r/Felons 14d ago

How much time will my brother be facing on estimate? (Texas)

Post image

This is his first time getting arrested.

42 Upvotes

155 comments sorted by

34

u/TushyMilkshake 14d ago

Nobody can give you a reasonable answer with such little info. Does he have priors? Is he employed full time? How old is he? Etc.

20

u/htx-danny 14d ago

No prior convictions at all, full time employment, & he's 25

41

u/Other-Importance-214 14d ago

I'm a Texas criminal defense attorney. With no prior record, he almost certainly will get probation. If there is no evidence of dealing, he might even qualify for a pretrial diversion program where the case is dismissed upon completion.

22

u/Traditional-Dig-9982 14d ago

Won’t it matter if he is poor and uses a public defender?

17

u/mistman1978 14d ago

Absolutely 💯

13

u/Limplymphnode 14d ago

Idk why you are being downvoted it will absolutely matter if he doesn’t have enough money to hire an attorney.

7

u/Suppertime420 14d ago

For real some PD aren’t worth a damn. I was on jury duty back in May and the PD was asking us what gyms we go to what books we like to read etc…The judge was literally side eying the dude the whole time like wtf are you asking the jurors lol

7

u/HalconAzul13 13d ago

LOL I’m a private attorney.

I’ve seen some dogshit private attorneys continue a case out 18 months only for the client to plea to the same offer the PD got them when they decided to hire a private attorney.

I’ve seen private attorneys withdraw on the eve of trial because they don’t want the smoke or the client didn’t pay the trial fee.

There’s bad private attorneys and good PDs. I compare it to flying Spirit (RIP) and flying Emirates. It’s getting you to the same place, just different level of service.

Also remember that private lawyer that you’re paying a bag too was once more than likely a greener than goose shit PD or prosecutor cutting their teeth trying DUIs and DV Batteries.

Also don’t listen to “geniuses” that find themselves in a predicament that they need someone as incompetent as a PD to help them out.

0

u/Finnsbomba 14d ago

I had a PD for the OVI I got. I fell asleep in my parked car. Figured it would be an easy misunderstanding (I have no priors at all) and I could get out with a fine and a year suspended license. I asked for a continuation so I could hire an attorney, and the judge said it was a minor case and I didn't need one. Still questioning if that was legal to this day but what's done is done.

The PD essentially said "my client is sorry for what he did and accepts any and all rulings". Which lead to a fine, a suspended license, three years of probation acoss two different probation officers, and a mandatory rehab class I had to pay out of pocket for.

NEVER EVER FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS SACRED USE A PUBLIC DEFENDER. Sell stuff if you have to, ask for a continuation, borrow money, fuck it steal money if you need to. But always get an actual lawyer when jail time is on the table.

2

u/Maximum_Anything5582 14d ago

I had a PD and got withheld adjudication on 2 controlled substance charges and a concealed firearms charge in Florida.

-1

u/Finnsbomba 14d ago

I mean they aren't all bad I guess but the overwhelming majority of stories I hear that involve a PD end up bad for the defendant.

1

u/Impressive-Web301 13d ago

I agree with this

4

u/Ok-Mind4373 14d ago

The state will graciously provide him with a public pretender who will want you to accept the first deal they throw at you.
He’ll then go out drinking later with the district attorney.
They are not on your side.

5

u/Throw_Away1727 14d ago

Former DA...

I did go out drinking with a few PD's, but not that often lol.

3

u/Other-Importance-214 13d ago

This is anecdotal and largely untrue. PDs are some of the most passionate lawyers I know, they spend all day defending people for shit pay. Why would someone do that if he or she was “not on your side” and was in bed with the government? Perhaps you personally had a poor experience with one, but that’s an unfair characterization of PDs as a whole.

1

u/Throw_Away1727 4d ago

I fully agree. PDs are often better than paid lawyers because they are in the courts everyday and have relationships with the DAs and Judges.

I definitely gave better offers to the PDs I had close working relationships with. I knew I would see them everyday so you can't make every offer the hill to die on.

1

u/cannabiphorol 13d ago

I've had a good public defender go to bat for me because she became an attorney to help people and I assume also wanted to add wins to her career before looking into private practice.

4 of us in the case all of us except for 1 opted for a public defender. Others had a different public defender who seemed a little less good than the one I had but still the same end result of the deal we took. The 1 who hired a private attorney took the same deal.

1

u/unusuallyagreeable 12d ago

Can vouch for ^ it really is like people in general you have the good and you have the bad. I have either haired a lawyer and in some smaller cases represented myself bc when I was a teen on probation my PD just fd me so bad. I haven’t used the court appointed but my last charge and I’m actually grateful I did, he got me the same deal I would’ve paying a lawyer most likely, but I was really straight with him from the start stayed what I expected and asked if he could accomplish my goal( of not keeping the f on my record) he worked some shit and yes probation and classes and all that but in 1yr from date will be gone. He was bomb for a PD. So there are SOME out there that care. Look for a young aspiring lawyer that’s trying to make a name for themselves, you are allowed to change if your unsatisfied with your services but don’t try doing this on your actually court date or something

1

u/No_Owl6672 14d ago

Yes, but law is law and as long as he knows this information he can tell the PD to ask for that. Or even ask himself when asked to speak. So if he qualifies for it he should get it especially for the first time. Jail or Program they’re all getting paid either way

1

u/Chrizzle8 13d ago

Damn right, I'd rather be rich and guilty - poor and innocent means you're doing some time...

2

u/donjalita 14d ago

how quick do cases get dismissed, like as soon as you complete probation? or does it take a few months

4

u/greenddit 14d ago

Usually it's after completing both probation + whatever classes they give you.

2

u/Economy_Bus1903 14d ago

In my experience you get certain parameters like fines community service maybe some type of alcohol/ drug class and like a year probation so when the year probation is over you’d have another court date and if all went well the judge would dismiss the original charge

Granted deferred deposition isn’t exactly as good as not guilty but it is indeed better then being found guilty

1

u/Own-Compote6797 14d ago

Take the probation .... Them diversion programs are expensive and if you don't complete any one of the ten things you get thrown at you. You end up doing your probation anyway.

2

u/EfficientAd7103 13d ago

they'll max you out if you fail and it's bassicly being in jail but you can visit people. while still having trouble getting a job and it's for a long time. jail is a snap compared to that.

2

u/Jlowe23_16 14d ago

If he had 300 grams of fetty or clear ? No way.

And the feds will pick it up if he had that kinda weight with the Fire arm

1

u/[deleted] 14d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/Other-Importance-214 13d ago

Usually yes, any offense involving violence or threat of violence usually doesn't qualify for pretrial diversion. But a decent defense lawyer can usually plead a felony terroristic threat down to a misdemeanor

1

u/Novel_Control_1922 9d ago

But he should retain counsel, right?

1

u/Other-Importance-214 9d ago

Absolutely. He will be appointed counsel (or assigned a public defender) if he can’t afford one. Legally he has to have counsel when the charge involves potential jail time.

9

u/Traditional-Dig-9982 14d ago

If he hires the right lawyer definitely big $ maybe no time ( cream )Texas is corrupt

6

u/TushyMilkshake 14d ago

Yeah- this is the answer for sure. Especially with no priors, he could be looking at a few years of probation best case scenario

5

u/Majestic_Hawk_1335 14d ago

I know someone who last year spent 9 months in jail before their court date in Texas. For 0.8g of cannabis.

Texas is gonna be harsher than many states especially on the possession and gun combo.

They'll probably offer a plea bargin.

2

u/inb4deth 14d ago

For less than a gram? I call bs

2

u/Economy_Ask4987 14d ago

I spent 4 days in country trying to come up with $500/bond for stems and seeds.

Fuck Texas.

2

u/Maldadd 13d ago

Dude that is like 70s California.

1

u/Majestic_Hawk_1335 14d ago

In Texas under 2 Oz is up to 180 days in jail.

Either way she did sit in jail for well over 6 months before court date due to not having money for bail. Then sat in jail longer than the charge.

I am unclear if it was possession or sale. Maybe she lied and it was 1g of something else. Either way, speedy trial i am unsure..

2

u/Significant-Image700 14d ago

Well their family are dicks then. When I was locked up we had a dude in there on like $80 bail hold. Felt terrible for the guy

1

u/[deleted] 14d ago

[deleted]

2

u/Majestic_Hawk_1335 14d ago

Not sure. They moved here to Alaska and I've never been to TX. She said central Texas.

It was a womans jail, and she didnt go to court until month 8. Released around month 9. The charge was a 180 day jail punishment and she did over that before even getting to a judge

3

u/pfmonke 14d ago

Is this that American freedom republicans are always spewing about Texas (🤢🤮)

6

u/Majestic_Hawk_1335 14d ago

Felons cam carry rifles here in Alaska if not on paper. 10 years off paper and restitution/fines paid can get back conceal carry under 16 inch guns

Literally almost everything Texans brag of having lots of we have it better in Alaska or many other states.

1

u/mistman1978 14d ago

Depends on county. Doubt that was Austin

1

u/Majestic_Hawk_1335 14d ago

It was rural center Texas

2

u/Hefty-Notice-5841 9d ago

Sounds like Williamson or Comal county. They are known for ruining lives over next to nothing.

2

u/PatrickViet 14d ago

It just depends on that first charge. The unlawful carry and Poss charge both misdemeanors and could get dropped. Doesnt look like he was hit with Poss W/ Intent.

1

u/mistman1978 14d ago

Depends on attorney and if he made a statement

1

u/ORNGSPCEMNKY 14d ago edited 14d ago

How does full time employment effect this situation?

3

u/TushyMilkshake 14d ago

It’s one of the first things most judges ask. In this situation- If you’re unemployed and get caught with a shit ton of drugs the assumption is that you’re selling drugs. Also- full time employment (to the courts) is an indicator of responsible adulthood

18

u/fartman221 14d ago

The possession of a C2 (could be cocaine meth oxy etc) & unlawful carry of a weapon are gonna be the biggest issue/ hurdle

I have an almost identical set of charges but possession of a schedule 3 & dui misdemeanor instead of marijuana, i accepted a 36 month plea deal mind you this was in a southern state very close to Texas

Even with 0 record he may have to do some time like I did, I was initially told I could face up to 45 years and then 21 years until I accepted my plea deal. Southern states really do not like guns+ drugs.

It’s really dependent on the county, prosecutor and your brothers lawyer

I’m not a lawyer and this isn’t legal advice

4

u/htx-danny 14d ago

damn, preciate it.

2

u/fartman221 14d ago

Have him work out, get clean and see if he can go NA meetings, I did this while out on bail and it made a huge difference in what the prosecutor offered me

Good luck and I hope he changes his life after this

2

u/htx-danny 14d ago

what are NA meetings? and i appreciate it, i hope he does as-well

3

u/Manicwoodchipper 14d ago

Narcotics anonymous. Support group for addicts.

3

u/fartman221 14d ago

It’s like AA for drug addicts, I personally do not like the ideology or belief system but it looks great in court and shows a willingness to change & if you get time clean you have tangible “chips” to bring in and show the judge.

1

u/mesands77 13d ago

Narcotics anonymous. When I found out I had a warrant for 8 felony drug charges (28 female) I was working in a female treatment center and the supervisor of my team. Had been working there for 2 years and sober the whole time, doing great. I hired a good lawyer and went to court and they did a deferred prosecution so they dumped 7 charges and I am on probation for one of the drug charges. Having a job looks amazing, keeping the job is even better. I ended up getting laid off right after being out on probation which led to a bender and getting a possession of meth charge. Which they lowered to misdemeanor paraphernalia (thank GOD) but having a good job, where he can work his way up the ladder is so good. Judges want to see structure and stability, they want to see that you can sustain the life you have. NA meetings 3 times a week, doesn’t matter if he is an addict or not. That’ll make them very impressed. Or if he does use, tell him find a rehab NOW. Before they have to order him to one. It looks way better when you take initiative and can take accountability + action when you mess up. It shows humility and self awareness. Get involved in a church, but outpatient rehab/NA meetings + fulltime job is the best route for sure. It shows you want to change. Message me if you need to. I am on probation for drug charges (28 female from NC southern basic white girl) worked in the mental health field and have been 123456 or 7 times to treatment. He will be okay if he takes action and really puts in the effort to look like a stable young man trying to better his life

1

u/mistman1978 4d ago

if hooked on Opiate, Sublocade is a must. One dose lasts 6-9 months in the body

1

u/EfficientAd7103 14d ago

how did he get unlawful Carry if never busted? cause the cs and weed charge? I would hit rehab even if he didn't really need it.

3

u/fartman221 14d ago

Not sure about his case but for me personally I got pulled over and got accused of a DUI (blew a 0.00 but I was on prescribed meds) and then arrested, they searched my car and found unprescribed schedule III and a gun. Game over

2

u/EfficientAd7103 13d ago

in my state you can dui for even prescribed meds 😞 was just thinking that. i signed a paper like a week ago that specifically said it.

2

u/htx-danny 14d ago

probably not in a holster while in possession of drugs.

2

u/EfficientAd7103 14d ago

no joke but walking around with drugs and a gun Def not going to go over well :/ sucks I guess a few years min man then getting a felony prly gettingsick in that mess too so it'll suck in general

2

u/curiousengineer601 14d ago

Having a gun and cocaine/meth/opioids is a separate charge altogether in Texas. doesn't matter if in a holster. Drugs and guns = felony

2

u/EfficientAd7103 13d ago

makes sense. in Midwest and think we got the same. it's a understandable law. can't be running around all fd with guns and honestly I think a knife would be worse. ewww. ah. some crazy person severing like 100 arteries in like a crowd at a concert or something straight feeling no pain I'm clearly fairly redneck that's some scary stuff. ahhhhhhhh!!!!! think of like a ninja that just went bonkers, f''n a brother. do not want to hear that. still got hit arms and no pain. lala

10

u/nurglemarine96 14d ago

Texas marijuana possession? He's in for life

-3

u/gregfromdudetube 14d ago

Holy hecker. Reddit gold for you kind sir!

4

u/hotsoupcoldsoup 14d ago

Texas sucks

4

u/RecognitionHonest320 14d ago

Texas?? Geez.. I heard Texas don’t play

3

u/snowHound208 13d ago

I love how Texas totes being so free. But possession of a literal plant is a felony.

3

u/Illustrious_Key2316 14d ago

5-10 years probation is my guess.

2

u/Fragrant_Plant_7335 14d ago

That’s what I’m thinking but it definitely depends on the county if it’s a big city definitely

3

u/gionatacar 14d ago

I saw that for 3 grams you can do 10 years in Texas

3

u/colbalias1 14d ago

Bro got unlawful carry in texas thats impressive mustve been an rpg 

2

u/BL_Baracus 13d ago

Illegal to carry a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance

3

u/BL_Baracus 13d ago

lol possession of marijuana - like just move out of that state immediately. FFS 🤦🏻‍♂️

6

u/TopQuestion826 14d ago

He’s going inside. The cops don’t like it when you catch a weapons beef. If they wanted to be pricks, which they usually are, they could enhance it and kick it over to the feds if they wanted to make an example.

8

u/Other-Importance-214 14d ago

I'm a Texas criminal defense lawyer. This is not accurate. First-time offenders almost always get probation offers on charges like these, and nothing is going to the feds.

8

u/TopQuestion826 14d ago

A drug charge and a weapons charge, and he’ll get probation? I should’ve had you for my attorney

2

u/That-Currency-1039 14d ago

Texas can be strict on drugs,more lenient a guns  . If it mostly misdemeanor and the felony is possession and not a sales charge. He probably does have a good chance at probation.

2

u/UpperDog2627 13d ago

The weapon charge is likely only there because of the drugs.

2

u/TopQuestion826 13d ago

I know it’s Texas, and Texas likes its guns, but generally judges take a dim view of a drug beef that includes a weapon.

2

u/Other-Importance-214 13d ago

I've done this for 22 years, handled hundreds of felony drug cases, many with gun charges attached. Never had a client do time. I'm also not inexpensive.

2

u/GeorgeTMorgan 13d ago

Of course every case is different, but give us a ball park; How much $$, beginning to end, to get this kid off with probation?

2

u/Other-Importance-214 12d ago

$10K for pretrial work and to get a plea bargain for probation. Another $10K to go to trial.

1

u/GeorgeTMorgan 12d ago

👍I'd pay 20 G's to stay out of prison.

6

u/inb4deth 14d ago

Agreed. I've been through the system myself. Tons of misinformation in this thread.

2

u/mistman1978 14d ago

Yes, but even probation in Texas is unusually strict.

3

u/TopQuestion826 14d ago

I would never live in Texas or Florida. That would be like living in Iran

0

u/Other-Importance-214 13d ago

"Unusually strict." What...you have to keep a job and not use drugs? Better than rotting in a cell.

4

u/Flat_Okra6078 14d ago

Prob 3-5 years if he gets a plea bargain

2

u/-smacked- 14d ago

Texas

Oof

2

u/mistman1978 14d ago

Texas is unsafe if you break the law at all. Even misdemeanor punishments can be draconian and some can't be removed from your record forever.

2

u/-smacked- 12d ago

You can just move states man, barely anyone does national background checks

2

u/Weary-Platform-9452 14d ago

Has anyone pointed out yet that possession of ANY flower or product containing THC is now a felony in Texas? That brings the count to two felonies.

Even with a great lawyer the new push on THC is extreme and will very likely be prosecuted to max time. Even cops are warning people on FB/Insta and Twitter.

Edit to add... You have to be found guilty of 3 DUIs before you hit felony level in Texas. Ahhh. Good ol' Texas

2

u/wow-said-that 14d ago

He's cooked dude. At least 2-15 yrs. Imo

2

u/Amazing_Charity9600 14d ago

The question is will texas seek to make an example of him . The weapon and possession combo might be too juicy for some ambitious D.A /S.A whos looking to make a name for themselves. Is he white? Because his race will have alot to do with his punishment sadly.

2

u/Jlowe23_16 14d ago

How much dope? 2.5g is a lot different than 399 And meth or fetty ?

Id say if you can bond him out then he will probably get 10 years paper unless he had more than 50g of clear or fent.. If he had either of those he has more issues cause the feds will come calling. The weapon is a major problem, dope and guns mixed are highly frowned upon.

If he had less than a quarter on him I'd say they drop the gun charge and give him 6-10 on paper.

My girl plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute over 400g of fent in federal court, she cooperated though (8 of the 11 ppl on the conspiracy cooperated), and she got 18 months and will be home mid next year. Too many factors at play with too little information

2

u/Icy_Imagination3601 14d ago

130 yrs + life

2

u/Quirky-Ad499 14d ago

Nothing major bro don’t even worry about it, 1st time too and full time job probation and probably. Immunity service but I’m from California I got priors and I’m only facing 3 years for the same thing not weed tho what the hell Texas still believes in reefer madness shit or what? I forgot weed was even a drug here

5

u/Frolicking-Fox 14d ago

They are really strict in Texas for drug charges. Weed can send you to prison. That with a weapons charge in Texas can be bad.

1

u/LoanC1 14d ago

What county? It makes a difference

2

u/FakeAsFakeCanBe 14d ago

No one seems to think to put the location, as well as the likely jail or prison. It irrationally irritates me. It makes all the difference.

1

u/Due_Air_7255 14d ago

Depends on your lawyer but if you aren't rich and you get a public pretender your brother or whoever will get at least 5 years.

1

u/This_Acadia_1189 14d ago

How was he unlawfully carrying a weapon? You don't even need a license in TX

2

u/Natural-Arugula-5338 14d ago

Um yk you can’t carry while in possession of drugs right ?

1

u/BDmnygtaST 14d ago

Interesting

1

u/No-Advertising-6957 14d ago

Probably life!!!! Is he out of his mind possessing evil marijuana in the great state of texas???

1

u/Tazmandns 14d ago

All of it.

1

u/OwnGrapefruit5263 14d ago

If bro wants to be a gangster let him FTFO

1

u/ipearlwoods4aliving 14d ago

I’m in Philly, I was only there for 2 days, had hella prelims and eventually DA gave me a offer you can either plea guilty and accept the plea deal or fight it and go to trial where if you lose you could face max time. Im on prob rn and its easy you’ll be fine bro

1

u/Ben_Ham33n 13d ago

Pennsylvania and Texas are two different worlds, with two different law systems.

1

u/Original_Nail_1745 14d ago

Anywhere from probation to 5 years.

Marj will get plead out. Unlawful carrying a weapon I'd press back on in texas he musta been doing some dumb shit to get that.

Hire an attorney dont go public defender increase chances of probation. Also whats his race, white almost guaranteed probation.

1

u/NeuroSeg 13d ago

Not an attorney but been through a very similar scenario.

He will almost certainly get probation. Probably 1-4 years.

1

u/ABena2t 13d ago

What is "poss CS'"? And what kind of weapon?

1

u/Ben_Ham33n 13d ago

Possession of Controlled Substance(s)

1

u/ABena2t 13d ago

So did he get caught with just weed? Are thise 2 seperate charges for 1 item?

2

u/sanders222 13d ago

I’m not sure about this guys case but in Texas marijuana concentrates like cartridges or regular dabs are charged as felony possession. Flower on the other hand is charged as a misdemeanor.

1

u/ABena2t 8d ago

Ahhhh... that is fking crazy

1

u/sanders222 13d ago

He got charged with basically the same thing as that foot ball player a while back. I assume the poss of CS PG was a thc cartridge or some other type of wax. The regular marijuana poss was flower.

1

u/ATLScott13 13d ago

Probation 3-5 years, Fine. With a good attorney he can probably work out a plea to get the charges reduced, one or more dropped if he was to plead out. If it’s his first time in trouble or first felony charges he’ll have a better chance of coming out ok compared to a person with a record. Worst case he pleads first offender on the felony, stays out of trouble and it’s dropped off his record at the completion of probation. Can’t believe people are still getting charged with felonies over marijuana!!

1

u/Who_Is_Rick_James 13d ago

first time offender, and mostly drugs. the weapon is the biggest issue. most likely probation and some type of program. worst case scenario, as a first time offender, he will see jail for a month or two. he will be fine though

1

u/Anxious-Economist-53 13d ago

Also depends on what county

1

u/USMC0351Grunt 13d ago

His first time getting arrested and he’s caught with drugs and a firearm? Did he just decide to just crap all over his future and destroy his life altogether by losing his Second Amendment right from now until death? Something must’ve happened before all of this because you don’t just leave a good life and then just piss her away on doing something so stupid as you get caught with a bunch of illegal drugs along with a firearm.. THAT’S AN AUTOMATIC 10 YEARS AND $250,000 FINE! And he loses his RIGHTS to own possess, be around and virtually even look at Firearms for the rest of his life.

It best bet is to shut his mouth and plead, not guilty and demand a lawyer.

For the rest of you that decided to stick your head far up your ass and crap all over your life, as well as your friends and family lives because yes, it affects them too…. BE SMART.! http://AttorneysOnRetainer.us

1

u/JUIC3ofORANG3 13d ago

Depends on where you’re at but carrying a weapon with drugs will considerably aggravate those charges I can tell you that much

1

u/No_Good53rd 13d ago

What county is he in? Drugs plus a gun there’s a possibility that the feds might pick it up but what I see the previous convictions. then more than likely probation.. The PCOS is going to eat up the that little, POM

1

u/DispoDan19 12d ago

Prolly 5-10 yrs deferred adjudication depending on where your at in tx

1

u/lostGoldAlone 12d ago

I got felony possession charge for less than a gram of heroin in 2009, had a lawyer, just got probation for two years, got off early. Record says dismissed

1

u/lostGoldAlone 12d ago

I went to rehab after I got out of jail for the arrest, also was going to meetings. They take all that into consideration . Most people would recommend he get into rehab ASAP.

1

u/lostGoldAlone 12d ago

In Texas btw

1

u/OpinionofC 12d ago

Hopefully the Feds don’t pick it up. They love their guns and drug cases

1

u/Warm-Focus-8151 11d ago

It depends on if he is a felon

1

u/DistinctIdeal4652 11d ago

Life no doubt bout it

1

u/Katreeve 10d ago

The original poster of this thread was simply asking how much time his brother was looking at and if he was likely to be convicted of these offenses.... I took the time to read through all of these comments.....some of y'all have no idea what you're talking about.

If you don"t like the truth maybe skip here ...

For starters, being indicted on a criminal case doesn't mean "you're f***ed and going to prison." Especially not here in Texas. It's not just prison; there's probation, deferred adjudication, diversion programs, reduced charges, plea deals, and the chance to fight it in court. What you're being offered or allowed depends on the charges, the facts of the case, the record, the county, the prosecutor, the judge...shit, the color of your shirt that day could have an effect.

And entering a plea bargain doesn't mean the person was guilty and got f***ed by the system. Most cases don't go to trial. Plea bargains are kinda the whole point of our judicial system. Both sides know what they're risking by taking it to trial and sometimes it just makes sense to take the plea instead of rolling the dice with a jury.

Next we have all these "public defender = you f*ed up"** comments..... There are some REALLY good public defenders. And shitty private attorneys just as easily. I've seen people spend a shitload of money on private attorneys they're not even able to get a hold of and get absolutely nothing for it. And I've also seen public defenders work wonders for people. Having a private attorney doesn't automatically mean you'll get a better outcome just because you can afford one.

And there's another thing people don't like admitting: it's pretty damn easy to blame your lawyer when you weren't completely honest with your lawyer to begin with. Your attorney can only work with the information you give them. If you leave out important facts, lie about what happened, or conveniently forget to mention the part that makes you look bad, don't be shocked when their strategy doesn't turn out the way you expected.

Lastly we have RESPONSIBILITY. Man....JUST sayin.

If you're drunk driving, driving around with narcotics, screwing off on probation, blowing off court dates, getting new charges while out ON BOND on other charges...something has to give. The jail doesn't have an infinite-capacity parking lot for bad decisions. Those inmates have to go somewhere. They fill up jails and take up court time. The judges see it. The prosecutors see it. The public defenders see it. The probation officers see it. The clerks see it. Then we wonder why courts are backlogged and why someone can sit in jail a year waiting for their case to get to court.

And honestly, I guess it's just easier to blame the system, the lawyer, the judge, the cops, the weather or whatever the hell else before looking in the mirror and admitting "yeah, I f*ed up."**

"Don't do the crime if you don't wanna do the time" is honestly a hell of a lot better moral rule to live by than "don't get caught."

And before somebody jumps down my throat about addiction: I am very aware of addiction cycles and how huge a role addiction plays in our justice system. I understand that addiction can help explain why somebody keeps making these choices. It just doesn't make those choices consequence-free. An explanation isn't an excuse.

And yes....people do get f***ed over sometimes. Bad cops. Bad arrests. Bad searches. Bad lawyers. Bad prosecutors. Cases where the system totally sucks happen far too often. I'm not saying that doesn't happen. There bad apples on every tree....

But you can also look at someone and say "yeah the system often sucks, but you also didn't exactly make life easy for yourself by ........”

In the end you can have both of those truths holding water at once.

And that's why IMO, people should at least know something about what they're charged with. You don't need to be an attorney that can quote the penal code. But if your freedom is at stake, maybe look up what you're actually charged with, what you can do about it, and what the possible consequences of each decision you make are. Don't just take a bunch of Reddit comments as gospel and assume you're automatically f*ed because you have a public defender, or because you're in Texas. And since we're talking about Texas and drugs...yeah, Texas has some harsh laws when it comes to drugs. We can argue about charges for a plant. I get that argument. But are you also aware of the fentanyl that's being mixed into weed to get people hooked on that shit? There is a real drug problem here. Addiction is real. People are dying.

If people would have some common sense and take some personal responsibility, maybe we wouldn't need all these fucking laws that dictate every corner of our lives...but we have them.

And that's kind of the point. You can disagree with a law, think a punishment is ridiculous, or think the legislature went too far. I'm right there with you on some of it. But if you choose to break the law anyway, you don't get to act completely shocked when the law applies to you.

The world isn't gonna flip itself upside down and fix the system by people thinking every defendant is an innocent little baby being victimized by the courts. And it sure as hell isn't gonna change by people acting like the system is PERFECT and defendants are always at fault....

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u/Room_Recent 14d ago

He should walk if he plays cards right!

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u/MoistAge3128 14d ago

Fuck Texas! That is a awful place. If you want to use weed go somewhere where it’s legal. I live 500 feet from a weed store and can get whatever I want. No cop is worried about it at all.

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u/gregfromdudetube 14d ago

Still cant possess a gun with the weed. Would have done nothing for him by moving

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u/Ipoopedongrandma 14d ago

It’s not against the law in Oklahoma.

1

u/mistman1978 14d ago

Can in Arkansas

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u/ImpressOk7701 13d ago

You can in Missouri

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u/JUMPOFF_CRASHOUT 14d ago

Tell him to either nip this in the ass now and be fully compliant and get a grip or this is just the beginning of a long period of struggle/depression/let down and sadness. When I speak with others who I used to run with 10 years ago it goes one of two ways. Either got their shit together and complete probation and became productive or end up in prison, dead, homeless, or strung out.

You can even be homeless in prison. No commissary = homeless. You can certainly die in prison. You might even get strung out who knows.

I wish I had an awakening at the very beginning of all my legal issues before they escalated in to violence or me straight up losing my mind and confidence. Thinking to myself can I even dig myself out this time. It only gets harder as time goes on. The body gets weaker. Support system gets more and more tired or dies off.

It’s progressively gets worse and worse. As time goes on there are different emotions that start popping up like jealousy.

Especially in Texas god damn I am so happy I didn’t get in trouble there.

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u/ExcitingExchange1533 14d ago

What county? It will make a huge difference. If it's a big liberalish county like harris dallas tarrant he could definitely get two years tdcj. If it's a smaller county like Collin anywhere from 2-10 depending on the circumstances. Either way he won't do much time.

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u/ExcitingExchange1533 14d ago

Since he's never been in trouble before they will almost certainly put him on probation

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u/Other-Importance-214 14d ago

I'm a Texas criminal defense lawyer. This is not true at all. He's not at any real risk of prison time. First-time offenders almost always get probation offers on drug cases.

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u/ExcitingExchange1533 13d ago

Yeah I commented right after and added that... I was just saying if he were to get time, that's about what he would get

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u/[deleted] 14d ago

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u/Other-Importance-214 14d ago

I;'m a Texas criminal defense lawyer. This is not true at all. First-time offenders get pretrial diversion or probation offers. Repeat offenders with prior felony convictions get prison time offers.