Q: As a Texas SSI recipient, I have been charged with Poss of CS 1<1gm (1s) Dist)? I have no idea what this means? Please
At at your earliest convenience if you could please explain what this means and also I'm in fear of losing my benefits
A:
It means you're being charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (probably listed in Penalty Group 1, which includes substances like methamphetamine and heroin) in an amount of less than 1 gram.
I'm not sure what the '(1s) Dist.' means but it could be the court designation and you may have mis-typed it.
Anyway, this offense is a State Jail felony, meaning that if you plead guilty or or found guilty at trial you can't go to prison but might be sentenced to a term in state jail. The range of punishment is confinement for180 days (minimum) up to 2 years (maximum), and a fine of up to $10,000. If you have been previously convicted of any felon offense, punishment could be increased.
The good news is probation is usually available, and usually people in your position can avoid a felony conviction even if you plead guilty. Everything depends on you hiring a competent criminal lawyer to help you. If you can't afford a lawyer, the court will appoint you one. Work with your lawyer and you should be fine. You should start trying to speak with a good lawyer immediately, even if you're not sure you can afford to hire one.
I can't comment on your SSI status except to say make sure your lawyer knows your situation.
Good luck to you.
Chad Zubi agrees with this answer
A:
You should hire a criminal defense attorney to help with the criminal charges.
You might find the following interesting regarding the SSI benefits:
SSR 83-21: TITLE II: PERSON CONVICTED OF A FELONY
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/oasi/27/SSR83-21-oasi-27.html
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