Gretna Drug Crimes Lawyer
Experienced Drug Crime Lawyers Serving Gretna, Louisiana
Drug crimes are taken very seriously in Gretna and throughout Louisiana. Any person convicted of possessing, trafficking, or manufacturing illegal drugs will face very harsh penalties. If you have been charged with a drug crime, you need sound legal guidance from our Gretna drug crimes lawyer. We will answer all of your questions and help remove much of the stress from the situation.
What are Common Drug Crimes in Gretna?
The defense strategy your lawyer uses will depend on the specific drug crime you have been charged with. The most common drug crimes in Gretna are as follows:
- Simple possession
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug trafficking
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Typically, simple possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia charges are classified as misdemeanors. Simple possession of marijuana charges is laid when the amount in question is small enough to be considered for personal use. Charges relating to larger quantities of marijuana are often classified as felonies, as they may indicate the intent to sell, traffic, or manufacture. Additionally, possession charges of meth, heroin, and other illegal drugs are usually charged as felony offenses.
Categories of Illegal Drugs in Gretna
The penalties you will face if convicted of a drug crime depend on the category, or schedule, it falls into and the quantity involved. State law recognizes five different schedules of illegal drugs, with Schedule 1 outlining the most addictive and dangerous substances. The five schedules, and the drugs outlined within them, are as follows:
- Schedule 1: Ecstasy, Heroin, LSD, marijuana, and peyote
- Schedule 2: Methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, Adderall, and fentanyl
- Schedule 3: Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, testosterone, and anabolic steroids
- Schedule 4: Soma, Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Tramadol, and Ambient
- Schedule 5: Lyrica, Robitussin AC, and Motofen
Regardless of the type of drug you were charged with, it is natural to worry about the consequences you will face in the future. It is important to work with a Gretna criminal defense lawyer who will prepare the right defense strategy for your case.
Penalties for Drug Crimes in Gretna
The penalties you will face for a drug crime largely depend on the amount of drugs and the type of substance involved. Possession of less than 14 grams of marijuana is the least serious of all drug charges, as there is no jail time for those convicted. However, possession of more than 14 grams of marijuana is punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum $500 fine. These penalties only apply if it is your first offense. Subsequent convictions will increase the penalties.
Possession of any other Schedule 1 sentence is usually charged as a felony offense. Penalties for felonies are more severe, as are those associated with trafficking and manufacturing substances.
Call Our Gretna Drug Crimes Lawyer Today
At the Law Office of Robert S. Toale, our Gretna drug crimes lawyer knows just how serious these charges are. We will work hard to prepare the right defense in your case so you can beat the charges or get them reduced for a lighter sentence. Call or text us now at (504) 368-8440 or chat with us online to request a free consultation and to learn more.