Louisiana Legal Blog

Being arrested on drug charges in Louisiana can be a worrisome experience. Those who might have given or sold drugs to another person or are accused of doing so might have a vague understanding of the potential penalties they can face, but do not grasp the different potential consequences that could be assessed based on circumstances. For example, there is a difference between distributing to the drugs to a legal adult who is 18 or older and someone who is younger than 18. Knowing the law for distribution to those under 18 can be a critical part of a legal defense against the allegations.

It is important to understand how drugs are categorized. Schedule I drugs are those without acceptable medical uses and can be prone to abuse. Included are LSD, heroin, marijuana and ecstasy.

When Louisianans are stopped by law enforcement as part of an investigation to determine if a driver is driving under the influence, there are various steps the officer will take. Most people will understand what it means to blow into a Breathalyzer. This machine is used to determine the blood-alcohol content in the driver's system. A foundational part of many DUI cases, those who register over a certain level depending on the circumstances can find themselves arrested and in need of criminal defense.

However, a new report is calling into question the validity of these tests. Reporters from the New York Times investigated Breathalyzers. They found that many law enforcement agencies across the U.S. use machines that are inaccurate with numerous flaws contributing to the errors. Failure to register an accurate reading could mean that people who should not have been arrested were charged. These inaccuracies occurred at a worrisome rate.

You and your child's parent may be great parents, but that doesn't mean that it can be easy to co-parent from separate households. It really takes a great deal of effort, thought and patience to ensure that the co-parenting process goes smoothly. A child custody arrangement is often the first step in the process to get the ball rolling. For parents who have never experienced the child custody process, it can be nice to know what to expect.

When a custody agreement is decided they will decide on a number of issues that impact you, your child and your child's parent. Physical custody, legal custody, parenting plans, child support and other issues may be on the table during these discussions. It's important to understand that the ultimate goal of a child custody and visitation arrangement is to have an arrangement that is crafted in the best interests of the child. Other factors will be taken into consideration, but this goal is number one.

Facing criminal charges is a difficult predicament to be in. An alleged offender is likely overwhelmed by the entire situation, unsure what they can immediately do to better the matter. No matter how severe or minor the charges are, it is important to note that a criminal defense is always an option. But not all criminal defense strategies look alike; therefore, it is vital for a defendant to explore their options and what defenses would benefit them the most.

It can be challenging to weigh the pros and cons when asserting a defense, which is why our law firm takes the time to lay this out for our clients. The attorneys at Brett K. Duncan & Co., are dedicated to helping individuals facing a wide range of criminal allegations. Our focus is on making sure our client understand their options so they can make the best chose possible for their situation.