Alcohol and Drug Penalties
Texas State Law
| Offense | Class/Degree | Minimum Punishment | Maximum Punishment | For Minors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacture or delivery of controlled substance (drugs) | State Jail Felony to First Degree Felony | Up to 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000 | 10 years to life in jail and a fine of up to $250,000 | Same |
| Possession of controlled substance (drugs) | State Jail Felony to First Degree Felony | Up to 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000 | 15 years to life in jail and a fine of up to $250,000 | Same |
| Possession or delivery of marijuana | Class B Misdemeanor to First Degree Felony | 180 days in jail or a fine of up to $2,000, or both | 5 years to life in jail and a fine of up to $250,000 | Same |
| Driving while intoxicated (alcohol or other drugs, or both) | Class B Misdemeanor to Third Degree Felony BAC – .08 | 72 hours to 180 days in jail or a fine of up to $2,000, or both | 2 to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000 | Any detectable amount |
| Public intoxication | Class C Misdemeanor | Fine of up to $500 | Fine of $250 to $2,000, jail time of up to 180 days, community service of 8 to 40 hours, driver’s license suspension for 30 to 180 days, and attend one alcohol awareness class | Begin with maximum punishment |
| Purchase, consumption, or possession of alcohol by a minor | Class C Misdemeanor | Attend one alcohol awareness class, 20-40 hours community service, fine up to $500, 30-day driver’s license suspension | 180 day driver’s license suspension, up to $2,000 fine, 180 day jail term | N/A |
| Sale of alcohol to a minor | Class A Misdemeanor | Fine up to $4,000, up to one year in jail, or both, 180-day driver’s license suspension | Fine up to $4,000, up to one year in jail, or both, 180-day driver’s license suspension | N/A |
| Offense | Minimum Punishment | Maximum Punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing, distribution, or dispelling of illegal drugs | Imprisonment up to 3 years or a fine of $250,000, or both | Life imprisonment (no parole) and fine up to $8 million (individual) or $20 million (other) |
| Possession of illegal drugs | Imprisonment for up to 1 year and a fine of not less than $1,000 | 5 to 20 years imprisonment and fine of at least $5,000 plus investigation/court costs |
| Distribution of drugs to a person under 21 years of age | Double the federal penalty for distribution of drugs | Triple the federal penalty for distribution of drugs |
This information can be found at the following websites: