Drug Testing in Sugar Land, Texas

Sugar Land, Texas - Drug Testing

Laws and Regulations Relating to Substance Abuse in Sugar Land, TX

The state of Texas takes drug violations seriously. According to criminal defense attorneys at the Sugar Land-based Love DuCote law firm, Texas has some of the strictest marijuana laws in the county. Not only is recreational use illegal, but possession of more than four ounces is a felony, and possession of up to five pounds is punishable by a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to two years of jail time.

Possession of one gram of cocaine is a felony that can result in six months to two years in prison and between one and four grams can land you in prison for two to 10 years. Possession of less than one gram of methamphetamine comes with a penalty of up to two years in jail, and up to 3.99 grams is a second-degree felony punishable by a minimum fine of $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison.

Local Police Efforts to Address Drug Problems in Sugar Land

Sugar Land residents convicted of certain drug crimes may have the opportunity to turn their lives around, thanks to the Fort Bend County Drug Treatment Court. The program requires drug testing, individual and group therapy, and accountability that may include jail time for non-compliance. Upon successful completion of the program, participants can have their charges dropped and their records expunged.

Substance Abuse Trends and Statistics for Texas

While national data is somewhat lacking, a University of Texas project, known as TxCOPE, is aiming to draw attention to the true impacts of illicit drug use in the state. Official data shows that approximately 5,000 overdose deaths occurred in Texas in 2021. However, the TxCOPE lead project researcher estimates that this number is greatly underestimated and notes that about 70% of overdoses, most of which are non-fatal, go unreported in the state.

Data also shows that the Texas Poison Center Network received 4,000 opioid-related calls in 2020 and there were nearly 8,000 opioid-related emergency room visits in the same year. When an individual dies of an overdose, it also may not be recorded as such unless an official orders a toxicology report.

While Sugar Land is a relatively small town that doesn't have a major drug problem, it's not immune. In October 2021, a total of 26 people in Fort Bend County had died from drug overdoses during the year. Of these deaths, at least 12 of the victims had opioids in their system prior to their death.

Last updated 1/27/2023