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Louisiana has strict drug crime laws that can leave offenders facing harsh penalties. If you’re facing charges, you have to act quickly to start building your defense. It’s important to understand Louisiana drug crime laws and your rights and legal options if you’re facing charges. Fortunately, you don’t have to learn everything on your own. Instead, you can turn to a skilled Harahan drug crime lawyer to help you through your case.
Marino Law Firm, LLC brings over 40 years of criminal defense experience to the table, and we’re ready to put it to work for you. As a leading Harahan criminal defense lawyer team, we have an in-depth understanding of Louisiana’s statutes and are passionate about defending our clients’ freedoms when they need us most.
Our attorneys know how to navigate cases through the 24th Judicial District Court in Jefferson Parish and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana for drug crime cases.
Drugs have a negative impact on many different parts of society, including crime rates, injury rates, and fatalities. Drug addiction is often a factor in accidental injuries and deaths. The creation, sale, and trafficking of drugs also continue to fund harmful habits and cause severe economic losses.
There were 18,150 cases involving drugs reported across the United States in 2024 alone. Drug crimes can be tried at the state or federal level, depending on the nature and severity of the charges. The more serious the charges, the higher the chances that the case ends up in federal court.
Drug crimes are prosecuted harshly under Louisiana law. In 2024 alone, over 32 percent of criminal sentences across the state were for drug-related crimes. This included sentences for possession and trafficking charges. Recent Louisiana drug arrest statistics highlight the aggressive nature of local law enforcement, making it vital to have an advocate who can challenge the state’s evidence.
You can be charged with drug distribution, manufacturing, possession, and trafficking. You can also be charged with drug paraphernalia if you’re caught with equipment used in drug-related activities. Drug crime penalties typically include time in prison and hefty fines. You may be able to secure alternative sentencing, including diversion programs, probation, and rehabilitation.
Since 1986, Marino Law Firm, LLC has been representing Louisianans throughout southeastern Louisiana. Our firm is passionate about protecting the members of our community in the River Parishes. We know how much you have to lose when you’re facing criminal charges and are dedicated to helping you reach a fair outcome.
Led by a father-son team with decades of combined experience under their belt, our firm knows how to provide sound advice and hands-on courtroom representation. Mark A. Marino started a solo practice right out of law school, focusing on criminal defense and litigation. His son, Orrin, also brings experience working in the Jefferson Parish Public Defender’s Office.
You can count on our team to support you during your case and protect your rights throughout the process.
Yes, you can have a drug crime in Harahan reduced or dropped in some instances. That said, it can be challenging to build a strong enough defense against the charges. It’s recommended that you hire a drug crime lawyer to help you through your case.
Whether or not a charge is reduced or dropped depends on the facts of the case, including the type and amount of controlled substances involved and your intent with them. Prior convictions also affect matters.
Drug crime cases in Harahan can escalate to the federal level under a number of different circumstances. For starters, crimes that take place on federal property are typically tried at the federal level.
If your case is a part of a larger federal investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) or another federal agency may get involved. Large-scale drug trafficking cases that cross state lines or international borders are also tried at the federal level.
The minimum sentence for a drug crime in Louisiana can vary based on the type of charge. Drug crimes are penalized based on the type and quantity of drug involved, as well as the intended use.
Simple possession or drug paraphernalia charges are typically the least serious drug-related charges you can get. Even then, the minimum sentence depends on the controlled substance involved and the offender’s prior criminal record.
What defenses you can use in a drug crime case in Harahan ultimately depend on the details of the charges against you. It’s wise to hire a drug crime lawyer to evaluate your case and help you form a defense based on state and/or federal drug crime laws.
Common defenses used in drug crimes include entrapment, illegal search and seizure, issues with chain of custody, lack of knowledge, lack of possession, and mistaken identity.
Drug crimes are prosecuted harshly under Louisiana law. Even simple possession can lead to time in jail and hefty fines.
If you’re facing charges, it’s imperative that you understand what steps to take to start building your defense. While you can represent yourself in these types of criminal cases, it’s highly recommended that you secure legal representation from a Harahan drug crime attorney instead.
Marino Law Firm, LLC has been handling state and federal drug crime cases throughout southeast Louisiana for decades. We bring over 50 years of combined experience defending clients in a number of complex criminal cases. We have a thorough understanding of Louisiana drug crime laws, and we’re not afraid to advocate for you and provide the honest counsel you need to get through your case.
If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, our team is here to help. Reach out to set up a consultation with a member of our team to learn more about how we can represent you. Our office is located in Destrehan on Campus Drive East near I-310.
Marino Law Firm, LLC, represents clients throughout southeast Louisiana’s river parishes. During regular business hours, call our Destrehan, Louisiana, office-toll free at 985-764-1515 with any urgent matters, including updates to an existing case. Our staff is available to take messages, schedule appointments and answer question about nonlegal matters. Contact us to arrange a consultation with an experienced Destrehan family law attorney and criminal defense lawyer.
call for consultation 985-764-1515
104 Campus Drive East
Suite 101
Destrehan, LA 70047
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