19 Nov 2012
When you hear about a life sentence being imposed after a criminal conviction, you might assume the crime is murder. But the fact is that many crimes carry the possibility of life in prison. In Texas, there are numerous offenses in addition to murder that could lead to a life sentence, among them aggravated kidnapping; continuous human trafficking; continuous sexual abuse of a child; aggravated sexual assault; and certain arson crimes, to name a few. A life sentence can also be imposed for various drug crimes, including the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled dangerous substances in sufficient amounts. A similar situation exists under federal law.
As a result, the sentence imposed in federal court upon a Mexican national earlier this month came as no surprise to those of us who deal with the criminal justice system, and defend those charged with drug crimes, on a daily basis.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, a 38-year old man, Rigoberto Munoz-Vargas received a life sentence for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Munoz-Vargas admitted that he was responsible for arranging a shipment of several pounds of meth to his girlfriend’s home in Houston. He was also charged and convicted of possession of a firearm, presumably related to the drug crime. He admitted in court that he bought the gun, and was keeping it at the house where the drugs were found. Gun possession by an illegal alien carries a sentence of up to 10 years, and gun possession in furtherance of a drug felony is punishable by up to life in prison.
Involvement with drugs is serious business, and drug crimes carry stiff penalties. We don’t mean to suggest that possession of small amounts of certain drugs will necessarily result in a jail or prison sentence; on the other hand, you don’t have to be a drug kingpin to risk years in prison for activities related to illegal drugs.
But remember that if you are charged with a crime, including a drug offense, you are innocent until proven guilty. If you are facing a drug possession or related charge, contact us for a free consultation. Having the right lawyer for your case can make all the difference.
Law Office of David D. White, PLLC
1205 Rio Grande Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 369-3737