Prime examples are heroin and LSD. These are the most serious drug types under Texas law.
- Schedule II: High potential for abuse, but some medical use. Cocaine is one example.
- Schedule III: Moderate to low potential for physical dependence and accepted medical uses. This could include anabolic steroids or codeine, among others.
- Schedule IV: Low abuse potential and accepted medical uses. Includes drugs like Xanax, Valium, and other prescription sedatives.
- Schedule V: Lowest potential for abuse, often involving medications with small amounts of certain narcotics (e.g., cough syrups containing codeine).
Marijuana is still illegal in the state of Texas and is a classification all its own. Possession of two ounces or less is a misdemeanor that can result in up to 180 days of jail time.
The 4th Amendment and Drug Crimes Defense
The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects all of us from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement. This protection is often crucial in drug crime cases, where key evidence like drugs, paraphernalia, or manufacturing equipment is often uncovered during searches.
For a search to be lawful, the police typically need a warrant issued by a judge based on probable cause. There are exceptions, such as consent, evidence in plain view, or exigent circumstances, but these exceptions must also meet strict legal criteria.
When law enforcement violates the 4th Amendment—for instance, by conducting a search without a warrant or exceeding the scope of the warrant obtained—the evidence found may be deemed inadmissible in court. This legal principle, called the "exclusionary rule," means that any drugs or related materials obtained through an unlawful search cannot be used against the defendant.
This protection can significantly impact the outcome of a drug case. Todd Nickle will carefully analyze the circumstances of the search to identify potential violations and look for ways to challenge the legality of the evidence brought forth by the District Attorney’s office.
FAQs About Drug Crimes
We'll be Your Resource At Every Step
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How are first-time offenders treated under Texas drug laws?Depending on the nature of the charge, first-time drug offenders in Texas may qualify for alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs, probation, or deferred adjudication.
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Can prescription drugs lead to criminal charges in Texas?
Yes, prescription drugs can lead to charges if they are possessed without a valid prescription or are distributed illegally. This can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor, meaning jail time is a possible consequence.
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How do drug-free zones impact drug charges in Texas?
Being charged with a drug offense in a drug-free zone, such as near schools, parks, or childcare centers, can significantly increase penalties. For example, transporting or selling drugs within 1,000 feet of such areas can automatically elevate charges, leading to longer prison sentences, higher fines, and stricter probation terms.
An Aggressive Trial Lawyer for the Defense
Attorney Todd Nickle has spent 27 years in criminal law, including a decade working as a prosecutor before opening our office. He understands the system from both sides, and he has extensive experience at trial. His strong track record in court is something that can matter a great deal to his clients—even if the case never goes to trial, his willingness to do so and his ability to win is something that can positively influence negotiations with the District Attorney’s office. Todd Nickle is someone you want in your corner when the stakes are as high as they are in drug crime cases.
Call our Georgetown office at (737) 215-3408. We’re available 24/7 for clients.
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“I definitely feel like I got fair representation and would recommend him to anyone.”- Dylan A.
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“He worked really hard and ultimately got all the cases dismissed. Our kid is doing great now and we are so thrilled to have this behind us.”- K.E.
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“Mr. Nickle is by far one of the very best lawyers in the Central Texas area if not the very best. He was very professional and very ethical. He truly cares about his clients whether he is retained or appointed.”- Allen C.
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“Dealing with a federal charge as a court appointment attorney, his advice was sound and in my best interest overall. Though he wasn’t a lawyer I hired, he still treated me with respect and walked me through the whole process flawlessly.”- Teryn S.
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“He was always very responsive to me while following up proactively with all parties to bring the case to a close. Highly recommend Todd!”- Peter T.
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“Todd fought hard and won a dismissal of my case. We knew it would be an uphill battle but he never quit.”- Former Client
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“Todd was a great lawyer. I hired him for a case first time 3 years ago and he provided me the best outcome. Since then, I have personally had to use him 2 more times, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my results.”- Kazim M.