Archie McNeal III, 36, was originally charged with possession with intent to deliver. According to the Ellis County and District Attorney’s Office, a Waxahachie police officer stopped McNeal’s vehicle around 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 27, 2025, after a license plate check returned unconfirmed insurance. Police searched the vehicle after the officer reported smelling marijuana. Investigators said they found 1.08 ounces of marijuana, 3.5 grams of cocaine and several small empty bags inside a backpack in the trunk. McNeal also had two phones and $900 in $20 bills. Prosecutors argued that the drugs, cash and bags indicated narcotics trafficking. Jurors, however, did not find the intent-to-deliver allegation proven beyond a reasonable doubt. They convicted McNeal of the lesser offense of possession. Possessing that amount of cocaine is normally a third-degree felony. However, jurors also found that McNeal had two qualifying prior felony convictions. Under Texas’ habitual-offender law, his possible punishment increased to between 25 years and life in prison. The jury chose the minimum: 25 years. “The citizens of Ellis County have spoken,” lead prosecutor Kelsey Thompson said. “Life is all about choices, and the choices you make have consequences”. Choices do have consequences. But the sentence also raises questions about what those consequences should accomplish. The DA’s announcement did not identify McNeal’s previous convictions, explain whether they involved violence or describe what treatment, education or rehabilitation programs he may have previously received. Without those details, it is difficult to determine whether keeping him in prison for decades is necessary to protect the public or whether the justice system missed earlier opportunities to prevent another offense. McNeal was convicted of possessing 3.5 grams of cocaine — a victimless, nonviolent offense. Texas residents may reasonably ask whether 25 years of incarceration will make the community safer — and whether it is the best use of the tax dollars required to house, supervise and provide medical care for an inmate over such a long sentence. The punishment was legal. Whether it was effective, proportionate or financially responsible is a different question.