Donley County

Donley County is located just east of Amarillo in the southeast Panhandle region of Texas. The county takes its name from Stockton P. Donley, an attorney who served as an associate justice for the Supreme Court of Texas from 1866 to 1867. The 2010 U.S. Census recorded a population of 3,677 residents. Clarendon serves as the county seat for Donley County.

Many DFW residents pass through Donley County when traveling between Colorado and Texas. Colorado’s popularity as a tourist destination has increased dramatically since the statewide legalization of recreational marijuana in 2014. Texans visiting Colorado can partake of as much cannabis and THC-infused products as they wish without fearing arrest. The trouble begins when tourists cross back into Texas with marijuana in their possession.

If you’ve been busted for weed anywhere in Donley County including near Clarendon, Hedley, Howardwick, and Leila Lake, call the Law Offices of David Sloane, PLLC to discuss your case for free.

Donley County Marijuana Defense Attorneys in Texas

The Law Offices of David Sloane, PLLC has handled nearly every imaginable type of marijuana case, from DWIs to simple possession charges.

When you’re defending yourself against the cops, having a former police lieutenant on your side is a huge advantage. Attorney David Sloane is not only a former cop, he has in-depth experience conducting evidentiary analysis and crime scene investigations. If you want the upper hand on law enforcement, you need to think like one of them.

Don’t face your legal battle alone. The Law Offices of David Sloane, PLLC can fight to obtain the best possible result for you. Call (817) 810-0088 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation today.


Overview of Donley County in Texas


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Common Marijuana Charges

If you’re busted for marijuana charges in Donley County, it’s likely to be for one of the following crimes:

  • Possession;
  • sale/delivery; or
  • DWI

In 2016, 66,060 out of 67,584 marijuana-related arrests were for possession. Put differently, an overwhelming 98% of people arrested in Texas in 2016 were charged for simply having marijuana on their person or in their control. First-time offenders may qualify for a diversion program to keep their criminal record clean and keep them out of jail. Many others risk jail time and a couple thousand dollars in fines by bringing weed into Texas.

Texas law treats the sale or delivery of marijuana much more severely. If convicted of delivering less than one-quarter ounce of marijuana, you could wind up in jail for up to 180 days with a $2,000 maximum fine. If you manage to squeeze 2,000 pounds of marijuana into your vehicle and get caught, you face a potential maximum sentence of 99 years in prison.

Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after you’ve had too many bong hits can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. If the police pull you over and suspect that you’re impaired by marijuana, you could be charged with driving while intoxicated. Even if it’s your first DWI, your license could be suspended and you could spend a minimum of three days in jail.


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Major State Roads and Interstates in Donley County

Large quantities of weed flow across our country’s highways daily, and police in Donley County are on the scent. Whether you’re accused of being a drug trafficker or an average person trying to sneak a personal stash of THC oil and edibles back to Texas, law enforcement officials are ready to make your life miserable. If you are caught bringing the drug in across state lines you could also be facing federal drug charges. A federal drug charge for trafficking or conspiracy carries much harsher penalties, including up to 5 years in prison for even a small amount of marijuana.

Some of the major roads and highways in Donley County where many have been arrested for drug charges include:

  • Interstate 40 (I-40)]
  • S. Highway 287 (US 287)
  • State Highway 273 (SH 273)
  • State Highway 70 (SH 70)

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Law Enforcement Resources

Texas Highway Patrol | DPS – The Texas Highway Patrol (THP) is a division of the Texas Department of Public Safety. THP’s missions are to maintain and educate Texas citizens about public safety. Visit this website to read travel tips and learn more about the Highway Patrol Service.

Donley County Sheriff – Charles “Butch” Blackburn is the County Sheriff of Donley. The sheriff is responsible for general law enforcement, managing the county jail, and providing security to the court.

Charles “Butch” Blackburn
Mailing Address: PO Box 910
300 S. Jefferson
Clarendon, TX 79226
Phone: (806) 874-3533
Fax: (806) 874-3458
Email: dcso10@dtgoftexas.com


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Court Resources

100th Judicial District Court – The 100th Judicial District Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction for Carson, Childress, Collingsworth, Donley and Hall Counties. Judge Stuart M. Messer is the presiding judge for District 100 and hears all felony criminal cases for the county.

The Honorable Stuart Messer
District Judge
Courthouse Annex, 220 W. 4th
PO Box 887
Clarendon, TX 79226
Phone: (806) 874-0122
Fax: (806) 874-5146

Donley County Judge – John C. Howard, M.D. is the current Donley County Judge. The county judge of Donley is the presiding officer of the commissioner’s court and also hears misdemeanor cases and civil cases where the amount in controversy is small. The county Judge also hears appeals from the Justice of the Peace Court. 

The Honorable John C. Howard, M.D.
Mailing Address – PO Box 909
300 S. Sully, Courthouse
Clarendon, TX  79226
(806) 874-3625
FAX (806) 874-1181
doncojudge@windstream.net


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Our Practice Areas

For decades, attorney David Sloane has successfully defended countless clients facing marijuana charges. The attorneys at the Law Offices of David Sloane, PLLC take pride in delivering the best possible results to their clients. If you’ve been charged with a marijuana violation in Donley County, you need a fighter with an intimate understanding of the Texas criminal justice system. Contact us today to discuss your case.

  • Marijuana DWI
  • Marijuana crimes
  • Delivery of marijuana
  • Marijuana felony offenses
  • Asset forfeiture
  • Cite and release
  • Illegal searches
  • Highway interdiction
  • Marijuana trafficking
  • Arrests of visitors from out of state
  • Positive THC drug test probation violation

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Additional Resources

Texas Statutes – The Texas Statutes (also called Texas Codes) are a comprehensive collection of state laws and the penalties for violating them. The Statutes are regularly updated to reflect any laws that have been created, amended, or repealed by the Texas Legislature. Visit this website to research the law governing your charges.

DFW NORML – NORML is a nonprofit organization that is fighting to end marijuana prohibition in the United States. The Dallas Fort Worth chapter runs grassroots campaigns and educational seminars to inform the public and to try to convince lawmakers in the state to legalize cannabis. Learn more at the link above.

Lawyer for Marijuana Crimes in Donley County, Texas

Your future could be in jeopardy if you’re charged with a marijuana crime in Donley County. A criminal conviction will remain on your record the rest of your life.

There’s still a chance to achieve a favorable outcome if you’ve been charged with a marijuana violation in Donley County. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a federal marijuana charge, the dedicated attorneys at the Law Offices of David Sloane, PLLC will fight passionately to protect your rights.

The Law Offices of David Sloane, PLLC accepts clients from North Texas to the Panhandle. We represent people from the Donley and surrounding counties including Gray, Collingsworth, Armstrong, Hall, and Briscoe.

Contact us at (817) 810-0088 or complete our online form today to schedule a free consultation.


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