Orleans Parish Drug Crime Lawyer

Orleans Parish Drug Crime Attorney

Drug charges can shake your sense of security. The legal process can be harsh and cold, and many people feel judged before they’ve had a chance to speak. For experienced legal help, consider working with an Orleans Parish drug crime lawyer.

We Stay Involved at Every Step

The Law Office of Ryan N. Cox represents people who feel overlooked by the system. Our attorneys previously prosecuted felony cases in Jefferson Parish, and we now defend those facing criminal charges. We know what tactics the state employs and how to challenge them.

Types of Drug Charges

It’s estimated that drug-related crimes will cost New Orleans families $149 each in 2025. Drug charges in Orleans Parish are grouped into several categories, including:

• Simple possession. This charge means someone had drugs for personal use. It applies when there are no signs of selling drugs. First offenses may lead to fines or jail time, while repeat charges or harder drugs bring stronger penalties.
• Possession with intent to distribute. This is more serious than simple possession. It comes up when the police believe someone planned to sell drugs. Signs of sale, like scales or large amounts of drugs, can trigger this charge. Prosecutors push hard on these cases.
• Distribution or trafficking. This charge applies when someone is caught in the act of selling or moving drugs. It can involve street-level sales or larger operations. Trafficking often carries mandatory prison time. Large quantities make things worse.
• Manufacturing. Making or growing drugs can lead to a manufacturing charge. This includes growing marijuana or making meth. Even owning the tools to make drugs may lead to charges. These cases usually bring felony charges.
• Possession in a protected zone. If drugs are found near schools or parks, the charge becomes more serious. The law increases penalties for possession in these areas. A simple case can turn into a long sentence based on location alone.

Compared to the rest of the US, New Orleans has more drug crimes than 93% of other cities. This means that it is important to establish a strong defense for drug crime charges.

Your Constitutional Rights

Police must follow the Fourth Amendment when they search a person or place. Without a warrant or a valid exception, a search can violate your rights. If the police break the law, the evidence they find may not be used in court.

In drug cases, Fourth Amendment rights often come up during traffic stops or home searches. Officers sometimes search without consent or stretch the reason for the stop. If they don’t meet the legal standard, a defense lawyer can ask to suppress the evidence.

Judges often decide these motions before trial. If the court agrees the search was illegal, the case may fall apart. Drug charges depend on the drugs being allowed as evidence. Without that, the prosecution may have nothing left.

Common Defenses in Drug Crime Cases

Defense strategies in Orleans Parish depend on the charge and facts. One common defense is a lack of knowledge. If someone doesn’t know the drugs were there, the state must prove otherwise. That’s harder in constructive possession cases.

Another defense is an unlawful search. If police found the drugs during an illegal stop or search, that evidence can be excluded. No drugs in court means no case for the prosecutor.

Chain of custody problems may also come up. If the drugs weren’t tracked or handled properly after the arrest, the defense can question their reliability.

Entrapment is less common but still used. With this defense, your attorney will claim that the police pushed you to commit a crime you wouldn’t have committed on your own. Every case is different, but a good defense attorney starts by challenging the state’s version of the facts.

Why Do I Need an Attorney for My Drug Crime Case?

There are many reasons why you need a defense attorney for your drug crime case. The defense attorney plays a hands-on role. They review the arrest and check the evidence. Acting fast can change how the case unfolds.

A skilled lawyer understands what the local court expects. They know the prosecutors and how the judges rule. That helps in hearings and during a trial. More than anything, the attorney works to protect the person charged at every step of the case.

FAQs About Drug Crime Law in Orleans Parish,LA

How Long Do You Go to Jail for Possession of Drugs in Louisiana?

For possession of drugs in Louisiana, jail time depends on the type and the amount of the substance. For example, simple possession of marijuana under 14 grams has different penalties than larger amounts. Drugs like cocaine, meth, or heroin can bring much longer sentences. Possession of a Schedule I drug may lead to years behind bars.

Can Someone Be Arrested for Drug Possession Without Drugs on Them?

A person can be arrested for drug possession without drugs on them. This happens if the police think someone has access to them. If drugs are found in a car, the person who owns that car might be arrested. Whether this charge holds up in court depends on the facts.

What Is Intent to Distribute in a Drug Crime Charge?

The intent to distribute in a drug crime charge means that someone was planning to sell drugs. They do not need to be in the act to be charged with the crime, as the amount of drugs found is used as evidence. This crime also leads to distribution charges if there are packages or scales nearby to measure them. Even texts or conversations can be used to support this charge.

Can Drug Charges Be Dropped if There Was an Illegal Search?

Drug charges can be dropped if there is an illegal search. The Constitution protects against searches without a valid reason. Sometimes, the police search without a warrant and do not have an exception to do so. The defense can ask to throw out evidence gathered under these circumstances. If the drugs can’t be used in court, the case might be dropped.

A Strong Defense Starts With Facts

Drug crimes affect 7.8 people per 1,000 residents in New Orleans. Getting help after a drug charge can help you push through and rebuild. The law gives you the right to a proper defense, and you should take advantage of it. Schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Ryan N. Cox to speak with a defense attorney who knows how to beat drug charges.