Louisiana Cocaine Possession Attorney

Louisiana Cocaine Possession Laws

The state of Louisiana is very explicit when it comes to the possession of cocaine. Just like possession of other drugs, depending on the quantity possessed at the time of arrest, enhanced penalties are possible.

The amount possessed is dependent upon grams of powdered or cooked cocaine measured in grams:

• Under 28g: A maximum penalty of 5 years with or without hard labor and a $5,000 penalty

• 28-200g: 10-60 years with or without hard labor and $50,000 and $150,000 in fines. 

• 200-400g: 20-60 years of hard labor and $100,000 to $350,000 in fines.
• Over 400g: 30-60 years of hard labor and $250,000 to $600,000 fines.

Related Louisiana Cocaine Crimes

For the on-the-street patrol officer, arrests are made on the basis of probable cause. In layman’s terms, this means that there is a fair probability that a crime occurred. To prove possession of cocaine, an officer has to only show that the accused subject had cocaine on his person or in a reachable, controllable place where it would be reasonable to assume he or she was in possession of the substance. 

In some cases, probable cause exists for more serious offenses beyond possession alone:

• Distribution: To be charged with distribution of cocaine, probable cause must exist that a subject was exchanging cocaine for something of value. Penalties can range anywhere from 5 years to life in prison and fines up to $50,000. Enhanced penalties are present for sales made to persons younger than three years of the subject and/or minors.
• Trafficking: If someone produces cocaine or facilitates the transportation of materials used in the production of cocaine, that person can be charged with cocaine trafficking. Penalties range anywhere from 40-99 years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines. 

In some cases, many of these crimes are charged at the same time, making the importance of a competent Louisiana cocaine possession lawyer critical.