Drug Trafficking Providing the Defense You Need

Midland Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Former Prosecutors Defending Drug Trafficking Charges in Midland

A drug trafficking charge in Texas can reshape every part of your life before a single hearing is scheduled. At Wolf, Stallings & Mayo, our attorneys bring something most defense firms can’t: direct experience on the prosecution side. Founding attorney John T. Wolf served as an Assistant District Attorney in Midland County and as a federal law enforcement officer with the ATF and INS. Founding attorney Andrew D. Stallings, a native Midlander, prosecuted cases at the Harris County and Galveston district attorney’s offices. That background informs how we read the evidence against you and where we find room to challenge it.

Our team also includes attorneys Tyler R. Mayo and Andrew T. van der Hoeven, who bring additional prosecutorial and trial experience, including an established track record in drug law. We offer a free initial consultation, same-day appointments, and Spanish-speaking services for clients and families throughout Midland and the Permian Basin.

Call Wolf, Stallings & Mayo today at (432) 237-3530 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drug trafficking attorneys in Midland.

What Is Drug Trafficking Under Texas Law?

Drug trafficking covers the illegal distribution, sale, or transportation of controlled substances, including cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and other prohibited drugs. Charges become more serious when aggravating factors are present, such as the involvement of minors, the use of firearms, or the movement of drugs across state lines.

Texas law doesn’t require large quantities to pursue a trafficking allegation. Even a small amount of a controlled substance, under the right circumstances, can trigger these charges. Midland’s position along major West Texas transportation corridors means local and federal law enforcement actively pursue trafficking investigations throughout the Permian Basin.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Texas

Texas classifies controlled substances into penalty groups under the Texas Health and Safety Code. Penalties escalate based on substance type and quantity. At the federal level, mandatory minimum sentences can exceed what Texas state courts impose, raising the stakes considerably when federal charges apply.

A drug trafficking conviction can result in:

Prison Time: Sentences range from several years to life in prison depending on the substance, quantity, and circumstances of the case.
Fines: Substantial financial penalties accompany most trafficking convictions, compounding the burden on defendants and their families.
Asset Forfeiture: Law enforcement can seize property and assets connected to alleged trafficking activity, often before any conviction is secured.
Parole and Probation: Convicted individuals may face parole or probation with strict monitoring and compliance conditions.
Loss of Civil Rights: A trafficking conviction can affect your right to vote and permanently limit your right to own or possess firearms.
Permanent Criminal Record: Beyond incarceration, a conviction affects employment prospects, housing eligibility, and personal relationships for years afterward.

For non-U.S. citizens, the consequences extend further. A drug trafficking conviction can trigger deportation proceedings, making it critical to address immigration consequences as part of any defense strategy.

Why Midland Clients Choose Wolf, Stallings & Mayo

Our attorneys have handled hundreds of drug crime cases. Because John Wolf worked as an ADA in Midland County and as a federal agent with the ATF and INS, he understands how state and federal trafficking investigations are built, what prosecutors prioritize, and where cases can unravel. Andrew Stallings’s experience prosecuting large-scale drug cases in Harris County and Galveston adds another layer of insight into how district attorneys approach these charges. That prosecution-side experience translates directly into more targeted defense work: knowing which evidence to scrutinize, which procedural steps are most likely to have been mishandled, and how to engage with prosecutors in a way that supports our clients’ goals.

Wolf, Stallings & Mayo is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and was named Best of Midland 2024. We hold membership in the College of the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. If you’re facing drug trafficking charges in Midland, we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.

Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges

Every trafficking case turns on its own facts, and the right defense depends on how evidence was gathered, how charges were filed, and what the prosecution can actually prove. Several legal theories can challenge the state’s case:

Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during a search, evidence obtained through that search may be suppressed and excluded from trial.
Lack of Knowledge or Intent: When the accused was unaware of the drugs or had no intent to distribute them, that absence of knowledge or intent is a viable defense.
Chain of Custody Issues: The prosecution must account for every step in the handling of physical evidence. Gaps or inconsistencies in the chain of custody can undermine the reliability of that evidence.
Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise committed, entrapment may be a valid defense.
Witness and Informant Credibility: Trafficking prosecutions often rely on informant testimony. Challenging the credibility and motivations of those witnesses can weaken the state’s case significantly.
Miranda Rights Violations: Statements made to law enforcement after a rights violation may be inadmissible, limiting what prosecutors can use against you.
Crime Lab Errors: Improper handling or analysis of drug evidence by crime lab personnel can provide grounds to challenge the prosecution’s physical evidence.
Procedural Violations: Failures to follow proper arrest or trial procedures can affect the charges or evidence in a case.

How We Handle a Drug Trafficking Defense

Defense work begins long before a courtroom appearance. We conduct an in-depth review of police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence to identify procedural errors or rights violations the prosecution may be relying on. Where law enforcement conducted an illegal search or surveillance operation, we pursue suppression of the resulting evidence.

Thorough Case Investigation: We examine every detail of how the case was built, looking for the procedural gaps and evidentiary weaknesses that matter most at trial or in negotiations.
Evidence Suppression Motions: When Fourth Amendment violations or other constitutional issues are present, we move to exclude improperly obtained evidence before it reaches a jury.
Customized Defense Strategy: No two cases are alike. We tailor your defense to the specific facts, whether that means demonstrating unawareness of the drugs, contesting wrongful identification, or building the strongest case the facts support.
Negotiation with Prosecutors: Our experience on both sides of the courtroom gives us credibility with prosecutors. We pursue charge reductions and alternative sentencing options where they serve our clients’ interests.
Minimizing Long-Term Consequences: We work to limit the impact a case has on your employment, housing, and education. Where available, diversion programs or Midland County Drug Court may offer qualifying defendants a rehabilitation-focused path forward.

Contact Our Drug Trafficking Lawyers in Midland Today

Time matters in trafficking cases. Early representation gives us the opportunity to gather evidence, challenge procedures before records disappear, and protect your rights from the first interaction with law enforcement. The sooner you contact us, the more options may be available.

We offer a free initial consultation for those facing drug trafficking charges. Call us or use our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation with our team.

Contact Wolf, Stallings & Mayo today to speak with a drug trafficking lawyer in Midland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Courts in Midland, TX, Handle Drug Trafficking Cases?

Most state drug trafficking cases are heard at the Midland County Courthouse, while federal cases are handled at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. The court assigned depends on the alleged conduct and which agency files the charges.

How Long Does a Drug Trafficking Case Typically Take in Midland?

The timeline depends on the court, complexity, and whether state or federal prosecutors are involved. Cases can take several months or longer, particularly when federal charges apply or complicated evidentiary issues arise.

What Should I Do If Law Enforcement Contacts Me About a Drug Trafficking Investigation?

Politely decline to answer questions until you’ve consulted with a defense attorney. Early legal guidance can help you avoid mistakes during questioning and protect your rights throughout the process.

Call us at (432) 237-3530 today to schedule an initial consultation with our drug trafficking attorney in Midland.

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Client Reviews

Fighting For Your Best Outcome

"Thanks a lot for your help!"
Awesome service. They know exactly what to do to help by the best way.

- David
"John Wolf is amazing."
Truly Professional and very caring. Thankful to have been blessed with him!

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I am a repeat client, met all my expectations and more, can't say enough about this firm.

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Going into the courtroom with these guys is the first time I've ever been in a courtroom and not felt completely helpless and alone.

- Rob I.
"If you need a good criminal attorney I would definitely look into hiring Wolf, Stallings & Mayo."
John and Andrew's hard work spared us the trauma, time, humiliations and yes, money, that a trial would have brought. They are still doing some work on expungement for me on my case, and there is absolutely nobody I would trust more.

- Kristy M.
"Mr. John Wolf is, by far, the fastest responding attorney I've seen around."
His word is as good as gold. So grateful he's on my team!!! Want results?? Hire John Wolf Attorney-At-Law!!

- Ric R.
"I'm glad I chose them to help me with my case!"
Andrew van der Hoeven is such an awesome attorney! He helped me get my brother-in-law's case done in less than a month. He is an awesome person, he is patient with you, he works with you, and he explains what's going on.

- Gelasia M.
"I recommend this firm to anyone, regardless how big or small your case is."
Nothing serious, just a traffic ticket but as a CDL holder it was worth it to fight the ticket. Tyler Mayo did an exceptional job and I was found Not Guilty!

- Rodney S.

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310 W. Wall Street
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Midland, TX 79701

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