Call Us Now
Email Us Now
Many people throughout Monroe are arrested for drug possession and they are soon shocked to learn that they are actually being charged with drug trafficking, which is a much more serious charge. In Louisiana, drug possession charges can be escalated to drug trafficking when a person possesses a certain quantity of illegal drugs. Drug trafficking is a very serious charge and if convicted, you may face long prison sentences, high fines, and consequences that will follow you for the rest of your life.
Criminal cases involving drug trafficking can quickly become complicated and even if you are innocent, you need a Monroe drug crime lawyer on your side. An attorney will also review every detail of your case to determine which defense strategy is most appropriate. The top three defenses to drug trafficking are outlined below.
Prove You Did Not Intend to Distribute the Drug
In Louisiana, the prosecution must prove that you had the intent to manufacture, sell, or transport an illegal substance in order to secure a conviction. To prove this element of their case, they must present strong evidence that shows you had such an intent.
For example, you may have had a substantial quantity of an illegal substance in your home. If this is the only evidence the prosecution has and there is a lack of large sums of cash, baggies, and other paraphernalia necessary to distribute drugs, it could serve as a defense in your case. A defense attorney may use this insufficient evidence to get your charges reduced to simple drug possession, or dropped altogether.
Show the Drugs Are Not Yours
In addition to proving you had the intent to distribute the substance, the prosecution must also show that the substance was yours. If you unknowingly possessed the drugs, it is not possible for you to have had any intent to distribute them. For example, if you gave a friend a ride and they brought a backpack full of drugs into your vehicle, you may not be aware of the contents of the bag. Such a scenario in which you did not even realize the drugs were in possession could make it very difficult for the prosecution to pursue a conviction.
Show a Violation of Your Rights
Law enforcement officers sometimes make critical mistakes when charging and arresting a person with a criminal offense. They may neglect to inform a suspect of their Miranda rights, or they may illegally search a person’s home, vehicle, or other property. Any time a person’s rights are violated during an offense, evidence obtained from the violation can be thrown out, which can make it challenging for the prosecution to secure a conviction.
Our Drug Crime Lawyer in Monroe Can Help You Beat Your Charges
If you have been charged with drug trafficking, the charges against you are very serious. At Whiddon Criminal Defense, our Monroe drug crime lawyer can prepare the strong defense you need to help you beat your charges. Call us now at 318-594-3592 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.