What is the Sentence for Drug Charges?
What is the sentence for drug charges? This post will explain everything you need to know on the topic! So read on to learn all about the sentences for drug charges.
Penalties For Drug Charges Vary
As you may know, the penalties for a drug sentence are going to vary from drug to drug. The courts will also take into consideration how much of the drug a person possessed and if they were going to sell the drugs as well.
Scheduled Drugs – What are They?
There are controlled substances in Louisiana. All controlled substances are divided into five schedules. The most dangerous and abused drugs are going to be schedule I drugs. This is because these are going to be the drug that is going to be least used medically and has a higher potential to be an abused substance.
Keep in mind that all scheduled drug possession is going to have harsh repercussions. Keep in mind, even the smallest drug possession charges are going to result in harsh penalties as well.
Charges
There are five schedules, as mentioned before. Each of them is going to have a minimum and maximum sentence. We are going to talk in more detail about the punishments now.
Schedule I Drug – No Prescription
You are going to face at least four years of prison, and this could include hard labor. The maximum for this is ten years. You will also face fines that can be up to five thousand dollars.
Schedule II Drugs
You are going to face at least two years behind bars. You are not going to receive more than five years. A fine of up to five thousand dollars can be issued as well.
Schedule III Drugs
This is going to be a charge of up to five years behind bars and a fine of five thousand dollars.
Schedule IV Drugs
This charge comes with up to five years in prison. All drug charges will be able to come with a fine of up to five thousand dollars.
There is one exception to this rule. This is for Flunitrazepam. If you do not have a prescription, you are going to be facing up to ten years behind bars. This charge also can carry a hard labor sentence as well. The fine will stay the same for up to five thousand dollars.
Schedule V Drugs
The fine for this is again five thousand dollars. The sentence has a maximum of five years in prison.
Keep in mind that these are all simple open and shut cases. Each case is different and should be handled that way. The sentence can differ when additional charges are added. The charges listed above are for simple possession cases.
Distributing Drugs in Louisiana
As we discussed above, simple possession charges carry a harsh penalty. However, a simple distribution charge is going to be much more severe. Again, these penalties are going to vary based on the drug that is intended to be sold.
For an example, if you are charged for a Schedule I drug (Marijuana), You could face up to thirty years behind bars. You will also be guaranteed at least five. Plus, a fine of up to 50,000 dollars.
Trafficking Drugs
If you are ever charged with trafficking any type of drug, contact a defense lawyer. This is especially important if you are charged with heroin, ecstasy, and cocaine. Keep in mind, there are many other drugs that you can be charged with trafficking.
If you do not get help from an attorney with experience, you are going to face a lot of time in prison. This could be twenty plus years. Hiring a good defense attorney is going to benefit you greatly. An experienced attorney will be able to look at the case and see if the investigation was done properly and any other flaws that can be found within the case. They can also investigate how the seizure took place and if it was conducted properly according to your rights as a citizen.
Experienced Drug Attorney
It is essential that the attorney you hire is experienced in drug cases within the state. That is why you should hire someone from Carl Barkemeyer, Criminal Defense Attorney. This law firm has many years of experience with drug cases. In fact, the first two years of practice were nothing but drug charge cases. This means that they have the experience needed to ensure that you are getting the best chances.
Wrapping Up: What Is The Sentence For Drug Charges In Louisiana
Drug charge sentences are going to be harsh, that is especially true in the state of Louisiana. If you are facing any type of drug charge, contact Carl Barkemeyer, Criminal Defense Attorney for all your needs.
Set up a consultation and pay attention to your options. Determine what route is best for you and your case. Bring all the evidence and paperwork to your consultation so the attorney can assess the case properly and determine how to best help you. Make sure that you contact us as soon as charges are set to ensure that you have the best odds for your case.
You should now know the answer to your question what is the sentence for drug charges in Louisiana and we wish you all the best!
