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Louisiana takes drug crimes very seriously and has a complex system in place for determining drug crime penalties. The most effective way to reduce your chances of going to prison for a crime related to the possession, distribution, or manufacturing of illicit substances is to work with a New Sarpy drug crime lawyer.
Marino Law Firm, LLC, is run by father-and-son team, Mark A. Marino and Orrin A. Marino. Founding attorney Mark A. Marino graduated from the Louisiana State University Law Center and opened his practice almost immediately, focusing on criminal law, personal injury law, and family law. His son, Orrin, graduated from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, where he served as a student practitioner in the Family Law Clinic.
Complex criminal cases, such as drug charges, are typically referred to Mark A. Marino, who has extensive experience in defending clients against difficult charges. He is known for his honest, direct approach and for keeping clients well-informed throughout the legal process, and he has built a reputation among his peers for providing competent, zealous representation.
In 2024, Louisiana had 45% more drug overdose deaths than the rest of the country, at 33.5 deaths per 100,000 people. If you’re one of the many New Sarpy residents who have been accused of getting involved in the drug trade, whether via trafficking or simple possession, you can hire a drug crime lawyer to help you defend yourself against the charges.
Working with a New Sarpy drug crime attorney is the most effective way to clear your name and avoid a potentially lengthy prison sentence. Your attorney can protect your rights and advocate for you throughout the criminal process.
They can help you decide whether to negotiate a plea deal or take your case to trial and provide you with legal guidance and representation throughout. Facing drug crime charges can be intimidating, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
The severity of a drug crime largely depends on the schedule of the drug in question. Different statutes cover Schedule I, II, III, IV, and V substances.
Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 40:981.3 prescribes more severe punishments for violations of the state’s drug crime laws that occur in drug-free zones, which include those areas within 2,000 feet of:
The possession of most drugs, with the exception of small amounts of marijuana, is a felony offense in Louisiana.
In certain circumstances, defendants in drug possession cases may be eligible to participate in drug diversion probation programs. If you fulfill the terms and conditions of your probation, the court may discharge you and dismiss the proceedings against you. Since the establishment of drug courts in Louisiana, over 15,167 participants have completed their programs.
Drug trafficking involves the selling, transporting, distribution or importing of illegal drugs. This crime is treated even more seriously than simple possession, with sentencing dependent on factors such as:
If large amounts of drugs were involved, you could face a lengthy prison sentence. You don’t have to be caught selling drugs to be charged with distribution. If you’re found with a large quantity of illegal substances or cash at the time of your arrest, you could face these more serious charges.
Like trafficking, manufacturing or cultivation of drugs is more serious than possession. You could be charged with this crime if you were involved in any part of the production of illicit drugs, from obtaining or selling precursor chemicals for amphetamines to harvesting marijuana.
A drug crime in New Sarpy can be considered any illegal act involving the possession, use, manufacture, sale, or transport of controlled substances. The primary types of drug crimes are possession, distribution, trafficking, manufacturing or cultivation, paraphernalia offenses, and prescription fraud. No matter what type of charge you are facing, you can hire a New Sarpy drug crime attorney to help you defend yourself in court.
The “Big 3” drugs in Louisiana are fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. These illicit substances drive the highest rates of trafficking, violent crime, and overdose deaths across the nation and in Louisiana. Marijuana and controlled prescription drug use are also common in the Pelican State. Although the effects of marijuana are different, it is still considered a Schedule I drug in New Sarpy.
Examples of drug-related crimes in Louisiana include both direct drug offenses and secondary crimes driven by drug use or trade. These can include DUIs, property crimes like burglary, theft, or robbery to get money to fuel a drug addiction, or system-related crimes like engaging in gang violence, assaults, or homicides tied to turf wars over illegal drug markets.
The punishment for taking drugs in Louisiana depends on the type of substance, how much of it you had in your possession, and your criminal history. General possession of Schedule I or II drugs is punishable by up to five or ten years in prison and substantial fines. Possession of Schedule III drugs can lead to one to ten years in prison and fines of up to $15,000.
If you’ve been charged with any drug-related crime, you should hire a New Sarpy drug crime lawyer right away. You can turn to the team here at Marino Law Firm, LLC, for help.
Our firm was established in 1986, and in our many years in practice, we’ve developed a clear understanding of drug crime laws, the local courts, and how we can leverage our experience and knowledge to get our clients positive results. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
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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