Lake Charles Drug Crimes Lawyer

Defending Clients Who Are Facing Drug Charges in Calcasieu Parish

Though many states have become increasingly flexible on their drug penalties, Louisiana has not yet joined that crew. It is true that Louisiana has shifted, though reluctantly, its mindset in terms of drug penalties; it still remains one of the staunchest proponents in ensuring that drug possessors, users, and traffickers suffer incredibly high penalties.

Have you been accused of a drug crime in Louisiana? Call Sudduth & Associates, LLC today at (337) 282-9003 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drug crimes attorney in Lake Charles.

Drug Crime Cases We Handle

If you’ve been charged with a drug offense in Louisiana, you need to make sure you’re equipped with a criminal defense attorney who is properly versed on drug crimes, the differences between controlled dangerous substances (CDS), and has the appropriate defense strategy to help you through your charges. Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony-level drug offense, our team at Sudduth & Associates, LLC, is experienced in defending clients who are faced with all drug crimes, such as:

• Misdemeanor and Felony Drug Possession
• Misdemeanor and Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Felony Possession with Intent to Distribute
• Drug Trafficking/Drug Manufacturing

Additionally, it’s important to remember that not all drugs are alike; therefore, the penalties associated with them are kept unique. 

Prescription Drug Charges

Everyone has the right to a properly administered prescription from a physician, but prescription medication can oftentimes be assumed as tools of abuse or trafficking by law enforcement agencies. Prescription drug charges are prosecuted very seriously and come with severe penalties. If you have a prescription from a doctor and have been charged with a drug offense, you could have an affirmative defense for your case.

Understanding Drug Crime Penalties in Louisiana

Being convicted of a drug crime in Louisiana can have serious consequences, including hefty fines, probation, and even jail time. It's important to understand the potential penalties you may face if you are charged with a drug-related offense.

Some common drug crime penalties in Louisiana include:

• First-time marijuana possession: Up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $500
• Possession of a Schedule I controlled substance: Up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000
• Possession of a Schedule II controlled substance: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $600,000
• Possession with intent to distribute: Up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000

These penalties change depending on your previous record, your intent to distribute, and what specific substance you were carrying. Consulting with an attorney is often the only way to be sure of what consequences you face from a drug charge.

Our experienced drug crimes attorney in Lake Charles can help you understand the potential consequences of your charges and work to build a strong defense to protect your rights and minimize the impact of the charges against you.

Contact Our Drug Crimes Attorney Today

Many drug-related stops are made through routine traffic stops. Most people are often unaware of their constitutional rights during these stops. It has been our experience that many of these stops raise possible constitutional defenses. Having a skilled Lake Charles drug crimes attorney who understands all the fine nuances of constitutional law is imperative to be effective in defending a drug charge. Our firm has the skill and knowledge to raise those issues and effectively argue them in court.

Contact Sudduth & Associates, LLC today to get started on your defense with our Lake Charles drug crimes lawyer.