Drug crimes are among the most common criminal offenses in Louisiana. Charges can include manufacturing, distribution and sale of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine and heroin as well as the illegal possession of prescription drugs. Each drug charge carries its own penalty, which often means incarceration and punitive fines. Anyone accused of a drug charge usually needs to build a strong defense if he or she wants to fight the charges.
Two men will need such a defense following their recent arrested on drug charges after Natchitoches Parish sheriff’s deputies responded to a call regarding the welfare of the residents of a home in Robeline, a small town about 100 miles north of Lake Charles. Deputies arriving at the residence smelled marijuana. After obtaining a search warrant, they found several weapons, drug paraphernalia, prescription drugs and suspected marijuana. Two men, one of them identified as a 34-year-old man, were charged with possession of hydrocodone, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and illegal possession of firearms.
Anyone accused of any criminal offense has the right to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement authorities. If someone is arrested, he or she has the right to speak with an attorney before talking with authorities. If drug charges are filed, it is important for the accused to determine whether the charges are misdemeanor or felony offenses. Misdemeanors are easier to deal with and usually have less serious penalties. When it comes to felony or federal drug charges, the accused faces much harsher penalties if convicted, so these charges must be aggressively addressed.
Establishing a strong criminal defense is the key to getting a case dismissed, charges reduced or an acquittal if the case does go to trial. The accused should seek immediate legal help to build a solid defense.
Source: Thetowntalk.com, “Robeline men facing drug charges after welfare call,” Aug. 29, 2014
