Shreveport Drug Possession Lawyer

Potential Charges for Drug Possession in Shreveport

Drug possession charges in Shreveport can either be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on several factors. One of those factors is the type of drug the defendant is accused of having possession of. For example, any possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and several other types of narcotics is considered a felony and can be punishable by prison and a fine. 

Another factor that is considered by the prosecution when determining whether to charge the crime as a felony or a misdemeanor is the prior criminal history of the defendant. In Louisiana, if someone is convicted twice on drug possession charges, their third conviction would automatically be a felony due to the state’s three strikes law. 

Consequences of Being Convicted of Drug Possession in Shreveport

Beyond jail and fines, being convicted of a felony results in many long-ranging consequences. Felonies appear on the individual’s criminal record and are visible to employers, landlords, educational or bank institutions, and are visible to those authorized to perform a background check. 

Convicted felons in Louisiana also lose their voting privileges while incarcerated, lose their right to own a firearm, and face a denial of access to governmental assistance after they’ve served their sentence. 

How a Shreveport Attorney Can Help You Defend Yourself Against Drug Charges

An experienced Shreveport drug possession lawyer can provide a number of services aimed at giving you an opportunity to reduce or even eliminate the consequences you face. These services begin with a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and the legal options that are available for you. Your Shreveport drug possession attorney will also help you to create a defense strategy based on the unique factors of your case.

Common defenses to drug possession charges include the defendant having no knowledge that the drugs were in their possession, or the drugs did not belong to them. Additionally, procedural missteps by investigators can result in the suppression of evidence. For example, if the case involves fabricated evidence, evidence that was obtained without a warrant, faulty witness testimony, or even a confession that was made under duress, a drug possession attorney can seek to have evidence suppressed or even a dismissal of the charges.

In many cases, the individual accused of drug possession may be struggling with addiction. If the defendant is a first-time offender and has been charged with a misdemeanor or non-violent felony, their attorney can work with the prosecution on a plea deal or participation in a pre-trial diversion program that includes treatment for the addiction in lieu of a conviction.

When Is the Best Time to Contact a Shreveport Drug Possession Lawyer?

Many people think that the best time to speak with a Shreveport drug possession lawyer is when their case goes to trial. However, the best time is actually as soon as possible. If you are being investigated for drug possession but have not been arrested, a drug possession lawyer can help to ensure that your rights are respected during the investigation. If you are arrested and do not have a drug possession attorney in Shreveport, the best time to speak with one is before you speak with the police about the allegations against you.

When a person is arrested for a drug crime, they have the right to obtain a Shreveport drug possession attorney and to use the phone to communicate with their drug possession lawyer in Shreveport. An arraignment will be scheduled. At that time, the defendant will hear the charges against them, have the opportunity to enter a plea, and inform the court as to whether they have their own drug possession attorney or need the court to appoint one for them.

If a Shreveport drug possession attorney is obtained before the arraignment, they will often already know what these charges are. If the charges involve a felony, the defendant will be required to attend the arraignment. However, if the charge is a misdemeanor, their attorney can attend on their behalf.