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Defending Your Rights & Your Freedom
Were you or your loved one arrested for a drug related crime in the Shreveport, Bossier, or a surrounding area of Louisiana? Drug crime defense attorney Ebonee Norris and the team at The Norris Law Group have the skill and experience that you need on your side. Whether you have been charged, or if someone close to you has been accused of a drug crime, we can help.
Prosecutors in Louisiana are known for aggressively pursuing criminal charges against those who are accused of buying, selling, or manufacturing drugs. According to Pew Trusts, Louisiana had the highest drug-offender imprisonment rate in the nation in 2014, at 226.4 per 100,000 residents, more than double the rate of 37 other states. Pew reported that Louisiana had more drug offenders in prison than every state except California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas, all of which have populations of more than 10 million people compared to Louisiana's 4,659,978.
The bottom line remains that any kind of drug charge in Louisiana is likely to be taken seriously by a prosecutor. Convictions can carry serious consequences that include lengthy terms of imprisonment, large fines, and a criminal record that can create numerous hardships when it comes to employment, housing, or professional licensing.
The Norris Law Group and our drug crime defense attorney team has helped people just like you fight drug charges, and can work to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We can provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case, when you call 318-771-7000 or contact us online to receive a confidential consultation.
Drug Charges in Louisiana
Whether you were simply arrested for possession of a controlled substance, or if you are facing more serious charges of manufacturing and distribution, don't be afraid to call us for help. We have successfully helped those charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses, and our team is standing by to defend you and those you love.
Some of the notable controlled substances classified under Louisiana Revised Statute § 40:964 include, but are not limited to:
- Schedule I - Heroin, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), Marihuana (Marijuana or Cannabis), 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy, or Molly), Methaqualone, and Peyote
- Schedule II - Methamphetamine, Morphine, Oxycodone, Opium, Codeine, Coca Leaves (Cocaine), Fentanyl, and Methadone
- Schedule III - Anabolic Steroids, Nalorphine, Ketamine, Benzphetamine, Chlorphentermine, Clortermine, and Limited Narcotic Drugs
- Schedule IV - Dextropropoxyphene, Alfaxalone, Alprazolam, Barbital, Clonazepam, Delorazepam, Diazepam, Flunitrazepam, Lorazepam, Oxazolam, Triazolam, and Zolpidem
- Schedule V - Pregbalin, Lacosamide, Ezogabine, Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, Phenylpropanolamine, and Narcotic Drugs Containing Non-narcotic Active Medicinal Ingredients.
Louisiana Revised Statute § 40:1023 also prohibits using or possessing with intent to use any form of drug paraphernalia.
What are the penalties for drug crimes in Louisiana?
The penalties for drug crimes can vary depending on the amount of the substances in question and other factors. The seriousness of charges can range from misdemeanors to multi-jurisdictional felonies that are handled at the federal level.
Below are a few common examples of amounts and potential penalties according to Louisiana state statutes.
Possession of a Schedule I controlled substance other than marijuana is punishable as follows under Louisiana Revised Statute § 40:966.C(1):
- Less than 2 grams - Up to two years imprisonment and/or fine of up to $5,000.
- 2 grams or more, but less than 28 grams - Minimum of one year up to 10 years imprisonment and/or fine of up to $5,000.
- 28 grams or more - Minimum of one year up to 20 years imprisonment and/or fine of up to $50,000.
Possession of marijuana is punishable as follows under Louisiana Revised Statute § 40:966.C(2):
- First offense, 14 grams or less - Up to 15 days imprisonment and/or fine of up to $300.
- First offense, more than 14 grams - Up to six months imprisonment and/or fine of up to $500.
- Second offense - Up to six months imprisonment and/or fine of up to $1,000.
- Third offense - Up to two years imprisonment and/or fine of up to $2,500.
Production, manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or possession with intent to produce, manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance classified in Schedule I is punishable as follows under Louisiana Revised Statute § 40:966.B(1):
- Less than 28 grams - Minimum of one year up to 10 years imprisonment and/or fine of up to $50,000.
- 28 grams or more - Minimum of one year up to 20 years imprisonment and/or fine of up to $50,000.
Under Louisiana Revised Statute § 40:967.C(1), possession of a Schedule II controlled substance is punishable as follows:
- Less than 2 grams - Up to two years imprisonment and/or fine of up to $5,000.
- 2 grams or more, but less than 28 grams - Minimum of one year up to five years imprisonment and/or fine of up to $5,000.
- 28 grams or more - Minimum of one year up to 20 years imprisonment and/or fine of up to $50,000.
Production, manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or possession with intent to produce, manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance classified in Schedule II is punishable as follows under Louisiana Revised Statute § 40:967.B(1):
- Less than 28 grams - Minimum of one year up to 10 years imprisonment and/or fine of up to $50,000.
- 28 grams or more - Minimum of one year up to 20 years imprisonment and/or fine of up to $50,000.
These are just a few of the statutes in Louisiana and the guidelines for punishment upon conviction. For a more thorough examination of the penalties you could possibly face for these or other drug crimes, please contact a knowledgeable member of the team at The Norris Law Group right away.
The important thing to remember is that although the prosecutor will aggressively pursue drug charges against those who are accused, they bear the burden of proving your guilt. With the right legal team on your side, we can fight back against these charges, and together we can work to get the best possible outcome.
Being arrested and charged with a crime is never the end of the story. There are many more steps in the criminal justice system, and a conviction is never guaranteed. While it is normal to be fearful about the potential penalties you might face if convicted, remember that help is available to you.
At The Norris Law Group, our compassionate and skilled criminal defense lawyers will help you understand the charges you face and all of the legal options available to you. We will work together to solve this problem and minimize the impact the charges could have on your life. Don't wait to get the help and peace of mind you need. Call us today.
The Norris Law Group Will Defend You
If you or your loved one were arrested for an alleged drug crime in Shreveport or Bossier, try not to say anything to police until you have secured quality legal representation. Contact The Norris Law Group as soon as possible, and we'll sit down with you to review your case and discuss your rights.
Our firm will fight to possibly get your criminal charges negotiated, reduced or dismissed. It is possible, so call us to find out how we can help. Call 318-771-7000 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with a knowledgeable Shreveport criminal defense lawyer today.
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