Skip to Content Top
Possession of Marijuana

Austin Marijuana Possession Defense Attorney

Get Experienced & Personalized Legal Services

A conviction for marijuana possession in Texas can result in a jail or prison sentence, a fine, and a criminal record that can make getting a job, find a place to live, or living a normal life difficult. Therefore, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is the best way to help you avoid serious criminal penalties.

If you or a loved one are facing marijuana possession charges in Travis County or Central Texas, The Law Office of Will Mitchell has more than 18 years of experience handling a variety of drug possession charges. Our Austin marijuana possession defense lawyer can thoroughly review your case, figure out all your legal options, and provide an effective and personalized defense strategy to help you avoid conviction or serving time behind bars.

To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at (512) 858-8611

Marijuana Possession Laws in Texas

Possession of Marijuana (POM) charges in Austin, and all over Texas, are one of the most common cases (behind only Driving While License Invalid) that Attorney Will Mitchell sees as a criminal defense lawyer. Like controlled substances, POM penalties range according to the weight found. Felony possession occurs at a weight greater than 4 ounces. Anything under that, the POM is a misdemeanor.

In Austin, it is common for the police to issue “cite and release” notices for misdemeanor level POMs. A “cite and release” notice allows the person to avoid arrest and report to a Judge at a scheduled date and time to go through booking process, bond out, and receive an actual court date all within a few hours, rather than spend a night in jail.

This is a discretionary policy and is not required. Many people receive these “cite and release” and ignore the court date information or simply don’t follow the instructions. It is not a ticket you can just call and pay if you don’t make it to the court date. You must report in person on or before the date on the notice.

What makes this confusing is the notice itself looks exactly like a speeding ticket or any other citation you receive. It is carbon copied, thin paper, and displays all the pertinent information in the same form and fashion.

If a person does not follow the instructions on the notice, an arrest warrant is immediately issued, and he or she will be arrested and go through the entire bond process as if they had been arrested on the spot at time the notice issued. Once you have completed the cite and release portion, you receive a court date in county court.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

As with any criminal charge, you should hire a knowledgeable criminal lawyer to represent you if you receive a “cite and release” or are arrested for POM. Simply because you were not arrested at the scene, it does not mean it is not serious with no collateral consequences. POM convictions carry driver’s license suspensions, and student loan issues.

You should never consent to the search of your home, person, or vehicle. If an officer has probable cause to search you or your home, then they can get a warrant. If police want to search your vehicle, they must have probable cause, and APD has a policy requiring their officer to receive written consent if no probable cause to search.

Don’t sign anything unless it’s a notice to appear. Please fill out the contact form if you or someone you know is in one of these situations and needs to speak with a lawyer.

Call us today at (512) 858-8611 to learn how we can fight for you. 

Free Initial Consultation

Fill Out this Form to Schedule Today Or Give Us a Call at (512) 858-8611

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Law Office of Will Mitchell at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy
  • "Best law firm hands down."
    Best law firm hands down. Super patient. Super professional. I live in Dallas, TX and Mr. Will Mitchell took care of everything for me without having to travel! Highly recommend his services!
    Catie
  • "He helped me take care of my case and I could not be happier."
    I had charges filed on me and had no idea what I was going to do. I contacted Will Mitchell’s law office and immediately felt better. Will talked to me on the phone and told me what to expect for the next 4 months. Everything he said was on point. He helped me take care of my case and I could not be happier. I highly recommend Will and his team.
    T.H. on Google
  • "Mitchell knows the system and how to guide you through it all."
    Well what can I say that everyone else hasn’t said?! Very glad to have found Will Mitchell. Will and his staff are highly professional and will handle your case promptly and efficiently. Mitchell knows the system and how to guide you through it all. While I intend on avoiding anymore run-ins with the law in the future, I definitely would recommend his services to anyone else who might need help.
    Maria
  • "When Will says he can handle a case, he means it."

    Mr. Mitchell is an intelligent, qualified, and effective person to have represent you. When Will says he can handle a case, he means it. Always a straight shooter, I felt I was in good hands and would recommend his law office to anyone in need.

    Jon N.
  • "Knowledgeable and professional."

    Will was knowledgeable and professional.

    Charles K.
  • "Highly knowledgeable with the utmost professionalism."
    Greatest Criminal Defense Attorney! Highly knowledgeable with the utmost professionalism. I was charged with a DWI 2. Attorney Will worked very hard for me and got it reduced to a DWI one, no probation, no fines, just court costs. I couldn’t ask for a better attorney!
    K.L.
  • "I would hire him immediately. Great lawyer, five stars."
    Will Mitchell was friendly, courteous, respectful, and while I always felt welcome to ask questions about my case or even chat about the weather, he never wasted either of our time. He clearly explained the convoluted issues I was facing and how we were going to resolve them, and gave me all the information I needed about the process before I hired him so I could make an informed decision about how I was spending my money. He kept my priorities in mind and worked with me on my financial constraints while being clear on what my money would buy me. But best of all I always got friendly updates on what was happening so I was up to date on my legal status. I hope to never need him again but if I ever find myself in a clusterfuck of unpaid tickets I would hire him immediately. Great lawyer, five stars.
    Damianne
  • "I could not be happier."
    Thank you Will!!! I had charges filed on me and didn’t know were to turn. I contacted Will and he immediately set me mind at ease. He took a lot of time explaining each and every step that he would take to help me. Everything he told me from our first phone call was spot on. I would have paid more than his quote had I known he and his office staff were going to be this great. I highly recommend Will and have done so to my friends and family. I could not be happier.
    T.T. on Yelp