Drug Charges and Gun Seizures in Ascension Parish: Understanding “Illegal Carrying” Upgrades

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Drug Charges and Gun Seizures in Ascension Parish: Understanding “Illegal Carrying” Upgrades
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Drug Charges

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Last Modified on Aug 14, 2026

Drug charges are a serious matter in Louisiana, especially when a firearm is involved. It’s important to understand drug charges and gun seizures in Ascension Parish if you’re going up against the criminal justice system.

Otherwise, you can face the full wrath of Louisiana’s criminal justice system. Fortunately, you can hire a drug crime lawyer to help you navigate state and federal criminal laws.

The right legal representation can make all the difference when it comes to forming a solid defense and securing a more favorable outcome for your case. Louisiana’s drug crime penalties are harsh, especially when guns are involved. Your Ascension Parish drug crime attorney can evaluate the charges against you and form a solid defense based on the facts of the case.

Drug Crime and Gun Seizure Laws in Louisiana

Louisiana’s drug crime laws are strict, as are the state’s gun seizure laws when firearms are involved in the commission of another crime. Navigating criminal cases can be difficult, especially if you’re facing multiple criminal charges due to the presence of a firearm. An Ascension Parish drug crime attorney can help you understand Louisiana’s drug crime and gun seizure laws.

You can expect to face serious gun and drug crime penalties, including possible time in jail or prison. Depending on the severity of your charges, you can expect to serve any sentence at the Ascension Parish Jail or the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections.

Since possessing a firearm during the commission of a drug crime is a felony, you can likely expect to serve your sentence at the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections.

Drug Charges and Gun Seizures in Ascension Parish

Drug crimes are not uncommon in Louisiana, or throughout the rest of the United States, for that matter. Drug crimes accounted for 29.5 percent of all criminal sentences in Middle Louisiana in 2024 alone. This includes everything from simple possession to drug trafficking. Firearms accounted for 14.7 percent of sentences in the region.

Drug crimes and gun crimes can often go hand in hand. Just a handful of years ago, in 2022, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office seized large quantities of drugs and two dozen guns from a home in St. Amant.

The offenders were arrested and charged with Possession with intent to distribute and illegal carrying of weapons. If you’re facing complex charges like this, you can turn to an Ascension Parish drug crimes attorney to help you through the legal process. Your attorney can help you understand how state drug crime and gun seizure laws pertain to your case.

FAQs

What Are Louisiana’s Drug Crime Penalties For Charges Involving Gun Seizures?

Louisiana’s drug crime penalties for charges involving gun seizures depend on the facts of the case. You can expect to face felony charges for possessing a firearm during the illegal sale or distribution of controlled substances.

This carries a sentence of five to 20 years in prison at hard labor and fines between $1,000 and $5,000. It’s also possible to lose your gun rights, have professional licenses revoked, and face other challenges in your personal life.

What Makes a Drug Charge a Felony in Ascension Parish?

What makes a drug charge a felony in Ascension Parish usually lies in the quantity and type of controlled substance, as well as the accused individual’s intent with it. Many factors can escalate a drug charge to a felony under Louisiana law, including:

  • Drug manufacturing charges
  • Drug possession in drug-free zones
  • Large quantities (implies intent to distribute)
  • Possession of Schedule I or II substances
  • Prescription offenses
  • Prior convictions

How Does Possessing a Firearm Change a Drug Crime Charge in Ascension Parish?

Possessing a firearm changes a drug crime charge in Ascension Parish by escalating the potential sentence. Crimes become more serious with the addition of a deadly weapon. Possession of a firearm is illegal during the commission of certain felonies.

Offenders can face serious consequences. Moreover, it’s unlawful for offenders who possessed a firearm while distributing or selling controlled substances to possess a firearm or carry a concealed weapon. It can be difficult to restore your gun rights after this.

How Can an Ascension Parish Drug Crime Attorney Help With My Case?

An Ascension Parish drug crime attorney can help with your case in a number of different ways, depending on your unique situation. Our Ascension Parish criminal defense lawyers can work with local Louisiana investigators, legal researchers, and other professionals to help with your defense.

We can also navigate pre-trial motions, plea bargaining negotiations, and litigation through both the 23rd Judicial District Court and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, depending on jurisdiction.

Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer to Discuss Your Legal Options for Charges in Ascension Parish

Drug crime cases are inherently complex. They only become more difficult when charges add up due to the presence or use of a firearm.

It’s highly recommended that you secure legal representation in a drug crime case regardless of the details. You can count on the legal team at Longman Jakuback to be there for you.

Our Ascension Parish criminal defense lawyers have been guiding our clients through complex criminal cases for years. We’re a local boutique litigation firm comprising skilled attorneys, five of whom have been selected for inclusion in Louisiana’s Super Lawyers. This honor is only awarded to a small percentage of Louisiana lawyers each year. We’re also a part of:

  • American Association for Justice members
  • Highly rated by Super Lawyers®
  • Louisiana Association for Justice members
  • Named Rising Stars by Super Lawyers®*

To top it off, our firm is a part of the Fair Fight Initiative, which focuses on combating abusive criminal justice practices, ending mass incarceration, and exposing systemic racism. You can count on us to advocate for your freedoms and protect your rights when it matters most.

If you’re ready to learn more, reach out to the office to set up a meeting with a member of the team today. You can find us on I-10 and I-110 along the Mississippi River.

*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.

Five Super Lawyers. One Boutique Firm.
One Focus: Your Defense.

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Louisiana, the team at Longman Jakuback is ready to fight for you. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.