Drug Distribution
Practice Areas
Baton Rouge Drug Distribution Lawyer
The Law Offices of Ossie Brown delivers strong defense for people facing serious drug distribution charges in Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish. When you need a Baton Rouge drug distribution lawyer, our legal team steps in to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution’s case from the start.
Drug distribution accusations threaten your freedom, reputation, and long-term opportunities. The Law Offices of Ossie Brown provides experienced legal representation for clients facing drug distribution criminal charges throughout Baton Rouge. We offer a free initial consultation to review your situation and begin preparing a strong defense strategy. Call (225) 343-1111 or contact us online to speak with a defense lawyer who will protect your rights.
Facing Drug Distribution Charges in Baton Rouge, LA?
Drug distribution charges carry severe penalties that can impact your personal and professional life for years. If you face drug distribution charges in Baton Rouge, you need a defense lawyer who understands Louisiana drug trafficking laws and federal drug trafficking laws. Our legal team prepares a strong defense that challenges the prosecution’s case, examines police conduct, and seeks the most favorable outcome in your drug distribution cases.
Defense for Federal Drug Charges in Baton Rouge
Federal drug charges involve accusations under federal drug laws and bring harsher penalties than state cases. The federal legal process operates differently from state courts, with strict sentencing rules and mandatory prison terms for drug trafficking offenses. Our Baton Rouge drug crime lawyers review the prosecution’s evidence, examine the actions of federal agents, and prepare a strong defense that protects your rights from the start.
Federal Drug Conspiracy Charges
Federal drug conspiracy charges under 21 U.S.C. § 846 allow prosecutors to charge several people in one case. A conspiracy charge does not require proof that you possessed or distributed illegal drugs. Instead, prosecutors claim you agreed to participate in drug distribution activities. These cases rely heavily on wire taps, confidential informants, and testimony from criminal justice participants seeking reduced sentences. Our defense strategies focus on showing a lack of intent to distribute, a lack of knowledge of the alleged plan, or unreliable evidence that cannot support a federal conspiracy conviction.
Federal Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Federal drug laws impose mandatory minimum prison sentences based on the type and quantity of controlled substances. Sentences can reach ten years or more when federal thresholds apply. Judges have limited discretion during sentencing, which makes early case evaluation essential. Our attorneys examine safety-valve eligibility and substantial assistance options to reduce exposure to lengthy prison sentences. We guide you through each step of the federal process and work toward the most favorable outcome available under federal sentencing rules.
Defense for State Drug Distribution Cases in Baton Rouge
State drug distribution cases in Louisiana involve accusations under La. R.S. 40:966–970 for distributing, manufacturing, or possessing controlled dangerous substances with intent to distribute. These cases range from possession with intent to distribute smaller quantities to large-scale drug trafficking operations involving controlled substances.
Drug Possession Charges with Intent to Distribute (PWID)
Prosecutors file intent-to-distribute charges when they believe evidence shows a plan to sell illegal drugs rather than possess them for personal use. They point to factors such as large quantities of controlled substances, drug paraphernalia like scales or baggies, and large amounts of cash. Louisiana weight thresholds determine whether charges fall under simple possession or possession with intent to distribute, with quantities less than two grams sometimes qualifying for reduced charges. Our defense challenges the prosecution’s evidence and argues the facts support personal use instead of intent to distribute.
Louisiana Drug Trafficking Laws
Louisiana drug trafficking laws under La. R.S. 40:966–970 imposes significant penalties for distributing, manufacturing, or possessing controlled dangerous substances with intent to distribute. Penalties range from significant prison time to life imprisonment, depending on the substance and any aggravating factors. These charges are felony offenses that can create a permanent felony record and affect employment, housing, and voting rights. Our defense strategies focus on whether the prosecution can prove drug trafficking charges beyond a reasonable doubt and whether any evidence was obtained through unlawful search procedures.
List of Controlled Dangerous Substances in Louisiana
Louisiana drug laws classify controlled dangerous substances into schedules based on accepted medical use and potential for abuse. The schedule determines the severity of drug distribution criminal charges and the possible prison sentences.
Schedule I (Highest potential for abuse; no accepted medical use)
- Heroin
- LSD
- Ecstasy (MDMA)
- Marijuana
- Synthetic cannabinoids
- THC concentrates
Schedule II (High potential for abuse; limited accepted medical use)
- Cocaine
- Crack cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl
Schedule III (Moderate potential for abuse)
- Ketamine
- Anabolic steroids
- Testosterone products
- Products with codeine combinations
Schedule IV (Lower potential for abuse)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Tramadol
Schedule V (Lowest potential for abuse)
- Cough syrups with small amounts of codeine
- Antidiarrheal medications containing diphenoxylate
- Certain pregabalin products
Penalties for Drug Distribution of Controlled Substances in Louisiana
Drug distribution of controlled substances in Louisiana results in severe penalties, including long prison sentences and substantial fines. A felony charge for drug distribution can result in years in prison, with sentences ranging from up to ten years to life imprisonment for large quantities. The penalties for drug distribution also include hefty fines that create substantial financial hardship for defendants and their families. These serious legal consequences make it essential to secure experienced legal representation to fight for the most favorable outcome in your case.
Cocaine & Crack Distribution Defense
Cocaine and crack distribution charges carry significant penalties under Louisiana law and federal law. Sentences increase based on drug weight, purity, and any claimed aggravating factors. Federal prosecutions treat crack cocaine and powder cocaine differently, and these differences can increase exposure to lengthy prison sentences. Our experienced Baton Rouge cocaine possession and distribution lawyers review how law enforcement collected evidence, evaluate search procedures, and challenge the claimed weight of the controlled substances. We also examine whether officers violated your constitutional rights during the investigation.
Heroin & Fentanyl Trafficking Defense
Heroin and fentanyl trafficking charges bring some of the harshest penalties in Louisiana due to the substances’ risks and the state’s focus on opioid-related offenses. Fentanyl cases receive heightened attention at both the state and federal levels because of overdose concerns and claims of serious bodily injury. Prosecutors rely on lab testing to identify the substance involved, and testing errors can affect the outcome of your case. Our defense strategies focus on challenging testing methods, questioning lab procedures, and determining whether the prosecution can prove the defendant knew the substance involved.
Methamphetamine Distribution Defense
Methamphetamine distribution cases involve serious penalties, with courts distinguishing between manufacturing vs. distribution charges. Lab cases where defendants allegedly produced methamphetamine face enhanced penalties and additional charges related to endangering others. Drug paraphernalia found at alleged manufacturing sites can support the prosecution’s evidence even without large quantities of finished product. Our defense lawyers investigate whether evidence proves you actually manufactured or distributed methamphetamine or whether circumstantial evidence creates reasonable doubt.
Marijuana Distribution Defense
Although other states have relaxed marijuana laws, Louisiana continues to prosecute marijuana distribution as a felony offense. Possessing large quantities can lead to intent-to-distribute charges even without proof of a sale. Limited medical marijuana rules do not protect defendants from distribution charges under Louisiana law. Our defense strategies examine the quantity seized, the location of the arrest, and the prosecution’s claims to determine whether evidence supports personal use or another explanation for the amount recovered.
East Baton Rouge Parish Drug Distribution Defense Strategies
East Baton Rouge Parish drug distribution cases require defense strategies tailored to local prosecutors and courts. Our legal team examines every aspect of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and violations of your constitutional rights. We challenge illegal searches and seizures, question the reliability of confidential informants, and scrutinize lab testing procedures. Building a robust defense protects you from a permanent criminal record and the serious legal consequences of a drug conviction.
Illegal Search and Entrapment
Fourth Amendment violations occur when law enforcement conducts an illegal search without a valid warrant or probable cause. Suppression motions seek to exclude evidence obtained through unlawful searches, which can result in the dismissal of drug charges. Government overreach through entrapment happens when police inducement causes someone to commit a crime they otherwise wouldn’t commit. We file motions challenging unlawful search procedures and arguing that entrapment defenses apply to your case.
Challenging Weight and Testing for Drug Offenses
Drug testing errors can misidentify the substance involved or inflate the weight used to support drug distribution charges. Chain-of-custody problems arise when the prosecution cannot show that the substance tested is the same substance seized during the arrest. These issues weaken the prosecution’s case and can support reasonable doubt. We request hearings to question forensic analysts, review testing methods, and challenge flawed results that affect the severity of drug offenses.
Louisiana Drug Distribution Penalties & Sentencing Alternatives
Louisiana drug distribution penalties include long prison sentences, substantial fines, and a permanent felony record that affects employment, housing, and future opportunities. Sentences increase based on the drugs involved, the amount seized, and any claimed aggravating factors. Our legal team evaluates every option to reduce exposure to severe penalties and looks for alternatives that support rehabilitation and protect your freedom.
Drug Court Programs in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge drug court programs provide treatment-focused alternatives for eligible defendants facing non-violent drug crime charges. These programs include supervision, counseling, and regular court check-ins. Successful completion can help defendants avoid a permanent criminal record or reduce the penalties tied to drug distribution charges. We evaluate eligibility requirements and guide clients through each part of the application process.
First Offender Options
First offender options allow defendants with no prior felony convictions to avoid prison time and complete conditions such as treatment or community supervision. Pre-trial diversion programs pause prosecution while defendants complete specific requirements, including a drug treatment program when needed. Probation options also allow defendants to remain in the community under supervision rather than serve years in prison. Our legal team examines all available options and works to secure the most favorable result based on the facts of your case.
What To Do If You’re Arrested for Drug Distribution in Baton Rouge?
If you’re arrested for drug distribution or accused of selling drugs in Baton Rouge, exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Anything said during questioning can support the prosecution’s case, so avoid discussing your situation with law enforcement without legal representation present. Contact an experienced drug trafficking lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin preparing defense strategies. Early legal help plays a key role in reviewing evidence, identifying unlawful search issues, and preserving information that may support your case.
Contact a Baton Rouge Drug Distribution Defense Lawyer For a Free Consultation
The Law Offices of Ossie Brown offers a free consultation to discuss your drug distribution charges and explain your legal options. Our legal team has a proven track record of successfully defending clients facing drug trafficking charges in state and federal courts. We understand the serious penalties you face and work tirelessly to achieve the most favorable outcome in your drug distribution case.
Contact us today at (225) 343-1111 or online to schedule your free initial consultation and begin building a strong defense against your drug charges.
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