A drug possession or trafficking conviction can significantly impact your life for years after your initial sentence. Depending on the severity of the crime and the factors of your case, you could be charged with a felony-level offense. Louisiana is especially tough on drug crimes, and those convicted could face extended prison sentences with hard labor. A felony conviction can carry many long-lasting effects and suspend some of your civil rights. Individuals convicted of certain felonies, including drug charges, can lose their right to own or possess a firearm.
If you have been arrested for a drug crime in Louisiana, it is essential to fight the charges you face to protect your future. A skilled drug offense attorney can help protect your gun rights and craft a solid defense for your case. Criminal cases can be complex, and you deserve to have a legal expert and advocate in your corner as you fight the charges against you.
How a Felony Drug Conviction Affects Your Right to Own a Gun in Louisiana
In Louisiana, those convicted of felony-level drug possession or trafficking can lose their right to own or possess a firearm for ten years after serving their sentence. Many individuals convicted on drug charges may think they will be able to subvert this rule. However, doing so is incredibly risky.
If you are caught and convicted of possessing a firearm during the ten-year ban, you could face up to 20 years in prison with hard labor without the possibility of parole and a fine of up to $5,000. Even being caught attempting to purchase or possess a firearm during the ban can result in severe penalties. Those convicted could be sentenced to up to seven and half years in prison with hard labor and $2,500 in fines.
What Makes a Drug Offense a Felony in Louisiana?
Most drug offenses are classified as felonies in Louisiana. Drug trafficking, selling, or possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell are always charged as felonies. If you only possess a small quantity of a less dangerous substance, you may be charged with simple possession. While simple possession is a misdemeanor offense and will not cause you to lose your gun rights, certain aggravating factors can escalate a simple possession to a felony-level offense. Some of these aggravating factors include:
- Possession in a “drug-free” zone such as a school or drug treatment facility
- Possession of Rohypnol (the date rape drug)
- Three or more misdemeanor drug charges
- Possession of two and a half pounds or more of marijuana or 28 grams or more of heroin, cocaine, or other dangerous substances.
It can be challenging to determine whether you face misdemeanor or felony charges until you know all of the details of your case. If you are under investigation for drug charges in Louisiana, an experienced drug offense attorney can ensure you understand the charges against you and the penalties you may face.
Contact a Trusted Louisiana Drug Offense Attorney
A felony drug offense can have a devastating impact on your life and revoke your second amendment right to bear arms. If you are up against drug charges in Louisiana, you need a legal expert on your side. Eric G. Johnson of the John D. and Eric G. Johnson Law Firm is dedicated to being a tireless advocate for the accused and fiercely protecting the rights of his clients. Attorney Johnson has nearly 30 years of experience providing award-winning legal services for clients like you across Louisiana. Call us today at (318) 377-1555 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.