Miscellaneous Drug Crimes in Louisiana
Louisiana drug crime law firms must often defend against additional crimes
Louisiana law imposes severe penalties for possession, sale, and manufacture or cultivation of illegal drugs. Penalties increase automatically when minors are involved in any way. The law is further complicated when charges include other criminal acts connected to illegal drugs.
With two decades of experience defending a wide range of crimes, the Louisiana drug crime law firm of the Law Offices of James Kirk Piccione has the skills needed to provide skilled representation for both drug crimes and any related criminal charges.
Examples of miscellaneous drug offenses
Any crime connected with illegal drug activities is subject to criminal charges and severe penalties upon conviction. A few examples include the following:
- Paraphernalia possession or sale. State law attempts to reduce illegal drug use by making it illegal to possess or sell drug-related paraphernalia, even if it is not yet directly connected to the use of drugs. Penalties are based on the number of offenses, ranging from $500 and up to six months in jail for the first conviction. Third convictions can be treated as either misdemeanors or felonies, and can cost offenders up to $5,000 plus potential jail time of up to five years.
- Laundering drug sale proceeds. The popularity of Louisiana as a tourist attraction makes it a prime location for many drug offenses, including the laundering of money derived from drug sales. State penalties can include fines of up to $1,000 and up to six months in prison for laundered sums of less than $3,000, categorized as a misdemeanor offense. Above that value, felony charges can increase fines up to $50,000 and include up to 99 years in prison. And those convicted of both state and federal money laundering can accumulate penalties of 20 years in federal prison and fines of the greater of $500,000 or twice the sum of the laundered funds.
- Counterfeit drugs. Under Louisiana law, individuals who sell counterfeit drugs may face stiffer penalties than they might receive selling bona fide drugs illegally, possibly because they are committing two crimes. They are selling drugs illegally, and operating a scam. A Louisiana conviction imposes fines of up to $5,000 and up to five years in a state penitentiary.
How our drug crime law firm in Louisiana can help
Lafayette criminal law attorney James Kirk Piccione treats miscellaneous drug crime charges with the same tenacity as any severe criminal charges. He protects the rights of his clients during questioning after arrest, and persistently examines all legal options to help ensure that each client receives the best possible outcome for his or her case.
A skilled and experienced Louisiana criminal defense attorney
If you or a loved one face drug or related charges in Louisiana, obtaining a crimnial lawyer in Lafayette 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.