Louisiana Drug Crime Lawyer: Protecting Your Future
Louisiana is known for having some of the toughest drug laws in the United States. Most possession charges carry felony-level consequences, including jail time, fines, probation, and a criminal record. If you’ve been charged with possession, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking, you need an experienced Louisiana drug crime lawyer on your side.
Daniel Ginnetty at Hogan Attorneys has over a decade of experience defending clients against drug-related charges across Louisiana. He knows how prosecutors build these cases — and how to fight back to protect your rights and freedom.
Understanding Louisiana’s Controlled Substance Schedules
Louisiana divides controlled substances into five schedules:
Schedule I – High abuse potential, no accepted medical use (e.g., heroin, LSD).
Schedule II – High abuse potential, limited medical use (e.g., cocaine, fentanyl, oxycodone).
Schedule III – Moderate abuse potential (e.g., anabolic steroids, ketamine).
Schedule IV – Lower abuse potential (e.g., Xanax, Valium).
Schedule V – Lowest abuse potential (e.g., cough syrups with codeine).
While these schedules are meant to guide penalties, Louisiana treats most drug possession cases as felonies, regardless of the schedule. That’s why hiring an experienced drug crime lawyer is critical from day one.
Why You Need a Drug Lawyer in Louisiana
Louisiana law doesn’t just target common controlled substances like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or meth. It also criminalizes “controlled substance analogues”— chemicals that are similar in structure or effect to scheduled drugs (La. R.S. § 40:964.1).
That means you can be charged with a drug crime even if the substance isn’t specifically listed in the statute. Without a skilled drug lawyer, you may face severe consequences that don’t fit your situation.
Don’t Let a Drug Conviction
Define Your Future
Penalties for Drug Crimes in Louisiana
The severity of your penalty depends on the drug, the amount, and whether prosecutors charge you with simple possession or possession with intent to distribute (PWID). Some key examples include:
Marijuana – Repeat offenses or more than 2.5 pounds can result in felony distribution charges.
Heroin – Even small amounts can mean 2–10 years in prison. Distribution carries 5–40 years at hard labor.
Cocaine & Meth – Possession of just a few grams can result in up to 10 years in prison. Manufacturing or trafficking can lead to 10–30 years without parole.
Fentanyl – Among the harshest penalties in Louisiana: distribution can result in life imprisonment.
Alternative Sentencing Options
While Louisiana laws are strict, there are opportunities for alternative sentencing that an experienced drug lawyer can pursue:
Drug Court Programs – Focus on treatment and rehabilitation instead of jail. Successful completion can even result in dismissal of charges.
First Offender Programs – Options for probation, deferred sentencing, and eventual expungement.
Treatment-Based Alternatives – Especially in cases involving heroin or fentanyl, treatment programs may be ordered in place of prison time.
These programs can mean the difference between a felony record and a second chance.
Federal Drug Charges
If your case involves interstate trafficking, large quantities, or federal investigation, you may face federal drug charges. Federal cases are prosecuted aggressively and carry mandatory minimum sentences, asset forfeiture, and extensive supervised release.
At Hogan Attorneys, we have the skill and experience to defend clients facing both state and federal drug prosecutions.
How a Louisiana Drug Crime Lawyer Builds a Defense
Every case is unique, but our approach often includes:
Challenging the legality of searches, seizures, and statements under the Constitution.
Evaluating trial issues like whether the drugs were provably in your possession and whether the weighing and lab testing was done accurately.
Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges.
Fighting at trial when your freedom is on the line.
Our goal at Hogan Attorneys is always to achieve the best possible outcome — whether that’s a reduced charge, dismissal, or acquittal.
Why Choose Hogan Attorneys
Choosing the right drug crime lawyer could be the most important decision you make. Here’s why clients across Louisiana trust Hogan Attorneys:
Proven experience – We’ve defended multiple clients in complex drug cases.
In-depth knowledge – We stay up-to-date on Louisiana’s ever-changing drug laws.
Strong relationships – Our reputation with judges and prosecutors helps us negotiate from a position of strength.
Personalized defense – We don’t use cookie-cutter strategies. Every defense is tailored to your case.
Trial-tested – When necessary, we fight in court to protect your future.
Louisiana Drug Crime
Defense You Can Trust
Other Resources You May Find Helpful
DWI/DUI Defense – Many clients facing drug charges are also charged with impaired driving.
These related practice areas can provide a broader defense strategy depending on your situation.
Contact a Louisiana Drug Crime Lawyer Today
Time is not on your side after a drug arrest. The earlier you contact a defense attorney, the better your chances of building a strong defense.
Call Hogan Attorneys today for a confidential consultation. We are available 24/7 to protect your rights and fight for your future.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific circumstances.