Louisiana Drug Crime Defense Lawyers Protecting Clients from Harsh Penalties for Drug Offenses
Louisiana takes drug crimes seriously, handing out harsh penalties for anyone convicted of possessing, trafficking, or manufacturing illegal substances. If you were arrested for drug crimes, you need legal guidance from skilled drug crime lawyers.
When you hire Keith T. Whiddon, Attorney at Law, LLC, to represent you, you will have access to a team that answers your questions immediately and puts your mind at ease. If you’re ready to get the legal defense you deserve, contact our law firm today to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney.
What Are Common Drug Charges in This State?
The drug defense your lawyer uses depends on the drug crime you’re charged with. The most common drug charges include:
- Simple possession
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Drug trafficking
- Manufacturing
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Generally speaking, simple possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor. This means you were caught with a small amount enough for personal use. Similarly, possession of drug paraphernalia is often a misdemeanor.
On the other hand, possession of larger quantities of marijuana is usually a felony since you could be accused of intent to sell, trafficking, or manufacturing. In addition, drug possession of any amount of heroin, meth, and other illegal substances usually results in felony drug charges.
No matter what drug crimes you’re charged with, you deserve the chance to defend your rights in the criminal justice system. Contact our Louisiana criminal defense attorneys to start your case.
What Are the Categories of Controlled Substances in Louisiana?
The penalties for your drug offense depend on the quantity and the schedule it falls into. Louisiana recognizes five schedules, with Schedule I featuring the most dangerous substances because they’re likely to be abused and lack medicinal qualities. The schedules include:
- Schedule I: Heroin, ecstasy, marijuana, LSD, and peyote
- Schedule II: Cocaine, methamphetamine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and Adderall
- Schedule III: Ketamine, testosterone, Tylenol with codeine, and anabolic steroids
- Schedule IV: Xanax, Soma, Ativan, Valium, Ambien, and Tramadol
- Schedule V: Robitussin AC, Lyrica, and Motofen
If you were charged with drug possession, drug distribution, or manufacture of these substances, hire a criminal defense lawyer. You’re likely worried about the consequences of being arrested for a state or federal drug crime. When you contact us, our criminal defense attorneys will answer your questions and then craft a drug defense angle for your case.
What Penalties Do Drug Crimes Result In?
Your penalties will depend on the drug crime charges, including the type and amount of drug involved. The drug charge with the least severe punishment is possessing less than 14 grams of marijuana since you won’t face jail time. But if your drug possession charges involve more than 14 grams, you could go to jail for up to 6 months and pay up to $500 for your first offense.
If you’re charged with a drug offense involving any amount of any other Schedule I drug, your drug charge will likely be a felony. For example, if you’re charged with trafficking a Schedule I drug like ecstasy or LSD, you could face up to 30 years in prison and $50,000 in fines.
The penalties are more severe if you have a criminal record with a previous drug conviction. Additionally, drug cases involving crossing state lines with drugs are charged as federal drug crimes, which are serious. This is why you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to provide an aggressive defense for your state or federal drug case.
Why Should You Contact Louisiana Drug Crime Defense Lawyers?
When you need a compassionate drug crime lawyer knowledgeable about drug laws, come to Keith T. Whiddon, Attorney at Law, LLC. We will provide you with the criminal defense representation you deserve to get the best possible outcome for your case.
Our criminal defense team has worked on enough drug cases to know what kind of drug defense angle is most likely to get a favorable outcome for clients. Our goal is to avoid a criminal conviction and serious penalties like life in prison. We’re prepared to fight for you, whether this involves working out a favorable plea agreement to get probation or going to trial. If you’re ready to hire a criminal defense lawyer for your case, call our law firm at 318-594-3592 for a confidential consultation.