Whenever drug laws are violated, law enforcement officials do what they can to arrest the violators, whether the crimes are state or federal violations. The severity of penalties for drug crime convictions vary, but they can jeopardize the quality of the rest of a person’s life.
A recent drug raid in the Baker section of East Baton Rouge led to one suspect allegedly firing shots at officers before two area residents were arrested on a variety of drug and drug-related charges and weapons violations.
According to local news reports, a 31-year-old woman and 30-year-old woman were about to be served an arrest and search warrant at their home around 6 a.m. when the man inside the house allegedly opened fire on drug task force officers. None of the officers was injured.
When the house was secured, the man and woman were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute schedule II cocaine and possession of a firearm with a controlled substance. The man is facing an additional four counts of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, and the woman is facing charges of drug paraphernalia and being a fugitive from prosecution.
From the simplest to the most serious drug crimes, the suspects are certain to face grave penalties if they are convicted. Many of the drug charges are felonies that can result in substantial time in prison, in addition to heavy fines and limited employment opportunities once defendants are released from prison.
Fortunately, for the accused and others like them in Louisiana, drug charges can be challenged before and during trial. An experienced legal professional can dispute the prosecution’s evidence and the circumstances and procedures of the arrest and search. If the case does go to trial, an experienced attorney may be able to convince a jury to acquit.
Source: WAFB, “Baker man and woman arrested in drug bust,” Chiantia Sago, April 26, 2014
