Contents
Reading the booking abbreviation
“POSS CS PG 1” generally means possession of a controlled substance in Texas Penalty Group 1. “POSS” refers to possession, “CS” to controlled substance, and “PG” to penalty group. The number identifies a statutory drug category. It does not mean the offense is automatically a first-degree felony.
The alleged weight is a separate and important part of the entry. For example, wording such as “less than 1 gram” and “1 gram or more but less than 4 grams” points to different ordinary offense levels. Copy the entire description rather than shortening it to “a drug charge.” A booking entry is an allegation, not a finding of guilt.
Which substances belong to this group?
Penalty Group 1 includes substances such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. The full list appears in Health and Safety Code § 481.102. The identity alleged in a booking record may need laboratory confirmation, and the exact statutory classification matters.
Fentanyl is listed separately in Penalty Group 1-B. Section 481.115 covers possession of both Group 1 and Group 1-B, but the group names should not be treated as interchangeable. Penalty Group 1-A is also separate and has different possession rules; do not apply this gram-based table to a PG 1-A entry.
The weight thresholds for possession
Section 481.115 generally addresses knowingly or intentionally possessing a Group 1 or Group 1-B substance without an applicable lawful exception. The statute uses aggregate weight, including adulterants or dilutants. A family cannot reliably calculate the legal weight by estimating the amount of pure active drug.
| Alleged aggregate weight | Ordinary classification |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 gram | State jail felony |
| 1 gram or more, but less than 4 grams | Third-degree felony |
| 4 grams or more, but less than 200 grams | Second-degree felony |
| 200 grams or more, but less than 400 grams | First-degree felony |
| 400 grams or more | First-degree felony with a special punishment range |
At 400 grams or more, the statutory range is 10–99 years or life in prison and a possible fine up to $100,000. Enhancements can affect punishment. These figures are not bond amounts.
Source: Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 481 — Controlled Substances Act
Possession and delivery are different allegations
Texas defines possession in terms of actual care, custody, control, or management. Whether the evidence proves knowing possession is a legal question for the case. Being named in a jail entry does not settle that question, and an online summary cannot determine a defense.
Manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver can involve different statutes and penalties. The table above addresses possession under § 481.115. If the paperwork includes “delivery,” “manufacture,” or an intent allegation, ask an attorney to explain that exact charge instead of relying on a simple-possession chart.
What families should verify
Keep the booking record, charge description, and court papers together. Check the penalty group, weight bracket, degree, and any enhancement. Ask whether more than one charge or agency hold appears. Updates to allegations or testing do not come with a guaranteed timeline or an automatic dismissal rule.
Give an attorney the available documents and ask what information is still needed. Preserve existing records without editing them. Avoid discussing case facts in public posts or assuming that a conversation with a bond office serves the same role as confidential legal advice from counsel.
How the bond conversation fits in
The phrase “PG 1” alone is not enough to produce a reliable bond quote. Confirm the actual bond set by the court for each charge. The office also needs the jail, person’s legal name and date of birth, and a contact who can discuss the application.
A bonding service charge is different from a criminal fine. Ask for the total office charge and payment terms before signing, and ask about other custody issues before expecting release. Once released, the person still must follow court dates and bond conditions while the legal case proceeds.