Lake Charles Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug Crime Attorney in Lake Charles, LA

Lake Charles residents get to enjoy a variety of local events, including Chuck Fest and the Crawfish Festival. However, some residents experience unfair treatment by law enforcement, which results in drug crime charges. A Lake Charles drug crime lawyer can help those facing criminal charges.

Experienced Drug Crime Lawyers in Lake Charles

At Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates LLC, we work hard to resolve your case. Our decades of experience in criminal law can help create a defense strategy that works. There are often many more options for your case than you realize when working with a drug crime attorney.

What Is a Drug Crime?

Many people think of things like possession in a drug crime case, but there are many other crimes that can lead to a drug crime, including:

• Possession. Even small amounts of drugs, if found, can result in a possession charge. The severity of the charges depends on the type of drug. Each drug is assigned a certain class called a schedule, ranked 1-6. A lower schedule number means the consequences for possessing the drug are worse.
• Trafficking. Sometimes, law enforcement does not need proof that you were planning on selling or distributing drugs to charge you with trafficking. If you are found with large amounts of drugs or are transporting drugs across state lines, you might be charged with trafficking regardless of proof of sale.
• Prescription or insurance fraud. Prescription drugs, especially narcotics, are susceptible to being retrieved by fraudulent means. If you lie to an insurance company to receive prescription drugs that you do not need, you can be charged with fraud. This can affect your insurance policy and come with criminal charges.
• Aggravating factors. There are some aggravating factors that can make your drug crime charges worse. One of them includes possessing or distributing drugs in areas with children, like schools or parks. Possessing a weapon or committing another crime while possessing drugs can also make charges worse.
• Driving on drugs. Driving under the influence, or DUI charges, do not just apply to alcohol intoxication. They also apply to being on prescription drugs. Law enforcement can pull you over if they suspect you are under the influence of any substance that impairs functioning, including drugs.

Louisiana had 2,281 arrests per 1,000 residents for drug possession crimes, the sixth highest in the nation. It is vital that you work with an experienced legal team to help with your case. Working with a drug crime lawyer can help the court see the grey areas in your case.

Why Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer?

Hiring a drug crime lawyer in Lake Charles can help you either get your charges dismissed or reduce your sentence. Lawyers do this in many different ways. One of the most popular issues that come up in a drug crime case is traffic stops. Law enforcement must have what’s called probable cause to pull you over in the first place. This means they have to already be suspicious that you were impaired in a way that affects your driving.

Some law enforcement officers pull people over without a valid reason. An attorney can review police reports and body camera footage to determine whether there was a good reason for the traffic stop. Evidence obtained during an unjustified traffic stop is often deemed inadmissible in court. This means that it cannot be used. This can lead to your case against you having much less proof than needed to convict you of a drug crime.

There are also other defense strategies that attorneys can use to help you fight your drug charges. It is helpful to have their experience during this process so that they can determine the most effective defense strategy for your case.

Why Choose Us?

Getting drug crime charges can lead to anxiety and fear in our clients. That’s why one of our goals at Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates LLC is to make you feel as comfortable as possible. We do this by explaining your options and working with you one-on-one. The care and attention we provide can make you feel more assured about the outcome.

FAQs

Will a First-Time Drug Offender Go to Jail in Louisiana?

A first-time drug offender could face jail time in Louisiana. It depends on the type of substance found and how much was found. There are diversion programs available to some first-time offenders. These programs help people avoid jail by participating in programs such as counseling and community service. To learn more about your eligibility, speak with a criminal defense attorney.

How Do You Win Against Drug Charges in Lake Charles?

To win against drug charges in Lake Charles, you should work with an attorney who has experience in trying drug crimes similar to the crimes you are being charged with. It is also important to ensure that the attorney has worked in the parish where you were charged. This means the attorney might have relationships with the local court staff.

What Defenses Can You Use in a Drug Crime Case?

The defenses you can use in a drug crime case depend on the details. If the search that found the drugs was done without a warrant, it might have violated your constitutional rights. If this is the case, then the evidence that was recovered during this period might not be used in court, which can result in your charges being dismissed.

Are Drug Crimes State or Federal Crimes?

Drug crimes can be either state or federal crimes, depending on what took place. Most minor crimes are handled only at the state level. If interstate commerce was involved, including Internet communication or distribution, the charges might become federal. This is especially the case if the amount possessed is significantly large.

Don’t Be Another Statistic

To learn more about what an attorney can do for you regarding a drug crime, schedule a consultation with Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates LLC. Our legal team can help you evaluate your legal options and determine the appropriate next steps.