Most families have hobbies and activities that they share together like family camping trips, trips to amusement parks, or movie and nights, but for one Harris County family it seems that conventional bonding experiences would not suffice. Instead, the Wood family, spearheaded by parents Raymond and Stephanie, has allegedly decided to take up selling and possibly using drugs.

According to the Huffington Post, the Wood family was arrested in Texas for reports of “suspicious activity.” Neighbors observed a constant flow of traffic at all times of the day, including the early A.M., along with other suspicious activities, which was reported using a crime prevention smartphone app. According KHOU – a Houston based television station, neighbors witnessed a skateboarder with “a bag in his hand and he would throw (the bag) in their yard and pick up a bag and skateboard back out.”

Harris County police allegedly found a wide array of drugs including marijuana, cocaine, morphine, and Xanax, in addition to discovering illegal weapons such as a sawed-off shotgun. The youngest member of the Wood family is 18-years old, meaning that the entire family is facing adult drug charges, possibly leading to fines and a prison sentences. The next holiday destination for the Wood family is quite possibly the hoosegow.

Drug Charges and Sentencing in Texas

Drug charges in Texas vary depending on the type of drug and the amount of the drug found at the time of arrest, which is determined by weight. The charge and penalties may also vary depending on whether you are charged for possession, consumption, and sale of the drug. In Texas, drugs are also divided into Penalty Groups; 1, 1a, 2, 3, and 4. For a list of the drugs as they are categorized in each Penalty Groups, you can visit Texas’ Legislative website at http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/.

Marijuana laws differ in terms of how they are categorized

For possession of marijuana, the offenses, penalties, sentencing and fines are as follows:

  • Possession of 2 oz or less: Penalty – Class B misdemeanor; Sentencing – 180 days; Maximum Fine – $2,000.00
  • Possession of 2-4 oz: Penalty – Class A misdemeanor; Sentencing – 1 year; Maximum Fine – $4,000.00
  • Possession of 4-5 lbs: Penalty – felony; Sentencing – 180 days to 2 years; Maximum Fine – $10,000.00
  • Possession of 5-50 lbs: Penalty – Third Degree felony; Sentencing – 2 to 10 years; Maximum Fine – $10,000.00
  • Possession of 50-2000 lbs: Penalty – Second Degree felony; Sentencing – 2 to 20 years; Maximum Fine – $10,000.00
  • Possession of more than 2000 lbs: Penalty – felony; Sentencing – 5 to 99 years; Maximum Fine – $50,000.00

Charges With Intent to Distribute

If, however, you are charged with possession with the intent to distribute, your punishment will be significantly harsher since the circumstances are considered to occur under aggravated factors.

Now, if like the Wood family, you are charged for the sale of marijuana, the offenses, penalties, sentencing and fines are as follows:

  • Sale or delivery of 7 g or less for no remuneration: Penalty – Class B misdemeanor; Sentencing – 180 days; Maximum Fine – $2,000.00
  • Sale or delivery of 7 g or less: Penalty – Class A misdemeanor; Sentencing – 1 year; Maximum Fine – $4,000.00
  • Sale or delivery of 7 g to 5 lbs: Penalty – felony; Sentencing – 180 days to 2 years; Maximum Fine – $10,000.00
  • Sale or delivery of 5-50 lbs: Penalty – Second Degree felony; Sentencing – 2 to 10 years; Maximum Fine – $10,000.00
  • Sale or delivery of 50-2000 lbs: Penalty – First Degree felony; Sentencing – 5 to 99 years; Maximum Fine – $10,000.00
  • Sale or delivery of more than 2000 lbs: Penalty – felony; Sentencing – 10 to 99 years; Maximum Fine – $100,000.00
  • Sale or delivery to a minor: Penalty – Second Degree felony; Sentencing – 2 to 20 years; Maximum Fine – $10,000.00

Expunging a Drug Charge from Your Texas Criminal Record

Once you have a drug charge on your criminal record, the charge will stay on your record until you actively have the offense and related case expunged from your criminal record. Fortunately, you may be eligible to have your drug related charge expunged, which will allow you to legally deny the occurrence of the drug offense and related charges. A Successful expungement in Texas will also prevent the charge from appearing on criminal background checks for employment and housing. In Texas, a granted expungement will seal and destroy your records of the arrest and court case so that the public, including future employers, cannot view your records.