Drug Trafficking Attorney in Lake Charles, LA
If you have been charged or accused of selling and distributing controlled substances, be sure to consult a Lake Charles drug trafficking lawyer right away. Facing allegations of drug trafficking is very serious, especially if you have prior convictions on your criminal record. A qualified Lake Charles drug crime lawyer can represent you when faced with severe penalties and other potential consequences of a trafficking conviction.
Understanding Drug Trafficking Charges in LA
In fiscal year 2023, of the 64,124 criminal cases reported across the country, 29.9 percent of them were for drug-related offenses, including simple possession and drug trafficking. In Louisiana that year, 32.7 percent of sentenced individuals were involved in drug crimes.
Drug trafficking is defined as the intent to sell and distribute controlled or illegal substances without authorization. An individual can be charged with trafficking even if they weren’t caught engaging in such activities.
Even certain quantities of a substance found on their person or property can result in charges. This means that drug trafficking may be assumed if you are found with an amount larger than expected for individual use.
The federal government organizes controlled substances into five schedules depending on their determined potential for abuse. Depending on the severity of the drug you are found with, penalties for a drug trafficking conviction can vary. Generally, legal punishment for this drug offense includes a mandatory minimum prison sentence, large fines, and ineligibility to receive a suspension or parole.
Why You Should Hire a Drug Trafficking Lawyer
In the majority of cases, it’s beneficial to hire a drug trafficking lawyer for numerous reasons. Louisiana drug trafficking laws can be difficult to navigate on your own. A defense attorney can review the details of your case and understand what approach may be most effective.
When facing such serious criminal penalties, it’s highly advised that you consult an experienced defense professional to properly protect yourself and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
If you’re looking for a qualified and skilled Lake Charles drug trafficking attorney, look no further than the capable team at McHale Law Firm. At McHale Law Firm, a criminal defense practice based in Lake Charles, we are dedicated to our clients and helping them overcome a challenging, stressful time in their lives.
Head attorney Michael McHale has over 30 years of legal experience, aggressively representing his clients against a variety of criminal charges. He makes sure that each client understands their unique circumstances through thoughtful education and active engagement in the legal process.
Contact McHale Law Firm
337-802-9259Call Us Today
Where Are Drug Trafficking Cases Handled?
Where a drug trafficking case in Lake Charles may be processed can vary depending on the circumstances. Most local arrests typically go through the 14th Judicial District Court for Calcasieu Parish, which is located at 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601.
Interstate or larger-scale drug trafficking issues may fall under federal jurisdiction. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana is located at 611 Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601.
If your charges are tried on the federal level, they often come with larger consequences. This applies when drug transactions cross state lines, including digital transactions.
FAQs
What Is the Law on Drug Trafficking in Louisiana?
The law on drug trafficking in Louisiana states that it is illegal to traffic illegal or controlled substances. Drug trafficking is also referred to as “possession with the intent to distribute” or simply as the distribution or manufacturing of controlled substances.
An individual may be charged with this drug crime even if they are not actively found trying to sell or deliver drugs, such as when a large amount of substances is found within their possession, person, or property.
Can You Get Drug Trafficking Charges Dropped?
You can get drug trafficking charges dropped, although it is never guaranteed. Your strongest chances of having a drug trafficking case dismissed are by working with a defense attorney.
A qualified defense lawyer knows how to look for potential opportunities for a swift dismissal. In certain situations, the prosecution may be unable or choose to stop pursuing charges, such as when there is a lack of sufficient evidence or the defendant’s rights were violated.
What Are Defenses for Drug Trafficking in LA?
The defenses for drug trafficking in Louisiana include:
- Having an alibi
- Acting under duress
- Having a lack of knowledge that they were breaking the law
- Acting under an honest and reasonable misunderstanding of the circumstances
- Being a victim of mistaken identity or ownership
- Possessing items not meant for consumption
To determine what defense approach may be ideal for your unique case, be sure to ask a skilled attorney.
What’s the Minimum Sentence for Drug Trafficking?
The minimum sentencing for a drug trafficking conviction in the state of Louisiana depends heavily on the type of drug, the quantity of the substance, and the defendant’s prior criminal history. Drug trafficking is a serious felony, often posing a mandatory minimum sentence that the defendant must serve if convicted.
Typically, penalties for these cases include a lengthy prison sentence, hard labor, significant fines, and other consequences. A qualified defense lawyer can offer an anticipated sentence in your case.
How Long Is a Drug Trafficking Case in Louisiana?
How long a drug trafficking case can take in Louisiana varies quite a bit, depending on the factors of the situation. These cases may take anywhere from several months to a year or longer to fully resolve, depending on case complexity, the evidence available, court caseload, and more. Working with an experienced lawyer can help to avoid certain mistakes and potential delays in your case, streamlining the overall process.
Speak with a Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney
You can feel confident in the team at McHale Law Firm to handle your drug trafficking defense case. Reach out to us today to schedule an initial consultation with a knowledgeable, capable, and dedicated defense law attorney. We can answer your questions, address any concerns, and guide you through the first steps of your defense case.
