Drug charges aren’t just common in Brazoria County—they’re practically baked into the local headlines. With its proximity to Houston and the U.S.-Mexico border, our stretch of Southeast Texas has become a critical corridor for the flow of narcotics. Whether it’s marijuana in the glove box, cocaine in a backpack, or methamphetamine found in a hidden compartment, law enforcement in this region stays busy—and aggressive.
But let’s be clear: just because a person is charged doesn’t mean they’re guilty. And even if you made a mistake, that doesn’t mean the system should steamroll you.
Here’s what you need to know if you or someone you love is facing drug charges in Angleton, Brazoria County, or Houston, TX.
Why Drug Charges Are So Common Around Here
Brazoria County isn’t just any place on the map—it’s a hotspot.
Why? Two main reasons:
- Location, Location, Location – We sit at a logistical sweet spot between Houston’s massive metro sprawl and the international traffic coming out of Mexico. That means highways like 288, 35, and even smaller state roads often become pipelines for moving drugs across the region.
- Federal and Local Task Forces Are Everywhere – We’ve got local law enforcement, Texas DPS, DEA, and even joint task forces all working together. Their methods range from high-tech surveillance to old-school traffic stops. You could be driving to Galveston with a buddy and suddenly find yourself face-to-face with a K-9 unit.
Take, for example, the March 2024 bust that led to the indictment of 15 individuals in a sprawling meth ring across Southeast Texas. That case, which involved confidential informants, wiretaps, and SWAT raids, perfectly illustrates the kinds of complex, sweeping operations that are becoming more frequent in this area.
Common Drug Charges in Brazoria County
People are often surprised by the variety of drug charges they can face. Here are the most common:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance – This could be anything from marijuana (if over 4 ounces) to heroin or meth. Possession charges vary wildly depending on the substance and the amount.
- Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Even giving a friend a few pills without a prescription can trigger this felony charge.
- Manufacturing or Cultivation – Meth labs, marijuana grow operations, or any involvement in producing drugs fall into this category.
Penalties can be brutal. For instance, possession of less than one gram of cocaine is a state jail felony. But if you’re caught with over 400 grams of meth, you’re looking at a potential life sentence under Texas law (Texas Health & Safety Code § 481.112).
How We Fight These Charges
Attorney Sandra J. Oballe knows this terrain—she’s been defending folks in Brazoria County and the Houston area since 2003. And she knows drug cases are won (or lost) on the details.
Some key defense strategies include:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure – If the cops didn’t have probable cause to search your vehicle, home, or person, any evidence they found could be thrown out under the Fourth Amendment. This is often a linchpin in drug cases.
- Lack of Intent or Knowledge – Say you were driving someone else’s car and didn’t know there was meth in the trunk. The State still has to prove you knew the drugs were there.
- Entrapment – If law enforcement convinced or pressured you into committing a drug offense you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, that’s a valid legal defense under Texas law.
Ms. Oballe has had numerous drug cases dismissed by identifying these flaws early and putting pressure on the prosecution. She’s not afraid to file suppression motions, challenge search warrants, or hold officers accountable for sloppy procedures.
Why You Should Lawyer Up—Immediately
Every hour you delay hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives law enforcement and prosecutors more power over your life. Don’t assume you can “talk your way out of it.” Many people do just that and wind up burying themselves under their own statements.
If you’ve been arrested or even questioned about drugs in Brazoria County, contact the Law Office of Sandra J. Oballe as soon as possible. You’ve got rights. Don’t waive them without a fight.
The Law Office of Sandra Oballe
Experienced, Skilled Drug Offense Attorney
Drug charges can derail your life—your job, your family, your future. But they don’t have to. With a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in your corner, like Sandra J. Oballe, you’ve got a fighting chance.
Call our Angleton office at (979) 265-6800 or the Houston office at (713) 524-6656. You can also reach us online. We’ll review your case, give you honest feedback, and if we take your case, we’ll do everything possible to secure the best outcome.
For more info on how we handle felony drug charges in Texas, check out our related article. And be sure to follow Ms. Oballe on Twitter for real-time updates on criminal law and justice in Southeast Texas.
Your future is worth defending. Let’s get to work.
