Diazepam (Valium) Possession Charges and Penalties Louisiana

Diazepam is a Schedule IV Controlled Substance. This means that the drug has lower chances for abuse and higher medical use. However, that does not mean that people do not abuse this class of drugs. There are going to be different circumstances if you have different drugs. Plus, police will also consider how much of a drug you have. Let us look at possession charges and penalties in Louisiana. We will look at the legal process in Louisiana as well. 

How the Legal Process Works in Louisiana 

If you are charged with a drug possession charge, you will need to know how the process works. You need to know the legal aspects of the process. It is a simple, straightforward process that is easy to understand. 

1. The first thing that will happen is arrest. You will be arrested for the crime you are charged with. The file will then be sent to the office of the district attorney. 
2. The next step will happen about four weeks after your arrest. The file will be assigned to a prosecutor. This prosecutor will hold your case until one of two things happen. The first is that you appear in court. The second is that you have paid any fees. (This depends on the crime committed) 
3. After six weeks of being arrested, the prosecutor assigned to your case will review it. They will determine what you should be sentenced with. They will also determine how to carry out a fair trail for everyone. If you have a case with little evidence, the prosecutor may drop the charges or trial. 
4. If you must go to trial, your date will be available after step three has been finished. You will appear in court; and be given an attorney if you cannot afford one. However, it would be in your best interest to hire an attorney with any possession charge. 
5. Once you have appeared in front of a judge, you will have your final trial date. This is where evidence will be brought up, and you are given your sentence. Most often, this date is known as a motion date. People will often ask for another trial date to gather all evidence.
6. Your status date is going to occur. This happens when all defense attorneys and prosecutors appear in front of the judge. They will discuss any other outstanding problems before your trial occurs. 
7. Now you have a trial. This is the chance to prove your innocence. Once all evidence is given, you will be convicted. If you are found guilty, you will be given your sentence. If you are found not guilty, you are free to leave. 

Penalties for Possessing Diazepam (Valium) in Louisiana 

You cannot possess a Schedule IV drug such as Valium (Diazepam) without a prescription. These drugs are not as dangerous as Schedule I drugs. However, they are still dangerous if not taken properly. 

If someone is charged with possessing a Schedule IV substance, it includes a hefty fine. This fine could be up to five thousand dollars. It will also include being put in prison for at least a year but no more than five.

Second-Time Offenders Of Valium Possession

Those who have a possession charge on their record will face harsh punishment. The fine can double, and so can the prison sentence. This means a fine of up to 10,000 dollars and up to ten years in prison. 

Possession in a Drug-Free Area 

If someone is arrested in a drug-free zone, the penalties multiply by one and a half. The fines and prison sentences will be multiplied by one and a half. This means that if you have possession charges for the second time and you are in a drug-free zone, you can face three and a half times the punishment of a first-time offender. 

Wrapping Up: Valium Possession Charges And Penalties In Louisiana

Taking the time to find the right attorney is the best idea. An attorney can help tremendously if you are facing any type of drug possession charge. You want someone who knows what they are talking about. You need an attorney who will listen to you and help you. It is best to hire an attorney with experience dealing with possession charges. This will be the best thing that you can do in a situation like this.

If you are facing Diazepam charges in Louisiana, you know that the penalties can be very harsh. You will need to consult with a Louisiana criminal defense law firm in order to get charges drastically reduced and salvage your record. Barkemeyer Law Firm is a criminal defense law firm with locations throughout Louisiana. We can help you get the best results for your drug possession charges.

You should now know all about diazepam possession charges and penalties in Louisiana and we wish you the best of luck.