Louisiana Drug Crime Defense Lawyers

Protecting Your Rights and Freedoms in Drug Crime Cases

Our Louisiana drug crime defense lawyers can help you fight to avoid the harsh penalties imposed in drug crime cases throughout Louisiana. Louisiana lawmakers have enacted laws that impose heavy penalties for specific types of drug crimes. The risk of incarceration is high, and the need for a talented drug crime defense lawyer cannot be overstated.

Types of Drug Crimes in Louisiana

Simple Possession: Simple possession refers to having a small amount of a controlled substance for personal use. While often considered a less severe drug offense, it can still result in criminal charges, fines, probation, and a criminal record, depending on the type of drug and whether you have any prior convictions.

Possession: Possessing controlled substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, or prescription drugs without a valid prescription, can lead to severe legal consequences. The severity of charges reflects the type and quantity of the drugs and the accused individual’s prior criminal record.
Possession with Intent to Distribute: Possession with intent to distribute occurs when someone is found with controlled substances in quantities or circumstances suggesting they plan to sell or distribute them. Evidence like large amounts of cash, packaging materials, or scales can lead to this charge, which carries significantly harsher penalties than simple possession.
Drug Trafficking: Drug trafficking involves illegal transportation, importation, or distribution of larger quantities of controlled substances. This offense carries harsh penalties, including significant prison time and thousands of dollars in fines.
Manufacturing Controlled Substances: Manufacturing controlled substances refers to the illegal production or preparation of drugs like methamphetamine, MDMA, or synthetic opioids.
Drug Distribution or Intent to Distribute: This offense involves the selling, delivery, or possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute them. Prosecutors often use factors such as the quantity of drugs and packaging materials found to prove intent, leading to heavier penalties.
Drug-Free Zone Offenses: Drug-free zone offenses occur when drug-related crimes happen near schools, parks, or other protected areas. These crimes carry enhanced penalties, as they are seen as a heightened risk to vulnerable populations like children and families.

Our Team: Professional Drug Crime Defense Attorneys

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 offers guidance about how to proceed to defend your case. If you’re ready to get the legal defense you deserve, contact our law firm today to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows the legal system cold—and how to work within the system and get results.

No matter what drug crimes you are accused of committing, you deserve the chance to defend your rights in the criminal justice system. Contact our Louisiana criminal defense attorneys to take action to protect your rights and freedoms.

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. The schedules include some of the most used drugs:

Schedule I: These drugs are considered to have a high potential for abuse and have no accepted medical use in the USA. They include heroin, ecstasy, marijuana, LSD, peyote, and many others.
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 manufacturing these substances, you need a talented criminal defense lawyer to craft your defense case. You’re 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 build a case focused on reducing the damage.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Louisiana?

Louisiana enforces some of the strictest drug laws in the nation, with penalties varying based on the type of offense, the substance involved, and the circumstances. Never rely on a public defender if you can help; these overworked professionals may have hundreds of cases with little time to focus on your defense.

Simple Possession: Possessing small amounts of controlled substances can result in fines, probation, and up to several months or years in jail. Penalties increase with the type of drug, such as heroin or methamphetamine.
Possession With Intent to Distribute: This charge carries much harsher consequences, including lengthy prison sentences of up to 20 years or more and steep fines, depending on the amount and type of drug.
Drug Trafficking: Trafficking offenses can result in decades in prison and substantial fines. Louisiana law often imposes mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking large quantities of drugs.
Manufacturing Controlled Substances: Operating or participating in the production of drugs can lead to significant prison time, often ranging from 5 to 30 years, especially for substances like methamphetamine.
Drug-Free Zone Violations: Committing drug-related crimes near schools, parks, or other protected areas can enhance penalties, adding years to prison sentences and increasing fines.

Repeated offenses or cases involving large quantities of drugs will lead to harsher sentencing. Louisiana’s drug laws are complex, so it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney to understand what defense options could be initiated to protect your rights.

Drug crime cases involving crossing state lines with drugs are charged as federal drug crimes, with even more severe penalties. You must be protected by an experienced drug crime lawyer with the legal skills to craft a defense case that could win in court, lead to dismissed or reduced charges, a “not guilty” verdict, or allow for alternative sentencing.

Why Should You Contact Louisiana Drug Crime Defense Lawyers?

If 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 and will pursue the most positive outcome possible for your case. You have the constitutional right to an attorney. Many of the state’s overworked public defenders have hundreds of cases with little time or energy to devote to yours. When represented by our firm, a custom defense case can be crafted to seek the most favorable outcome possible.

Our criminal defense team has served on enough drug cases to know what drug defense strategy is likely to achieve a favorable outcome. Our goal is to avoid criminal conviction and severe penalties, which can include years in the country’s most brutal state prisons. We’re prepared to fight for you, whether this involves working out a favorable plea agreement or taking your case 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.

Why Choose Us for Your Drug Crime Defense?

When facing drug crime charges, you need a talented and experienced criminal attorney who will aggressively protect your rights and fight for a favorable case outcome. At Whiddon Criminal Defense, we offer personal counsel from an attorney who genuinely cares about you, your future, and your freedoms, and has the experience to defend even the most challenging cases. We offer our clients more, including the following:

Proven Track Record: Our team has successfully resolved a wide range of drug crime cases, from simple possession to complex trafficking charges. We can build strong defenses challenging the prosecutor’s evidence to raise reasonable doubt.
Personalized Strategy: Every case is unique, and we take the time to understand the details of your situation. We craft tailored defense strategies to reduce charges, secure dismissals, or minimize penalties.
A Breadth of Knowledge of Louisiana Drug Laws: With extensive experience in Louisiana’s legal system, we understand the complexities of local drug laws and sentencing guidelines. We use this knowledge to seek every legal advantage.
Aggressive Advocacy: We’re committed to protecting your rights and future. Whether negotiating with prosecutors or arguing for your defense in court, we’re relentless in pursuing justice for the people we serve.
Client-Centered Approach: We believe in open communication and keeping you informed every step of the way. Your case is as important to us as it is to you, and we’re here to provide guidance and support when you need it most.

Don’t let drug charges define your future—choose a team you can trust to fight and fight hard for you. Contact us today to start building your defense. For a free case consultation, call us at 318-594-3592 today.