In Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, north of Calcasieu, a Robeline man was arrested after detectives saw the man dispose of drug paraphernalia in front of them. According to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, the man threw methamphetamine-related items out of his truck as they approached his vehicle. The officers collected the evidence, obtained a search warrant and then allegedly found paraphernalia and 1.5 grams of crystal meth in the suspect’s house.
The man was arrested on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine and taken to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center, where he is awaiting bail.
Although drug possession is considered by law to be less severe than drug trafficking, the suspect still will need to establish a criminal defense because of the serious consequences if he is convicted. Conviction would disqualify him from receiving any state benefits and affect future employment possibilities. Establishing a criminal defense is a critical stage for a person accused of drug charges. Failure to establish a resilient defense can certainly affect a judge’s decision in this case.
Louisiana does not tolerate drug-related offenses and imposes tough penalties and fines for conviction on drug charges. Marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, methamphetamines and prescription drugs are among the most common form of prohibited substances that police confiscate. People who are caught with large quantities of these drugs can face enhanced charges such as drug trafficking, which typically has much tougher penalties compared to drug possession.
In drug possession and drug trafficking cases, it is particularly important that people try to protect their constitutional rights. If police do not follow certain rules then evidence collected during searches can be thrown out of court, which can help to reduce charges.
Source: The Town Talk, “Robeline man facing drug charges,” Oct. 10, 2013
