Being charged with a drug crime in Louisiana is serious business. Even if your arrest is for simple possession of a controlled substance, you face the possibility of fines and even jail time. And these penalties can increase greatly if you are charged with intent to distribute. There are also specific circumstances related to the arrest that could result in even more charges.
Recently in Donaldsonville, seven individuals were arrested on a variety of drug charges. Reportedly, police officials received word indicating that a local barbershop was the site of drug activity. In response to this information, a search warrant was executed by narcotics detectives. It is said that the search led to the discovery of controlled substances, including one-fourth of a pound of marijuana along with some cash and drug paraphernalia.
According to a news release, the detectives released a man who had his young son with him while he was getting a haircut. The individuals who were arrested are now facing numerous charges including possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a CDS in the presence of a minor and possession of drug paraphernalia. As of the writing of this post, bonds had not been set for those arrested.
Facing intent to distribute charges is daunting enough, but the suspects in this case also must contend with being accused of conducting illegal drug activity in the presence of a young child. That additional charge could possibly compound the sentences the suspects would be eligible to receive.
If you are ever arrested for drug related crimes following a search and seizure, an experienced Louisiana criminal attorney may be able to help you form an effective defense strategy. The attorney could go over the circumstances of the arrest and look to see if it is possible to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Source: WAFB Channel 9, “7 arrested on drug charges at Donaldsonville barber shop,” Amber Stegall, Aug. 7, 2015