Lake Charles Drug Possession Attorney

Experienced Drug Possession Lawyer Serving Calcasieu Parish

Drug possession is a serious crime in Louisiana. Even if you are only in possession of a small amount of drugs, you can still be charged with a felony. If you are convicted, you could face time in jail or prison, large fines, and a permanent criminal record. Do not underestimate the seriousness of these charges or the lengths the prosecution will go to in order to secure a conviction. You need a strong defense team in your corner.

At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, we are backed by over a decade of legal experience. Our Lake Charles drug possession lawyer is a former prosecutor who knows how the other side thinks. We can utilize this unique insight to your advantage, helping you navigate the criminal justice system and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Reach out to us today at (337) 282-9003 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our drug possession attorney in Lake Charles. Se habla español.

What Is Drug Possession?

Drug possession is the unlawful possession of a controlled substance. In Louisiana, controlled substances are classified into five different schedules. Schedule I drugs are considered to be the most dangerous and addictive, while Schedule V drugs are considered to be the least dangerous and addictive.

Commonly abused drugs and prescription medications that are classified as controlled substances include:

• Cocaine
• Crack cocaine
• Heroin
• LSD
• Methamphetamine
• MDMA (ecstasy)
• Prescription opioids
• Prescription sedatives
• Prescription stimulants
• Prescription medications containing codeine

In order to be convicted of drug possession, the prosecution must prove that you knowingly and intentionally possessed a controlled substance. Depending on the specific circumstances of the offense, you may be charged with simple possession, possession with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, or possession of a controlled substance in a school zone.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession?

The penalties for drug possession in Louisiana vary depending on the type and quantity of the drug, as well as the specific facts of the case. However, all drug possession offenses are felonies, meaning a conviction will result in a permanent criminal record and other serious consequences.

Drug possession penalties in Louisiana include:

• Schedule I or II drugs: First-time offenders may be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison and fined up to $5,000. Subsequent offenses carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Schedule III, IV, or V drugs: First-time offenders may be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison and fined up to $5,000. Subsequent offenses carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Heroin: First-time offenders may be sentenced to 4-10 years in prison and fined up to $5,000. Subsequent offenses carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 4 years and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Methamphetamine: First-time offenders may be sentenced to 0-30 years in prison and fined up to $50,000. Subsequent offenses carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a fine of up to $50,000.
• PCP: First-time offenders may be sentenced to 0-30 years in prison and fined up to $50,000. Subsequent offenses carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a fine of up to $50,000.

In addition to these penalties, a drug possession conviction will result in a permanent criminal record. This can make it extremely difficult for you to obtain employment, find housing, and secure loans. You may also lose certain professional licenses and be unable to pursue a college education.

How Can a Lake Charles Drug Possession Lawyer Help Me?

If you have been arrested for drug possession, you need a lawyer on your side who knows how to effectively defend your rights. At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, we can help you understand your legal options and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique situation.

We can conduct a thorough, independent investigation into your case, including the circumstances of your arrest and the actions of law enforcement. If the police violated your constitutional rights at any point, such as conducting an illegal search and seizure, we can work to have the evidence against you thrown out. Our Lake Charles drug possession attorney can also negotiate with the prosecution to have your charges reduced or dismissed.

If you are facing drug possession charges, do not wait to contact our firm. The sooner you get in touch with us, the better your chances of securing a favorable outcome in your case.

Call Our Firm Today

If you have been charged with drug possession, you need a strong defense team on your side. At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, we can provide the aggressive representation you need and deserve. Our drug possession lawyer in Lake Charles is well-versed in Louisiana drug laws and can help you fight for a favorable resolution in your case.

Call our firm today at (337) 282-9003 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.