Do You Always Have To Go To Court in Louisiana for Drug Charges?
Are you wondering, do you have to go to court in Louisiana for drug charges? This post is going to explain everything you need to know on the topic!
The Louisiana Drug Laws Are Tough!
Louisiana has some of the toughest laws when it comes to drug possession in the country. Even the smallest amount of marijuana obtained illegally will get you at least two weeks in jail and a fine of up to 300 dollars. If you possess more, you’re going to face harsher penalties including up to 40 years behind bars.
The Truth About Getting Busted For Drugs In Louisiana
Criminal Record
Laws within Louisiana state that anyone caught with an illegal substance will face misdemeanor or felony charges. This means that no matter what drug you have or how much, you will face a permanent mark on your criminal record.
It is essential to take the proper steps when you are charged. You will also want to educate yourself with the laws as well. The biggest issue you should address is getting an experienced lawyer.
Keep in mind that your criminal record holds all criminal charges. This does not just include drug charges. It includes theft, battery, and more. Your criminal record can determine your fate when facing drug charges.
Can I Get My Charges Dropped/Reduced?
You may not be aware but drug charges may be reduced or even dropped depending on a few factors. The biggest reason that you want this to happen is to avoid jail or prison.
For those who are facing subsequent drug charges, getting charges dropped is unlikely. However, the most that you can do at this point is try to reduce the charges so you do not face as much jail/prison-time. Those who have prior drug convictions have a huge impact on current charges.
Keeping Your Criminal Record Clean
If your criminal record is clean, your chances of having reduced or dropped charges increases greatly. If you are a repeat offender, your criminal record is going to make your charges worse as your criminal record is the first thing that is considered when charges are pending.
If your criminal record is causing issues, hire an experienced defense attorney to help you with your case. This will be your best bet to have your side heard and provide all the facts to speak on your behalf.
The Circumstances & Facts
If you want to have your charge reduced or dropped, they will take a look at how the search and seizure occurred. You have rights as a citizen and if these rights are not upheld by the law, you can provide this in court. You can get reduced or dropped charges.
Defense Attorney Duties
The main duty of your defense attorney will be to hear out your side of the story and determine if there are any details that can be used against you in court. They will also determine if there are any actions that were not taken properly during the search and seizure. If your rights have been compromised, you may have a good chance of reduced charges for repeat offenders and dropped charges for first-time offenders.
Going to Court For Drugs In Louisiana
Before you go to court, you should never mention anything incriminating. This includes the police. It is best to wait until a lawyer is present to speak to officers. You may be twisted into admitting guilt.
The best rule to follow is to play dumb. Act as if you were framed and you did not know that the drugs were there. Do not act as if you are guilty. Look shocked. If you are forced to talk, simply deny the existence of the drugs.
Avoiding Court
If you have hired an experienced defense attorney, they may have spotted a weak spot against the prosecution. Your attorney can then bring these details up to the prosecution with a deal.
To avoid court, your attorney will do everything they can to find weak spots in the prosecutions case against you. They will listen to both sides of the story and determine how to approach the case to benefit you.
If you are facing drug charges, the only way that you may avoid court is if you agree to a guilty plea or your attorney finds enough evidence to get the charges dropped.
PRO TIP: Read our article to learn if you can get charged with theft if you forgot to scan an item. We know it will be interesting.
Wrapping Up: Do You Always Have To Go To Court In Louisiana For Drug Charges?
While you are facing drug charges, it is best to remain silent. You should only speak to your defense attorney as you do not want to incriminate yourself. You will likely be going to court if there is not sufficient evidence to prove you innocent or it is a repeat offense.
If you are in this situation or someone you love is facing drug charges in Louisiana, contact Carl Barkemeyer, Criminal Defense Attorney for a consultation today! If you have any questions relating to drug charges or specific drug charges, contact Carl today! With several years of experience, you will have the best defense attorney by your side with the best chances of keeping your record clean or reducing sentencing as a repeat offender.
We hope this post has been helpful and that you learned a lot. You should now have a better understanding of information on your initial question – do you have to go to court in Louisiana for drug charges.
