Drug Possession and Drug Offense in Louisiana
Drug charges are a serious matter in the United States
If you are facing charges for possession, manufacturing, or drug trafficking, you need a skilled attorney to provide an effective defense. Talk to an experienced lawyer with expertise defending against drug charges.
Martin E. Regan, Jr. has defended clients charged with drug offenses for over 35 years in cases involving:
- Drug possession
- Possession with intent to sell or distribute
- Drug sales or distribution
- Drug trafficking
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug smuggling or importation
- Prescription drug fraud
U.S. and Louisiana drug possession laws
Drug possession laws exist at both the state and federal level and carry harsh penalties if convicted. Additionally, drug laws in Louisiana include penalties for possession of paraphernalia or accessories related to manufacturing or distribution of drugs. State and federal law states that it is a crime to possess any controlled substance or illegal prescription drugs such as:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroine
- LSD
- PCP
- Hallucinogens
- Methamphetamines
Enhanced sentencing and harsher penalties
Whenever a drug case involves large quantities of an illegal drug, charges may be enhanced to possession with the intent to distribute. Under these circumstances, individuals charged with intent to distribute and repeat offenders face stiffer penalties and longer jail sentences. You may also face enhanced charges and stricter sentencing if found in possession of illegal drugs in proximity to areas such as:
- Day care centers
- Schools
- Housing projects
- niversities
Drug possession prosecution in Louisiana
Persons charged with drug possession may not necessarily have to be tried in order to have their case resolved. Resolution might be achieved through negotiations with prosecutors. Penalties and sentencing may can include:
- Jail or prison time
- Probation
- Fines
- Mandatory treatment programs
However, a first time offense of simple possession of cocaine may qualify for a drug diversion program rather than a prison term. Diversion programs are not applicable for defendants facing sale or distribution charges and to qualify, generally, the possession must be your first and only serious drug offense.
Drug Manufacturing, Trafficking, and Distribution
Conviction of drug charges in either state or federal courts carry serious penalties, including lengthy prison time. Attorney Martin E. Regan, Jr. and the members of his legal team have represented clients facing many serious drug charges in Louisiana and throughout the United States. Experience includes:
- Drug possession—Marijuana, cocaine, or crystal meth. Marijuana is the only illegal drug for which possession is not an automatic felony.
- Possession or distribution of illegal prescription drugs—Including, OxyContin, Valium, or Xanax and others.
- Manufacturing, cultivation, or distribution of drugs—such as marijuana and Ecstasy. Charges involving manufacturing and distributing large amounts of controlled substances over state lines generally are prosecuted in federal court, which has stricter sentencing guidelines and harsher penalties.
- Drug-related homicide charges. Louisiana law provides that distributors of Schedule I and Schedule II drugs can be charged with homicide if the buyer later overdoses on the drug.
- Drug trafficking. Because of its geographical location, south Louisiana is part of the corridor of drugs and money between the east and west coasts as well as the border regions between the US and Mexico. Consequently, Louisiana centers prominently in the Federal Governments vigilance on the movements of drugs and money that occurs on Louisiana highways. Our court systems handle many cases that include large drugs caches.
Remember, when facing criminal charges the level of experience your lawyer has matters. Martin E. Regan, Jr. can provide legal guidance for your circumstances. Contact us for a free initial consultation.