Drug Possession Attorney In El Paso

Protecting Your Record, Your Freedom, & Your Future

A drug possession charge can turn your life upside down in a single day. You may be worried about jail, your job, your family, and what this will mean for your record. You do not have to figure that out on your own. At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we help people facing possession charges protect what matters most.

Attorney Ruben Ortiz has been practicing law since 1998, and our team uses that experience to guide clients through criminal cases in El Paso and nearby communities. We take the time to understand your situation, then work to build a defense around your needs and goals. Your first step can be a free consultation, so you can ask questions and get clear information before making decisions.

If you are looking for a drug possession attorney in El Paso who will treat you with respect and explain your options in plain language, we are ready to talk. Contact us online or call (915) 308-8850 today.

Why Your Drug Possession Case Matters

Many people hope a possession charge will simply “work itself out.” In Texas, that is rarely the case. Even a misdemeanor drug conviction can lead to fines, probation, and a record that may follow you for years. Felony charges can bring the possibility of prison time and much harsher long-term consequences.

A conviction can also affect your life in ways that do not appear on a sentencing order. Employers, landlords, schools, and licensing boards often run background checks. A drug case on your record can influence hiring decisions, housing applications, and college or financial aid opportunities. For non-citizens, drug offenses may also create serious immigration concerns. We understand that you may feel embarrassed, angry, or overwhelmed. Those reactions are common. Our job is not to judge how you ended up here. Our job is to help you understand the risks, protect your rights, and work to put you in the best position possible moving forward.

How We Defend Drug Possession Charges

Every drug possession case starts with an arrest and a piece of evidence, usually something officers say they found on you, in a vehicle, or in a home. What happens next depends on the facts, the law, and how that evidence was obtained. Our role as your drug possession attorney is to look closely at each part of that situation.

We start by reviewing reports from agencies such as the El Paso Police Department, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, or Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, along with any available video and witness statements. We look at why you were stopped, how the search was conducted, and whether officers followed the rules on searches and seizures. If your rights were violated, that can affect what evidence the prosecutor is allowed to use.

We also examine what you are actually accused of possessing and in what amount. Texas treats different substances and quantities very differently. Allegations involving a small amount of marijuana are not handled the same way as cases involving larger amounts of drugs in higher penalty groups. Your history, if any, also matters. All of these details influence the options that may be available.

Our goal is to translate those details into a clear strategy. That may mean raising issues about how the stop or search occurred, questioning how testing was done, addressing who really had control of the substance, or negotiating for outcomes that reduce the long term impact on your record when the law allows. We discuss these paths with you, explain the potential risks and benefits, and work together on the best way forward.

Drug Possession Laws & Penalties

Texas drug laws come from the Texas Health and Safety Code. Penalties for possession typically depend on the type of drug, the amount involved, and any prior criminal history. Charges can range from Class B misdemeanors up to serious felonies that carry years in prison.

In El Paso, many possession cases are filed in El Paso County courts, including County Courts at Law for some misdemeanors and district courts for many felonies. Judges must follow Texas law, and they also look at the facts of each case and the person standing in front of them.

Several key factors usually affect potential punishment in a possession case:

• Type of substance that officers say they found
• Quantity that prosecutors claim was possessed
• Location of the arrest, such as near a school or other protected area
• Whether the State alleges simple possession or intent to deliver
• Any prior criminal history or pending cases

No website can tell you exactly what will happen in your case. The same charge can lead to different outcomes depending on the details. What you can do is sit down with a drug possession lawyer to review your specific situation and talk about realistic options under Texas law.

Why Choose Our Law Office

When you are deciding who will stand beside you in court, experience and attention to detail matter. Ruben Ortiz has been practicing law since 1998, and our firm has spent many years working in courts in and around El Paso. That history helps us understand how local judges and prosecutors typically handle different kinds of drug charges.

Our practice is built around personalized legal solutions. We do not treat drug possession cases as routine files. We meet with you, learn what led to the arrest, and listen to your concerns about work, school, family, or immigration status. Then we work to craft a plan that reflects both the legal issues and your personal priorities.

Because El Paso sits on the border with New Mexico, some cases involve conduct or investigations that cross state lines. Since our office is licensed in both Texas and New Mexico, we are able to navigate situations where those two systems intersect. That can be especially important in this region.

We also know that contacting a lawyer can feel intimidating, especially if this is your first criminal charge. That is why we offer free consultations for criminal defense matters. During that meeting, we discuss what you are facing and explain how fees work, so there are no surprises about costs. Our goal is to give you enough information to make an informed decision about how to move forward.

What To Do After A Drug Arrest

The hours and days after a drug arrest can feel chaotic. Taking a few careful steps can help protect your rights and improve your options later. You do not have to navigate those choices alone. Our team can guide you through what to expect in El Paso County courts.

After an arrest, you may appear first at the El Paso County Jail or at the El Paso County Courthouse for bond and initial settings. Courts generally move quickly at this stage, and decisions made early can affect your case for months or years. Reaching out to a drug possession lawyer in El Paso as soon as possible can give you more time to prepare.

Some practical steps you can take right now include:

• Avoid discussing the facts of your case with law enforcement or others without legal advice
• Write down what you remember about the stop, search, and arrest while the details are still fresh
• Gather the paperwork you received at the jail or courthouse, including any hearing dates
• Save the contact information of any witnesses who were present when you were stopped
• Contact Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz to schedule a free consultation about your charges

When you contact our office, we talk with you about your charges, upcoming court dates, and concerns. We explain the process in simple terms and outline how we would approach your defense. Our goal is to replace confusion with a clear plan and a team you can rely on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for drug possession?

Jail is a possibility in many drug cases, but it is not automatic. The outcome depends on the charge level, your history, and the facts of the case. We review those details with you and discuss options that may help reduce or avoid jail time when the law allows.

Do I need a lawyer for a first drug offense?

Even a first offense can leave you with a permanent record and other serious consequences. Having a lawyer means you have someone to explain the process, protect your rights, and work to limit long-term damage. We can review whether alternatives or reductions might be possible.

How much does it cost to hire your team?

Costs depend on the complexity of the case and the amount of work required. We start with a free consultation, then explain our fee structure before you decide how to proceed. Our goal is to be transparent about costs so you understand your options from the beginning.

How will you handle my drug possession case?

We typically begin by reviewing the stop, search, and evidence, then learning about your background and goals. From there, we develop a strategy tailored to your situation. That can include challenging evidence, raising legal issues, or negotiating with prosecutors, depending on what the facts support.

What should I bring to my first consultation?

It helps to bring any papers from the jail or court, including your charging documents and future court dates. If you have them, bring notes about what happened and contact information for any witnesses. If you are not sure what to bring, we can walk you through it when you call.

If you are facing a possession charge in El Paso, you do not have to face it alone. At Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we work to defend your rights, protect your future, and guide you through every step of the process.

Call (915) 308-8850 to schedule your free consultation today.