Heroin Possession and Distribution – Louisiana
Heroin Possession and Distribution – Louisiana
If you or someone you care about has been charged with a drug offense involving heroin, it is important to contact an experienced Covington criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Ernest Bauer is committed to helping each client achieve the best possible outcome in their case and works to ensure that their rights are protected. Contact her today for a free consultation.
In Louisiana, possession and/or distribution of heroin is a serious criminal offense. Possession of heroin is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years with or without hard labor and a fine of up to $5,000. Distribution is punishable by imprisonment for up to 40 years with or without hard labor and a fine of up to $50,000. Additionally, those convicted of possession or distribution of heroin may be required to undergo substance abuse treatment and testing.
Under Louisiana law, a conviction for possession and/or distribution of heroin can also result in the suspension of a person’s driver’s license. Further, those convicted of possession and distribution of heroin will be ineligible for public benefits, such as food stamps, public housing, and other government assistance programs.
Under the Louisiana Criminal Code, Heroin is classified as a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance.
These crimes are felonies. The laws pertaining to possession and distribution are as follows: Possession of Heroin:
1st Offense: Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000
2nd Offense: Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000
3rd or Subsequent Offense: Up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000
Distribution of Heroin:
1st Offense: Up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000
2nd Offense: Up to 50 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000
3rd or Subsequent Offense: Life in prison and/or a fine of up to $150,000
DRUG TREATMENT AND PENALTIES
In Louisiana, possession of heroin is a felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $5,000 if you live near Covington, which is a city in, and the parish seat of, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, Possession with intent to distribute is also a felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $50,000. The distribution of heroin is a felony punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000. Furthermore, if the distribution of heroin involves a minor or is within 2,000 feet of a school, the penalty is up to 50 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $150,000. Additionally, if the distribution of heroin results in serious bodily injury or death, the penalty is up to life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $150,000. For those convicted of heroin possession, the judge may also order drug treatment as an alternative to incarceration. If the defendant successfully completes the court-ordered drug treatment program, the court may expunge the conviction from the defendant’s record.
It is important if you live in the surrounding areas of Mandeville, LA 70471 985.898.2700 to note that the consequences for possession and/or distribution of heroin in or around Covington, which is a city in, and the parish seat of, St. Tammany Parish, can be even more severe if the person has prior convictions for drug offenses or if the person is charged with an additional offense of possession with intent to distribute.
DISTRIBUTION OR POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE
Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:966 establishes the penalties for possession with the intent to distribute a controlled, dangerous substance. Possession with intent to distribute is a more serious crime than simple possession and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $50,000.
Additionally, the law provides that if the amount possessed is more than 2 ½ pounds, the person may be charged with possession with intent to distribute to a minor, which carries a penalty of up to 40 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000. In addition to the penalties above, it is a crime to possess drug paraphernalia with the intent to distribute a controlled, dangerous substance. Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
If you have been charged with Possession or Distribution of Heroin, Call (504) 610-5645, you need a skilled, hardworking Drug Crimes Defense attorney by your side.
Tags: Louisiana Drug Laws
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