James Alston is able to use his unique experiences & knowledge to help get the best results for clients.
Assigned to the trial bureau, child abuse division and major fraud division (1994 - 2002).
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas (2002-2006) - Federal Drug Prosecutor.
Only 1% of licensed attorneys in Texas have qualified for board certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Facing drug crimes is frightening, dangerous, and risky. Mr. Alston takes his duty to defend his clients seriously and he develops a defense strategy to achieve the best result for his clients.
James Alston is one of the most sought-after criminal defense attorneys in town. His experience and understanding that he shares with his clients to help them get an excellent outcome make him someone you should definitely consider for your case!
Being charged with a drug crime in the State of Texas can result in significant jail time if convicted. State laws prohibit the possession and distribution of certain drugs. If you have been charged with a drug offense, you need experience you can trust. In his over 25 years of legal practice, Attorney James Alston has worked as both a State and Federal prosecutor. During his time with the United States Attorney’s Office, he was assigned to the Organized Crime Drug Task Force. His experiences allow him to prepare a strategic defense for his clients. Contact Houston drug crimes lawyer James Alston now to schedule a consultation.
Under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, drugs are classified into Schedules I, II, III, IV, and V. The classification depends on whether the drug has a high potential for abuse, has an accepted medical use or abuse of which is likely to lead to physical or psychological dependence. Penalties for drug possession charges depend on the type of drug and the amount possessed.
The penalties for drug trafficking in the State of Texas can be severe, including up to life in prison for trafficking controlled substances listed under Schedule I or Penalty Group I of the Texas Controlled Substances Act. In addition to a jail sentence, you could face a fine of $10,000 and up to $250,000.
“Pill Mill” is a term investigators use to describe pharmacists, doctors, or other medical professionals who distribute prescription drugs for non-medical purposes. Because of the opioid crisis that has devastated the country, law enforcement agencies and regulators are keeping a closer eye on clinics that fill an unusually high rate of prescription pain pills.
Mr. Alston has extensive experience and training in federal law enforcement investigative techniques including the use of confidential informants, Title III wire intercepts (telephone taps), cell site tracking devices, and surveillance. As an Assistant United States Attorney, Mr. Alston prosecuted numerous federal cases from the initial stages of an investigation through jury trial.
The manufacturing or delivery of controlled substances is unlawful under Section 481.112 – 481.114 of the Texas Controlled Substances Act. Penalties for drug trafficking depend on the type of drug and the amount in possession. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a person could face significant jail or prison time, a fine, or both.
Possession of cocaine or Manufacturing and Delivery of cocaine are severe offenses in the State of Texas and can result in life imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Cocaine is an illegal substance classified into Penalty Group I of the Texas Controlled Substance Act. If you are arrested for cocaine charges in Houston, Texas, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Possession or the cultivation of marijuana is still illegal in the State of Texas. Possession of under two ounces of marijuana can lead to up to six (6) months in jail and a fine of up to $2000 or both. Penalties for the possession or sale of marijuana increase depending on the quantity confiscated by law enforcement.
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With a background in both state and federal court, attorney James Alston is recognized as one of Houston’s elite lawyers. He understands the criminal justice system like no other lawyer here at HPD representation! His years spent observing prosecutors’ techniques have given him exceptional trial skills that help his clients get off with minimal prison time while achieving incredible results when they go on trial for their crimes. Facing charges can be scary–it’s dangerous too!–but Mr. A takes his job seriously because he knows how important it truly is to protect people from harm.
You have a Constitutional right to an attorney. Experience counts, so make sure you hire a knowledgeable and proven attorney to defend your freedom.
Attorney James Alston is a Texas native who was born in Beaumont, Texas. He started his legal career as a prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office where he served for eight years and gained valuable experience.
James Alston moved to the next phase in his illustrious career when he accepted an offer to become a federal prosecutor for the United States Attorney’s Office in Houston, Texas. James Alston was a member of the Organized Crime Drug Task Force where he investigated and prosecuted national and international drug trafficking organizations. James Alston’s vast experience as both a state and federal prosecutor gives him very unique experience and skills as a criminal defense attorney in Houston.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is tasked with enforcing “controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States.” This includes bringing to justice individuals or organizations “involved in the growing, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances.” The DEA primarily enforces the laws and regulations under the Controlled Substances Act.
Under the Controlled Substances Act, drugs are divided into five (5) schedules based on their potential for abuse and dependence or lack of overall safety. Through the Controlled Substances Act and other federal guidelines, a person may be charged with several different drug crimes depending on the circumstances of the case. A Houston Federal Drug Crimes Lawyer such as James Alston will be able to help.
According to 21 U.S.C. § 841(a) it is unlawful for a person to knowingly or intentionally “manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance.” 21 U.S.C § 841(b) makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly or intentionally manufacture a counterfeit substance.
Drug trafficking penalties depend on the type and amount of drug that is possessed. Maximum penalties can range from five (5) years to life in prison and fines in excess of $1,000,000.
21 U.S.C. § 844 makes it “unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally to possess a controlled substance.” Penalties for a 1st offense simple possession charge can include up to one (1) year in state prison and a fine of not less than $1000. A fourth or subsequent simple possession conviction can result in a fine of up to $250,000 and a maximum prison sentence of three (3) years.
In addition to drug trafficking and possession, a federal prosecutor may pursue the following drug-related charges:
Being convicted of a federal drug crime can affect your entire life. Drug charges are a serious offense that can result in life in prison. In order to protect your rights and your freedom, you need an experienced Houston Drug Crimes Lawyer.
The State of Texas takes the possession and manufacturing of drugs very seriously. If you are caught with even a small amount of drugs covered under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, you could face significant jail time. You need a knowledgeable Houston Drug Crimes Lawyer who will fight the charges against you, protecting your rights and your freedom. Attorney James Alston is an experienced Texas Drug Crime Attorney. As a former state and federal prosecutor, Mr. Alston spent years prosecuting drug crimes. Now, he uses that knowledge to help build strategic defenses for his clients. Contact him today.
Being convicted of a federal drug crime can affect your entire life. Drug charges are a serious offense that can result in life in prison. In order to protect your rights and your freedom, you need an experienced Houston Drug Crimes Lawyer.
The State of Texas takes the possession and manufacturing of drugs very seriously. If you are caught with even a small amount of drugs covered under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, you could face significant jail time. You need a knowledgeable Houston Drug Crimes Lawyer who will fight the charges against you, protecting your rights and your freedom. Attorney James Alston is an experienced Texas Drug Crime Attorney. As a former state and federal prosecutor, Mr. Alston spent years prosecuting drug crimes. Now, he uses that knowledge to help build strategic defenses for his clients. Contact him today.