The minimum sentence for drug possession in Lafayette depends on the drug that was found and its quantity. The length of a sentence can vary from a few months to several years. Any previous convictions also have a role. If you were convicted of a drug crime before, you might receive a mandatory sentence for a second conviction.
Lafayette Drug Crime Lawyer
Lafayette Drug Crime Attorney
Some people use drugs for medical purposes, particularly those prescribed by a provider in the Ochsner Health System. However, Louisiana has strict laws for people who use drugs illicitly. If you have been charged with a drug crime, learn more about the details of your charges and fight against them with a Lafayette drug crime lawyer.
Experienced Drug Crime Lawyers in Lafayette, LA
At Longman Jakuback, we focus our practice on criminal defense. That means that we are experienced in the details of criminal law. Drug charges can be hard to navigate for those unfamiliar with local laws, but we can clearly explain the state’s case against you. Then, we can work hard to defend you against these accusations.
What Is a Drug Crime?
Drug crime cases involve the use of controlled substances in a way that is not approved by state law. This can involve simply possessing a drug, or it can be selling the drug. One or more of several charges can be applied, based on the context of the crime.
Every illegal substance is sorted into schedules. These schedules are organized based on how severe the drug is and how beneficial it is to the public. Generally, the lower the number, the more severe the penalties are.
Schedule I drugs are typically the most serious and include heroin and marijuana. Schedule VI drugs are associated with lower-tier narcotics, like codeine. There are several other tiers in between, each with varying penalties.
Each charge comes with its own set of penalties. Some charges might have required minimums, but an attorney can negotiate for lesser sentences for others.
What Affects the Penalties of a Drug Crime?
Certain elements of a drug crime can increase or decrease the sentence, including:
- Drug-free zones: Specific areas in Lafayette are designated drug-free zones, like buildings in the Lafayette Parish School System. If your charges happened in that area, you might be penalized more harshly than normal.
- Distribution: Having a large amount of drugs on you at one time might lead law enforcement to think that you are attempting to sell drugs, instead of simply possessing them. This leads to higher penalties.
- Weapons: In some circumstances, having a weapon on you while possessing drugs is considered more serious. This is because law enforcement might assume the drugs and the weapon are linked, even though they might not have been.
- Previous criminal record: As the number of prior offenses increases, the penalties increase with it. After a certain number of convictions, any future offenses are automatically considered a felony.
- Minors: People who give or sell drugs to anyone under 18 could be subject to higher penalties, especially if the drugs in question are more severe. This could be treated as a separate crime in addition to a drug distribution charge.
In June 2025, the Lafayette Police Department recorded 52.69 drug crimes per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 27.38. These numbers don’t benefit those accused. You need a Lafayette drug crime attorney to defend you against your drug crime allegations.
Why Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer?
Throughout the drug crime process, it’s important to remember that you have rights, namely the right to an attorney. You do not have to speak to law enforcement without professional legal representation.
You also have the right to a trial, where someone supports you through evidence. An attorney can provide effective arguments to disprove key evidence against you. They can also bring in witnesses who can offer positive evaluations of your character.
A defense attorney can develop the right defense strategy. For some people, the evidence against them isn’t legally valid enough to be considered in court. Others might have been subjected to an illegal search by law enforcement. It’s hard to know what the right defense is without a lawyer.
Louisiana is notorious for having extreme drug crime laws. Don’t let these laws affect your life. A defense attorney can work through these laws to positively resolve your charges.
Why Choose Us?
The goal of Longman Jakuback is to make our clients feel confident. Many people come into our office confused and do not know how to face their charges. We can explain your options and the state’s case against you. Our job is to offer practical solutions and put our clients in a better spot than they were before.
FAQs About Lafayette, LA Drug Crime Laws
Are There Alternatives to Jail for Drug Crimes in Louisiana?
There are alternatives to jail for drug crimes in Louisiana, especially for people who have no prior criminal record. A diversion program is often available to certain offenders. These programs are meant to rehabilitate people by offering counseling and rehabilitation programs. Completing all the requirements of the program might prevent incarceration.
What Drug Crimes Are Considered a Felony?
Some drug crimes are considered a felony. It depends on the type of drug and how much was found at the time of the arrest. Each drug is assigned to a certain schedule. These schedules dictate how serious the crime is. A drug crime attorney can try to bring the penalties down as much as possible for the schedule your crime involves.
Is Marijuana Still Illegal in Louisiana?
Yes, Marijuana is still illegal for recreational use in Louisiana. There are some exceptions for medical use, but it is still considered a Schedule I substance. Possession of small amounts of marijuana might only result in a fine, especially without any previous criminal history. Larger amounts typically come with more serious consequences, including jail time.
Committed to Our Clients
According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, the Lafayette Police Department reported 789 drug crimes in the past year. These vary based on severity, but most of them benefit from professional legal representation. Schedule a consultation with Longman Jakuback to find out more.
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