Lafayette Drug Crime Lawyer

Lafayette Drug Crime Attorney

Drug charges can carry serious consequences that might impact almost every area of your current life and future. These charges can be harshly prosecuted, and you will need a solid defense. A Lafayette drug crime lawyer can guide you through the legal system while aggressively advocating for your rights.

We Leave No Stone Unturned

Our highly regarded firm has been serving the Lafayette, Louisiana, community with exceptional legal representation since 1994. Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer, has a reputation for being diligent and delivering a methodological approach to trial preparation to make sure nothing gets overlooked. We are known for being committed to justice and have successfully defended many clients in complicated cases to cement our legacy as a leader in the field.

What Is a Drug Charge?

Drug charges fall under several categories, each carrying its own set of legal regulations and penalties. One of the most common charges is drug possession. This is when an individual is found with a controlled substance while not being permitted to do so. Drug distribution is typically more serious and involves the sale or transfer of drugs.

Drug trafficking includes moving large amounts of drugs or moving them across state lines. This charge is quite severe and often results in large fines and even prison time. Other severe charges are given out for manufacturing drugs, regardless of the drug itself.

The court usually assesses the type of charge as well as the context in which the drugs were found. If drugs were found in a situation that involved minors or was near a school, it could result in larger penalties. Charges could also escalate if there was violence or threats involved.

Potential Penalties

Penalties for drug crimes vary widely depending on many different criteria, including the gravity of the charges themselves. Some common forms of punishment include:

• Fines: The amount of fines charged to a defendant depends on the amount of drugs that were found and the type of drug.
• Probation: This is commonly used for more minor charges with smaller amounts of less dangerous substances, especially if the individual has a clean criminal record.
• Community Service: In place of probation or jail time, it is also possible to be charged with a certain number of hours of community service for minor drug crimes.
• Felony Charges: These charges are in addition to any other punishment you might face. They are especially egregious because a felony lasts on your criminal record for a significant amount of time, affecting your future opportunities. Receiving a felony conviction also revokes your right to vote and own firearms.
• Prison Time: More serious charges can lead to lengthy prison sentences. The length of the sentence can be extended if there was a large quantity of drugs involved, the drugs crossed state lines, or if the transaction was related to other criminal activity.

Due to the extensive amounts of penalties associated with a drug crime, it is important to develop a robust defense with the help of a criminal defense attorney.

Defense Strategies in Drug Crime Cases

There are many strategies that are used in drug crime cases to reduce or eliminate charges. One common defense is the legality of the search used to find the drugs. If a defendant’s rights are violated during the search, then that means any evidence found during that search might not be viable to use in court.

It is also possible to question the intent the defendant had, namely that they did not know the drugs were there or the drugs did not belong to them. Another potential defense strategy is that of entrapment if the defendant was tricked into committing a crime or if law enforcement convinced them to commit a crime that they might not have committed in other circumstances.

FAQs

Do You Go to Jail in Louisiana for a First Time Drug Offense?

First time drug offenders might go to jail in Louisiana depending on the type of offense they commit, the type of drug they are caught with, and how much was found. For example, the discovery of a small amount of marijuana might not be a felony charge and could result in probation rather than jail time. However, harder substances found in large amounts usually come with more severe penalties, including jail time, large fines, and other consequences.

What Are the Different Types of Drug Crimes?

The different types of drug crimes include drug possession, drug trafficking, and drug manufacturing. If you only have a small amount of illegal drugs on your person or property, it is likely for you to receive a possession charge. Large quantities of drugs found can make law enforcement believe that you intend to sell or distribute drugs, which is normally punished with a drug trafficking charge, even if you are not attempting to distribute the drugs.

Can Drug Charges Be Dismissed?

Drug charges can be dismissed depending on the severity of the charge and the circumstances of the individual case. It is common for an attorney to try and negotiate with prosecutors for lesser charges on behalf of their client. Even if the charges are not dismissed completely, it is possible to get charges reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor, which could have better results on your overall criminal record and potential future.

What Is Considered When Determining Sentences for Drug Crimes?

Criteria considered when determining sentences for drug crimes include many of the contextual factors of the crime. Different drugs are organized into categories called schedules. The more potential the drug has for abuse, the more severe the category of schedule it will be in. More serious drug categories come with more severe penalties. The court also reviews the defendant’s criminal history and takes it into account when sentencing.

Fight for a Second Chance

In drug crime cases, there is no time to waste. Building a powerful defense against serious allegations takes time. You deserve an attorney who is ready to take on this challenge and defend your rights. Drug crimes can be high stakes, but a strong defense can make a large difference. Schedule a consultation with Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer, today to help protect your future by securing a beneficial outcome for your case.