Serving clients throughout Louisiana.
Under Louisiana law, controlled dangerous substances (CDS) are classified into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and their accepted medical use. If you’re arrested for a drug crime, the type and amount of drug are going to affect how you’re charged and how likely it is to secure a favorable outcome. A Prairieville drug crimes lawyer from Longman Jakuback can help you figure out what steps to take to build a strong defense against your charges.
Drug crimes don’t just pose a risk to those directly involved in the illegal activities. Drug-related deaths have been on the rise in recent years, in large part due to high volumes of controlled substances being moved in and around the country.
It’s estimated that 1.16 million Americans are arrested for drug crimes every year. Drug-related offenses accounted for 32.7 percent of all criminal sentences in Louisiana in 2023.
Due to the serious nature of drug crimes and the risk they pose to society, you can expect to face harsh penalties for drug crimes in Prairieville. Your sentence is going to depend on the severity of the crime and your criminal history, as well as other factors related to your specific case.
For example, you can expect to face a much lighter sentence for simple possession of marijuana versus drug trafficking charges involving fentanyl. Drugs are typically organized into schedules, with Schedule 1 being the most serious and Schedule V being the least serious in terms of penalties.
Law enforcement agencies are reporting cases involving fentanyl and fentanyl analogs increasingly in recent years. There were 1,177 deaths in Louisiana due to synthetic opioid poisoning (fentanyl) in 2021.
No matter what level of drug crime charge you’re facing, it’s wise to contact a Prairieville drug crime lawyer to represent you and advocate for you throughout your case.
Longman Jakuback has decades of criminal defense experience rooted in Louisiana law. As a local law firm, we’re proud to serve our clients in their times of need.
We understand that these moments don’t have to define you, and we’re dedicated to helping you tell your side of the story. Over the years, we’ve earned a great reputation amongst our clients and peers alike.
Five of our attorneys have been selected for inclusion in Louisiana’s Super Lawyers. This honor is only awarded to a small percentage of attorneys across the state every year.
Additionally, our firm is a part of the Louisiana Association for Justice and American Association for Justice and earned credentials like:
Whether you’re charged at the state level through the 23rd Judicial District Court or at the federal level through the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana, you can rest assured you have comprehensive support and advocacy through every step of your case.
We fight aggressively to protect your rights and future.
The drug crimes you can be charged with under Louisiana law depend on the nature of the crime. There are many types of drug crime charges based on the type and quantity of substance involved as well as its intended use.
Our Prairieville drug crime attorneys have experience navigating cases involving:
The nature of your charges is going to affect your specific sentence.
Defending against drug charges in Prairieville can vary from case to case. A common defense tactic involves challenging the legality of the case being built against you, including the search of your property, your arrest, and the subsequent processing.
Common defenses that your Prairieville drug crime attorney may discuss with you include:
You can also take advantage of diversion programs to avoid jail time.
Drug crime cases in Prairieville can escalate to federal court for multiple reasons. Federal agents can choose to take over a case if the crime took place on federal property or is related to a larger federal operation.
Mass quantities, large-scale trafficking, and any drug crimes that cross state lines can also be tried in federal court. You can expect federal cases to be settled through the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.
Yes, you can avoid jail time for a drug crime in Prairieville. This can be difficult to accomplish, especially if you have a prior criminal record. Simple possession is typically the least serious drug crime charge you can get, and it still carries a mandatory minimum sentence depending on the type and quantity of drug involved.
It’s possible to secure a lighter sentence for cases involving personal possession of a small amount. You can also enter a plea bargain.
Facing drug crime charges is serious. Louisiana’s drug crime laws can be difficult to navigate, and it’s easy to make mistakes throughout the process that can lead to lasting consequences. If you even suspect you’re being investigated for a drug crime, it’s recommended that you seek legal representation and start building your defense right away.
Since we opened our doors many years ago, Longman Jakuback has been representing individuals in complex criminal cases throughout southeast Louisiana. Our attorneys are familiar with tactics used by prosecutors, and we’re comfortable navigating charges at the state and federal level.
If you’re ready to learn more about how you can defend against a drug crime charge in Louisiana, reach out to the office to schedule a consultation with a member of our team today. We’re ready to serve our clients throughout southeast Louisiana from our office conveniently located near I-10 and I-110.
*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
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.
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