If convicted of drug possession in Texas, you face jail time, expensive fines, and the likelihood of a permanent criminal record. Additionally, you will likely lose your driver’s license, be disqualified for government-backed student loans, and be deported if you are not a US citizen.
While marijuana possession under 2 ounces is a class B misdemeanor, any amount of heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, or methamphetamine is considered a felony and is a very serious offense In cases where larger amounts of drugs are involved, the law assumes you are involved in narcotics trafficking, increasing the penalties even more.
For these reasons, it’s essential to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney familiar with the tactics police use in conducting questionable car stops and unconstitutional searches while failing to determine who actually owns the drugs in question.
Possession of Illegal Drugs
I represent people charged with drug possession involving the following:
Marijuana
Heroin
Cocaine
Ecstasy
Pain Killers
Methamphetamine
LSD
Mushrooms (Psilocybin)
Illegal prescription drugs
Fighting Drug Possession Charges
Too often, over-zealous officers don’t follow constitutional procedures or decide to “improvise” in the field to “get an arrest.” In the process, they violate the Fourth Amendment by conducting an illegal car stop or by making an illegal entry into a home. As a criminal defense attorney, I’m familiar with the kinds of tactics police use to conduct questionable searches or extract confessions from people they’ve detained in interrogative custody. I point to conflicting testimony on the part of officers, use dashboard camera video footage when possible, and expose misleading police reports to suppress evidence and have the charges against my client dropped.
A SUMMARY OF CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY ROBERT FICKMAN’S CREDENTIALS
Robert Fickman has been a criminal defense attorney in Houston for 40+ Years.
Robert Fickman has handled and won a vast array of cases in State and Federal Court
Robert Fickman has argued many cases before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Robert Fickman has had an AV Rating (the highest rating) with Martindale Hubbell for over 20 years.
Robert Fickman has been named a “Texas Super Lawyer” since 2015.
Robert Fickman was the President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) from 2006-2007.
Robert Fickman is a past Board Member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA).
Robert Fickman serves on the HCCLA and TCDLA Strike Forces where he is called upon to come to the aid of other criminal defense lawyers.
Robert Fickman is an outstanding public speaker. Robert Fickman was on the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers “Best of 2010 Speakers” and “Best of 2014 “Speakers Disk.”
Client was charged by Federal Indictment with making a social media post that threatened Malicious Damage and Destruction of a Building by Means of Fire and Explosives in violation of Federal law. The Defense showed that Client was a law-abiding citizen. The Defense further showed that the alleged threat was not made with any criminal intent.
The client, a public official with a long history of public service, was accused by a former girlfriend of engaging in non-consensual sexual relations. The Defense investigation and analysis showed through a detailed timeline that the allegation made absolutely no sense. Phone records, including calls and texts, were relied on to help establish an accurate timeline. The Defense met with law enforcement and reviewed a detailed package that exonerated the accused.
Client, a Houston area professional who frequently travels for work, was accused by his wife of assaulting her in his family home. Defense showed that wife’s story lacked credibility and there was no physical evidence in support of the wife’s allegation.
The client, a young Black male, was driving his car when police pulled him over for no apparent reason. It looked to be a profile stop. The client was accused of possessing a controlled substance in his vehicle. The Defense showed that there was no lawful basis for the police to stop the Client’s car. The Defense also showed that there was no lawful basis for the search of the Client’s car. It was a bad search, so the seized evidence was not admissible.
FEDERAL CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE COCAINE AND CONSPIRACY TO MONEY LAUNDER
Not Guilty (C.R.)
Client charged in Federal Indictment In “Operation Wrecking Ball” with 55 named co-defendants. Client faced seven charges. Client was charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Conspiracy to Engage in Money Laundering. Client was also charged with four counts of Distribution of Cocaine and one count of Money laundering.
Allegations involved client’s alleged use of his home to distribute cocaine. Government’s lengthy investigation involved numerous wiretaps, surveillance, video, pole cams, search warrants, vehicle stops and use of cooperating co-defendants.
Client went to trial with four remaining defendants. After a two-week trial, Judge granted Motion for Acquittal on four of the seven charges. Jury found Client Not Guilty of remaining three charges.
Client charged in Federal Court with two counts of Wire Fraud related to Five SBA EIDL loan applications. The Government alleged the client, a Houston professional, defrauded the Small Business Administration out of over $150,000. The Client faced up to 20 years in prison on each count. The Defense investigated the case and negotiated a deal that included the Government not opposing a probation. The Federal Guideline calculation was for a prison sentence and the Probation Department recommended a prison sentence. Attorney Fickman submitted a 90 page Defense Sentencing Memorandum asking for Probation.
Client was retired professional. Client was accused of being involved in a road rage incident in 1960 Area. Defense put together a 100 page memorandum that demonstrated complainant was actual aggressor.
Client was accused of touching child. Case involved thousands of pages of psychiatric and Child Protective Services records as well as investigations by multiple police departments. After three- year fight, case dismissed.
Client was accused of knocking disruptive student against the wall. Videotape of incident was obtained. Witnessed located and interviewed. On the day of trial, case was dismissed
Identity theft is a serious crime that involves stealing someone’s “Identifying information” to commit fraud or other illegal activities. “Identifying information” includes:
Name and date of birth:
Unique biometric data, including the person’s fingerprint, voice print, or retina or iris
In Texas, we have a bifurcated trial system. This means that in Texas, there are potentially two parts to a trial. The first part of a trial in Texas is called “The Guilt/ Innocence Phase” of the trial. If a …
Immigration status can have a significant impact on criminal defense cases in Texas. Non-citizens, including legal permanent residents, undocumented immigrants, and visa holders, face unique challenges in the criminal justice system, including the risk of deportation and other immigration consequences. …