Fentanyl Possession in the State of Texas
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is significantly more potent than morphine and heroin. It is medically prescribed for severe pain management, typically in cases of chronic pain or following major surgery. However, the illicit production and distribution of Fentanyl have escalated, contributing to an alarming rise in overdose deaths across the nation. The drug’s potency is a double-edged sword, as even a small amount can induce rapid and severe respiratory depression, leading to fatal consequences.
Fentanyl has become a focal point in the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis in the United States. In Texas, legislators have enacted specific laws to address the growing concerns surrounding the use, distribution, and trafficking of this deadly substance.
Fentanyl Possession Lawyer in Austin, Texas
Texas takes its Fentanyl possession laws extremely seriously. Because of Texas’s high veteran population and the relationship between the pharmescutical industry and opioids, the laws surrounding dictate that its production and misuse is dealt with harshly. Unfortunately, the majority of Fentanyl possession cases begin with opioid prescriptions.
As an experienced drug charge lawyer, Jackson Gorski is ready to defend you against Fentanyl possession charges. If you or a loved one have been accused of drug crimes in the Austin, Texas area, call 512.960.4646 to schedule a free consultation.
Fentanyl Information Center
- Dangers of Fentanyl
- Common Punishments for Fentanyl Possesion
- Additional Resources
- Hire a Fentanyl Possession Defense Attorney
Why Fentanyl is so Dangerous
The inherent danger of Fentanyl lies in its potency, which is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and about 50 times more potent than heroin. This heightened potency increases the risk of overdose, even for individuals with opioid tolerance.
Fentanyl can rapidly depress the respiratory system, leading to respiratory failure and death. Its potency also poses challenges for first responders and medical professionals, as standard doses of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, may be insufficient to counteract the effects of Fentanyl.
Synthetic Production
Fentanyl, when prescribed over the counter, is typically provided as a shot, a patch or lozenges. However, the rise of synthetic Fentanyl comes with risks. Some drug dealers mix fentanyl with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, meth, MDMA and marijuana. This means that dealers are able to sell lower quality and potentially more dangerous versions of drugs by mixing it with Fentanyl.
Like other opioids, Fentanyl is extremely addictive.
Alternative Names
Fentanyl is also known as some of the following street names:
- China Girl
- China White
- China Town
- Dance Fever
- Great Bear
- He-Man
- Poison
- Tango
- Cash
- Apace
Punishments for Fentanyl Use
Fentanyl is a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, the highest penalty group with the harshest penalties.
The following are sentencing guidelines for Fentanyl In the state of Texas.
| Amount of Fentanyl | Sentence | Prison term | Fine |
| <1 gram | State Jail Felony | 180 days – 2 years | Up to $10,000 |
| 1 gram–4 grams | Second Degree Felony | 2-20 years | Up to $10,000 |
| 4 grams–200 grams | First Degree Felony | 5-99 years | Up to $10,000 |
| 200 grams–400 grams | Life Felony | 10-99 years | Up to $100,000 |
| >400 grams | Life Felony | 15-99 years | Up to $250,000 |
Additional Resources
Narcotics (Opioids) Information– Visit the official website for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to learn more about opioids, their effects and the penalties for possessing or selling them. Access the site to learn the origins of opioids, drug fact sheets for certain opioids, opioid related statistics, and more.
Drug Possession Laws in TX– Visit the official website for the current Penal Code to learn more about drug crimes in the state of Texas. Access the site to learn the consequences for possession, manufacturing, or trafficking of opioids. Find more information on penalty groups, other controlled substances and possible admissible defenses to the crime.
One Pill Kills – Texas Health and Human Services deep dive into fentanyl including what the drug is and the stories of lives lost due to fentanyl overdoses.
Texas Tribune – This story touches on the impact of Fentanyl in Texas while focusing on the state’s overarching problems with opioids and other highly addictive prescription medication.
Hire a Fentanyl Possession Defense Lawyer in Austin, Texas | Jackson Gorski
If you or a loved one have been accused of drug crimes in the Austin, Texas area, call 512.960.4646 to schedule a free consultation.
The Law Office of Jackson F. Gorski has offices in Austin, TX, but accepts clients throughout the State of Texas including:
- Bastrop County
- Bell County
- Burnet County
- Caldwell County
- Lee County
- Hays County
- Williamson County
- Milam County
- Travis County
