Exotic Drug Crimes
Penalties vary greatly based on many factors
In a 2001 Louisiana Drug Threat Assessment, The National Drug Intelligence Center pointed to the use of a variety of club drugs as a serious problem. Because they are tasteless and odorless, various forms of Ecstasy, including GHB and GBL (a solvent commonly found in paint stripper) and other club drugs are often linked to sexual assaults.
Louisiana law imposes severe penalties for possession and sale of club drugs. The severity of penalties is based on many factors, including the number of prior offenses, the drug involved, and the quantity of the drug. If you are charged, you need experienced legal support from the Law Offices of James Kirk Piccione.
Penalties are similar and serious for most drugs
Regardless of whether hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD are involved, or if someone is charged in a crime involving club drugs, methamphetamines, or heroin, Louisiana imposes severe penalties that increase based on the number of violations. Even a first offense for any quantity of drug possession can be fined as much as $5,000. The highest quantities can be fined from $100,000 to $400,000, based on the type of drug, and jail time can be as long as 80 years. Penalties for first offense sale of any quantity of most drugs can include up to $50,000 in fines, with 30 years maximum imprisonment.
Steroids are also subject to prosecution
Anyone caught with steroids without a prescription, or performing other illegal activities such as selling them, can be subject to both state and federal prosecution, with punishment largely driven by the quantity involved. Under federal law, first offense, simple possession, can be punished by up to one year in federal prison, a minimum fine of $1,000, or any combination of the two.
A second offense includes a mandatory prison sentence of 15 days, which can extend to two years, plus a fine of up to $2,500. A third federal offense makes 90 days mandatory, with up to three years possible, and a minimum fine of $5,000. And in Louisiana, even a first offense, personal possession charge, can carry a possible prison term with hard labor.
The importance of an experienced defense attorney
Formulating an effective defense against drug charges requires an attorney with exceptional skills and experience. Lafayette criminal defense lawyer James Kirk Piccione has over two decades of experience helping defendants achieve the best possible results for their cases by using various techniques, including the following:
- Building a solid case to refute evidence against those who are innocent of all charges
- Negotiating a reduction of charges to reflect the true nature of a crime
- Negotiating penalty reductions
- Participating in plea bargain agreements when appropriate
A skilled and experienced Louisiana criminal defense attorney
If you or a loved one face drug or related charges in Louisiana, obtaining a Lafayette criminal attorney well-versed in drug law is vital to your freedom and your future. Attorney James Kirk Piccione is qualified and respected in the Louisiana legal community.
The Law Firm of James Kirk Piccione is committed to providing aggressive, competent, legal representation to our clients throughout Southern Louisiana. Call James Kirk Piccione at 337-233-9030, or contact us online today.