A charge for the possession of drugs can result in either a misdemeanor conviction or a felony conviction with harsh jail time. But that’s not where the damage ends. A drug conviction can haunt you for the rest of your life, whether it be getting a job, owning a firearm, or losing your voting privileges. If you have been charged with possession of drugs, you need legal representation from the onset.
Criminal Defense Attorney for Lake Charles, LA
We at Hunt Law Firm believe in defending the rights of all Americans. That’s why we have spent the past 20 years helping those accused of drug charges get their lives back on track. Some of the offenses that we have dealt with include:
Misdemeanor drug charges
While misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, they nevertheless can bring stiff penalties without the proper legal counsel. Such crimes may include theft, minor drug offenses, and occasionally drug possession.
Misdemeanor drug possession
In Louisiana, the only drug that is charged as a misdemeanor is marijuana, and only if it is under 14 grams. Anything higher than 14 grams and you could be charged with the intent to sell, which is an automatic felony.
Felony drug charges
A felony drug charge is much more serious than a misdemeanor. It could land you in either state or federal prison for many years. A felony drug charge can result from the following:
Felony drug possession
You can be charged with a felony if you are found holding large quantities of illegal drugs, even without the intent to sell.
Felony drug distribution
Also known as drug trafficking, a felony drug distribution charge results from a person manufacturing and distributing an illegal drug.
Drug paraphernalia charges
Drug paraphernalia refers to an object used solely for taking illegal drugs such as baggies, cut straws, hypodermic needles, etc.
Public intoxication
An individual can be arrested and charged for public intoxication if they are endangering themselves or others in a public place as a result of their intoxication. Police, however, must have probable cause before arresting someone for public intoxication.
CDS possession charges
CDS (controlled dangerous substances) include drugs such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, as well as the compounds used to make them. Penalties can range from a few thousand dollar fine to extensive prison time depending on the circumstances.
If you’ve been charged with any of the above offenses, call Hunt Law Firm today. To expedite your case, please fill out the Drug Charges Case Review Form and submit these results. We will contact you shortly thereafter.