Facing drug crime charges in Lake Charles, Louisiana, can feel like a devastating blow.
Louisiana has some of the harshest drug penalties in the nation, and a conviction can lead to
severe fines, lengthy prison sentences, a permanent criminal record, and lasting damage to your
reputation and future. At The Colonna Law Firm, LLC, our dedicated Lake Charles Criminal
Defense Attorney, Jacob Colonna, understands the complexities of Louisiana drug laws and
the immense pressure you’re under. We are committed to providing an aggressive, strategic
defense, protecting your rights, and fighting tirelessly for the best possible outcome in your case.
If you’ve been accused of a drug offense, do NOT speak to law enforcement without legal
counsel. Call us immediately.
Understanding Louisiana Drug Laws: Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) Schedules
Louisiana classifies drugs into five “Schedules” (I through V) based on their potential for
abuse and accepted medical use. The schedule of the drug, along with the quantity involved and
your prior criminal history, are the primary factors determining the severity of penalties.
Schedule I (Highest Potential for Abuse, No Accepted Medical Use): These carry the
harshest penalties.
o Examples: Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy (MDMA), synthetic cannabinoids, and for
certain purposes under Louisiana law, Marijuana.
Schedule II (High Potential for Abuse, but Some Accepted Medical Use):
o Examples: Cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, Adderall, Ritalin.
Schedule III (Moderate to Low Potential for Dependence):
o Examples: Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, anabolic steroids.
Schedule IV (Low Potential for Abuse):
o Examples: Xanax, Valium, Ambien, Tramadol.
Schedule V (Lowest Potential for Abuse, with Limited Medical Use):
o Examples: Certain cough preparations with codeine (e.g., Lomotil, Lyrica).
Types of Drug Crimes and Penalties in Lake Charles, LA
Our Lake Charles drug crime lawyer defends clients against a wide range of drug-related
charges, each with specific penalties under Louisiana law:
Drug Possession (Simple Possession)
Simply possessing a controlled dangerous substance without a valid prescription is a serious
offense in Louisiana. Penalties depend on the type and quantity of the drug, as well as prior
convictions. Even possession of a small amount can lead to significant consequences.
Schedule I or II Drugs (e.g., Heroin, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl,
Oxycodone):
o Less than 2 grams: Up to 2 years prison, up to $5,000 fine.
o 2 grams to less than 28 grams: 1 to 10 years prison, up to $5,000 fine.
o 28 grams to less than 200 grams: 5 to 30 years prison (hard labor), up to
$50,000 fine.
o Over 400 grams: 30 to 60 years prison (hard labor), up to $600,000 fine.
Schedule III, IV, or V Drugs:
o Generally, for less than 28 grams, penalties can include up to 5 years prison and
up to $5,000 fine, with escalating penalties for larger quantities and repeat
offenses.
Heroin Possession: Carries specific, often harsher, penalties within Schedule I.
Marijuana Possession
While Louisiana has seen some decriminalization for small amounts, marijuana possession
(outside of the highly regulated medical program) remains illegal and can still lead to criminal
charges:
14 Grams or Less (First Offense): A misdemeanor, typically enforced by summons,
fine of up to $100. No jail time for a first conviction. This charge is eligible for
expungement after 90 days if conditions are met.
More than 14 Grams (First Offense): Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in parish jail, up to
$500 fine.
Second Offense (More than 14g): Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in parish jail, up to
$1,000 fine.
Third Offense (More than 14g): Felony, up to 2 years prison (with or without hard
labor), up to $2,500 fine.
Fourth or Subsequent Offense (More than 14g): Felony, up to 8 years prison (with or
without hard labor), up to $5,000 fine.
Large Quantities (e.g., 60 pounds or more): Felony charges with mandatory prison
sentences ranging from 5 to 40 years and fines up to $1,000,000.
Possession with Intent to Distribute (PWID) / Distribution / Manufacturing
These are felony offenses with significantly harsher penalties than simple possession, even for
a first offense. The prosecution doesn’t need to prove you actually sold drugs; simply
demonstrating “intent” can be enough. Factors like drug quantity, packaging, presence of scales,
or large amounts of cash can indicate intent to distribute.
Schedule I (Narcotic Drugs like Heroin/Fentanyl): 5 to 40 years imprisonment at hard
labor, fines up to $50,000. Subsequent offenses can mean 10 to 99 years.
Other Schedule I Drugs (e.g., Ecstasy, LSD, Marijuana): 5 to 30 years imprisonment
at hard labor, fines up to $50,000. (Marijuana penalties vary by quantity and can be less
severe than other Schedule I drugs).
Schedule II Drugs (e.g., Cocaine, Methamphetamine): 2 to 30 years imprisonment at
hard labor, fines up to $50,000.
Schedule III & IV Drugs: 1 to 10 years imprisonment (hard labor for Schedule III),
fines up to $15,000.
Schedule V Drugs: Up to 5 years imprisonment, fines up to $5,000.
Drug Trafficking
This is the most serious category of drug offenses, involving the illegal transportation,
distribution, or sale of large quantities of controlled substances. Penalties are severe felonies with
mandatory long prison sentences and massive fines, often related to the specific type and
aggregate weight of the drug.
Drug-Free Zones: Enhanced Penalties
Louisiana imposes enhanced penalties if a drug offense occurs within 2,000 feet of specific
“drug-free zones,” even if you were unaware you were in such a zone. These zones include:
Schools (public or private, pre-K through university)
School buses
Drug treatment facilities
Religious buildings (churches, synagogues, mosques, etc.) – if visibly posted as a drug-
free zone.
Public housing authority property – if visibly posted as a drug-free zone.
Child day care centers – if visibly posted as a drug-free zone.
A conviction in a drug-free zone can result in 1.5 times the maximum fine and up to 1.5 times
the longest term of imprisonment authorized for the underlying drug offense.
Drug Paraphernalia
Possession or use of drug paraphernalia (items used for manufacturing, testing, or consuming
illegal drugs) is also illegal in Louisiana.
First Offense: Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in parish jail, up to $500 fine.
Second Offense: Misdemeanor, up to 1 year in parish jail, up to $1,000 fine.
It’s also illegal to sell, lend, or display drug paraphernalia.
How a Lake Charles Drug Crime Lawyer Can Defend Your Case
Facing drug charges requires an aggressive and knowledgeable defense. At The Colonna Law
Firm, LLC, our Lake Charles drug crime attorney will:
Scrutinize the Arrest: We meticulously review police reports, arrest procedures, and
evidence to identify any violations of your constitutional rights, such as illegal searches
and seizures.
Challenge Evidence: We contest the admissibility of evidence, including lab results,
informant testimony, and alleged confessions.
Investigate the Facts: We look into every detail, including the chain of custody for
evidence, calibration of testing equipment, and witness credibility.
Explore Defenses: We consider all possible defenses, such as lack of knowledge,
mistaken identity, entrapment, or actual innocence.
Negotiate with Prosecutors: We leverage our strong working relationships with District
Attorneys in Southwest Louisiana to pursue plea bargains, diversion programs, or
reduced charges that can minimize penalties or avoid a criminal record.
Provide Aggressive Trial Representation: If a favorable plea cannot be reached, we are
fully prepared to litigate fiercely on your behalf in court, presenting a robust defense to
a judge or jury.
Don’t Face Drug Charges Alone in Lake Charles. Contact Us Immediately.
The consequences of a drug crime conviction in Lake Charles, LA, can be severe and life-
altering. You need an attorney who understands the nuances of Louisiana’s strict drug laws and
has the courtroom experience to protect your rights and your future.
If you or a loved one has been accused of any drug crime whatsoever, contact The Colonna
Law Firm, LLC IMMEDIATELY. Time is critical in building a strong defense. Our Lake
Charles Drug Crime Attorney, Jacob Colonna, is ready to provide you with the aggressive,
compassionate, and effective legal representation you deserve.
Call our Lake Charles law office today for a free and confidential consultation. Let us fight
for your freedom.