Drug Possession
Don't Gamble with Your Attorney
Lafayette Drug Possession Lawyer
Aggressive Defense for Drug Possession Charges in Louisiana
Drug possession is a serious crime in Louisiana. If you are convicted, you could face jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing drug possession charges, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At J. Bradley Cockrell, Attorney at Law, we have over 30 years of experience defending clients against drug charges. We understand the stakes and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and your future.
Call (337) 448-4777 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Lafayette drug possession attorney.
What Is Drug Possession?
Drug possession is a crime that involves having illegal drugs on your person or in your control. You can be charged with drug possession even if you do not own the drugs or if you did not know they were in your possession. In Louisiana, drug possession is a serious crime that can result in severe penalties.
Types of Drug Possession
There are two types of drug possession: actual possession and constructive possession.
Actual Possession
You are in actual possession of drugs if you have them on your person. For example, if you are pulled over and the police find drugs in your pocket, you are in actual possession of the drugs.
Constructive Possession
You are in constructive possession of drugs if you have control over them. For example, if the police find drugs in your car, you are in constructive possession of the drugs because you have control over the vehicle.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Louisiana?
Drug possession is a serious crime in Louisiana. The penalties you face will depend on the type and amount of drugs you are found to be in possession of.
Simple Possession
Simple possession is the possession of a small amount of drugs for personal use. Simple possession is a misdemeanor in Louisiana. If you are convicted, you could face up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $500.
Possession with Intent to Distribute
If you are found to be in possession of a large amount of drugs, you could be charged with possession with intent to distribute. This is a felony in Louisiana. If you are convicted, you could face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
Repeat Offenses
If you have been convicted of drug possession in the past, you could face enhanced penalties for a subsequent conviction. For example, if you are convicted of simple possession and you have a prior conviction, you could face up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000.
Defending Against Drug Possession Charges
There are several defenses that can be used to fight drug possession charges. The best defense will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. An experienced Lafayette drug possession attorney can review the facts and evidence and help you determine the best defense strategy.
Illegal Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police find drugs during an illegal search, the drugs cannot be used as evidence against you. An experienced Lafayette drug possession attorney can review the facts of your case and determine if the police violated your Fourth Amendment rights.
Not in Possession
You can only be convicted of drug possession if you were in actual or constructive possession of the drugs. If the drugs were not in your possession, you cannot be convicted of drug possession. Our experienced Lafayette drug possession attorney can review the facts of your case and help you determine if you were in possession of the drugs.
Not Aware of the Drugs
You can only be convicted of drug possession if you knew you were in possession of the drugs. If you were not aware of the drugs, you cannot be convicted of drug possession. We can review the facts of your case and help you determine if you knew you were in possession of the drugs.
Entrapment
Entrapment occurs when the police induce you to commit a crime that you would not have otherwise committed. If you were entrapped, you cannot be convicted of drug possession. Our attorney can review the facts of your case and help you determine if you were entrapped.
How Can a Drug Possession Lawyer Help?
If you are facing drug possession charges, it is important to consult with an experienced Lafayette drug possession attorney as soon as possible.
Our attorney cah help by:
- Helping you understand the charges you are facing and the potential penalties.
- Helping you understand your rights and your options for defending against the charges.
- Reviewing the facts and evidence and help you determine the best defense strategy.
- Representing you in all court hearings and proceedings and can negotiate with the prosecutor to try to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
- If you are convicted, an attorney can represent you at your sentencing hearing and can help you seek alternative sentencing options, such as probation or drug treatment.
Why Choose J. Bradley Cockrell, Attorney at Law?
At J. Bradley Cockrell, Attorney at Law, we have over 30 years of experience defending clients against drug charges. We understand the stakes and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and your future. We will review the facts and evidence and help you determine the best defense strategy. We will represent you in all court hearings and proceedings and will fight to get the charges reduced or dismissed. We will also help you seek alternative sentencing options, such as probation or drug treatment. If you are facing drug possession charges, we are here to help.
Call (337) 448-4777 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Lafayette drug possession attorney.
wHY cHOOSE uS?
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Nearly 30 Years of ExperienceHiring an attorney is the biggest bet you can make when it comes to your case and it's important that you hire someone who has the experience to get the job done right.
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Prepared to Go to TrialHaving successfully handled countless cases in court, our attorney knows how to read the prosecution and call their bluff.
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A Proven Track Record of SuccessWe don't fold under pressure. We fight aggressively for our clients in order to achieve the best possible outcome. Our history of results proves that.
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Straightforward ApproachWe don't sugarcoat things or beat around the bush. We tell our clients the truth about their situation and the solutions we can pursue with them.
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Drug Distribution
Defendant was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
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DWI
Defendant stopped at 3:00 am for red light violation and arrested for operating under the influence.
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2nd Degree Battery
Defendant was charged with 2nd degree battery for attacking the complainant with a metal pipe at a construction site.
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Attempted 2nd Degree Murder
Defendant was accused of hiring someone to kill his ex-wife. Defendant’s ex-wife was shot by the individual that broke into her home.
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OWI
Defendant was charged with OWI after blood test results showed a .34 blood alcohol level.
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Computer Aided Solicitation
The defendant was charged with using his computer to entice a person under the age of 18 to engage in sexual conduct.
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Possession With Intent to Distribute Cocaine
Defendant was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
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Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile
Defendant was charged with indecent behavior with a juvenile when his girlfriend’s 8-year-old daughter made allegations against the defendant.
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Indecent Behavior With a Juvenile
Defendant was charged with indecent behavior with a juvenile when his girlfriend’s 8-year-old daughter made allegations against the defendant.
What to
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What should I do if I’m arrested?
The most important thing to know after an arrest is what not to do. An arrested person should not talk with the police. They should not make casual small-talk in an attempt to be friendly. They should not submit to questions about the alleged crime until their lawyer is present. That leads us to the first concrete action an arrested person should do, and it's to call their attorney.
The U.S. criminal justice system offers arrested people and defendants a lot of rights, but those rights often have to be exercised. A person has the right to remain silent and has the right to a lawyer. They should use both. The Law Office of J. Bradley Cockrell can be reached at (337) 448-4777. Use the phone wisely.
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Why do I need a lawyer if I’m innocent?
The harsh reality is this–innocent people do end up being found guilty in courts. Innocent people can be subjected to pressures and say thing that end up being misinterpreted. Innocent people can certainly be subject to scare tactics from a prosecutor and plead guilty to a lesser crime they did not commit in exchange for the D.A. not pressing more serious charges.
An experienced defense lawyer will know when the authorities have real evidence and when they are bluffing. An experienced attorney knows how to navigate an interrogation. Attorney J. Bradley Cockrell is just such an experienced attorney.
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CAN CHARGES BE REDUCED?
Charges can be reduced, although it typically happens through a process called plea bargaining. This is where the defendant is offered lesser charges in exchange for a guilty plea. As noted above, this is something that defendants are strongly advised to rely on an experienced attorney.
The offer of a plea deal may be a tacit admission from a District Attorney that they don’t have enough evidence to get a conviction on anything. Or it might be a legitimate offer asking a defendant they believe they can convict for information that might lead to arresting a more dangerous and influential person. A plea offer may also be a reflection of a D.A. with a heavy caseload and looking to find ways to manage it.
Experienced defense counsel can be invaluable in helping a defendant sort through the range of possible motives and evaluating whether a plea offer is best for them.
