A Strong Defense Is The Only Way To Protect Your Future Against Drug Charges
People can find themselves facing drug charges in many ways. What may have begun as the legitimate use of prescription painkillers for an injury can easily become an illegal habit. Many of the painkillers people are prescribed now are very strong. Decent, hardworking people who have never had trouble with the law can find themselves facing criminal charges for a habit that began with a doctor’s prescription.
No matter how you came to be facing drug charges, you owe it to yourself to secure the best defense you can find. Our skilled drug charges defense attorney can make a difference. Schedule a consultation by calling 800-725-6413.
How do you get through this? You get through with legal help that is aggressive and can help the court see the whole story behind your charges. Our goal is to secure an outcome to your charges that helps you set your life back on track. We can help ensure that a one-time mistake with marijuana, heroin, meth or some other drug does not ruin your life. We offer our help to those facing a wide range of drug charges, including:
- Possession
- Distribution
- Manufacture
- Prescription drug charges
- Drug paraphernalia charges
- Juvenile drug charges
The Personalized Representation You Deserve
At Brett K. Duncan & Co., we have the skills and experience to fight to protect your rights and your future. Beyond the very real possibility of being sent to prison and facing substantial fines, a drug conviction can follow you for the rest of your life, creating problems whenever you are facing a background check. You deserve representation that will fight for you. We are here to help you secure the best possible resolution to your case. We will examine all possible avenues for fighting and winning for you, including reviewing your case for Fourth Amendment illegal search and seizure issues.
We work to give our clients the peace of mind that can come from being able to check on their case’s progress at any time through our My Case page.
What You Should Know About Drug Charge Defense In Louisiana
A drug charge can affect your freedom, driving privileges, job and future. It may also cause problems in other parts of your life. Knowing how Louisiana classifies drugs and what defenses may apply can help you understand your case and your options.
How Does Louisiana Classify Drugs Into Schedules, And Why Does It Matter?
Louisiana places controlled substances into five schedules. The schedules consider factors such as medical use, potential for abuse and risk of dependence. Schedule I includes heroin, LSD, many synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl. Schedule II includes cocaine, methamphetamine and oxycodone. Schedule III includes certain medications containing codeine and anabolic steroids. Schedule IV includes Xanax, Valium and tramadol. Schedule V includes certain low-dose codeine products. The schedule and amount of a drug can affect the charge and possible penalties.
What If I Am Facing A Prescription Drug Charge?
A prescription drug charge can involve more than having medication without a prescription. Louisiana prosecutors may pursue allegations involving doctor shopping, forged prescriptions, obtaining medication through false information, illegal distribution or driving under the influence of a prescription drug.
A valid prescription does not always resolve the issue. An attorney can review your prescriptions, medical records, pharmacy records and other evidence. This can help determine whether the state has enough evidence to prove the charges.
What Is A Drug Diversion Program And Am I Eligible?
A drug diversion or drug court program may give some defendants another option. It may allow you to avoid traditional prosecution or punishment. Depending on the program, you may need to complete treatment, drug testing, counseling, probation or other requirements.
Eligibility can depend on the offense, your criminal history and whether drug use played a role in the offense. You must also meet the program’s screening requirements.
What Are Potential Defenses For A Drug Charge?
The right defense depends on the facts of your case and the evidence. Potential defenses may include unlawful search or seizure, lack of knowledge or possession, a valid prescription, problems with drug identification or testing, an unreliable witness, or insufficient evidence. Your attorney may also question whether police followed proper procedures during a traffic stop, search, arrest or evidence collection.
A close review of the evidence may reveal problems with the state’s case. It may also help identify defenses that could apply. If you face a drug charge in Louisiana, an attorney can review your case, explain your options and help you decide what to do next.
We Are Here To Help
Drug charges can derail your life. Do not risk having to live with the consequences of a drug conviction. We can be reached to schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers by calling 800-725-6413 or contacting us online. We serve people throughout the Hammond, Louisiana, area, including Tangipahoa Parish and Livingston Parish.