eric g johnson law
Experienced Criminal Defense
318-377-1555
  • Home
  • Attorneys
    • Eric G. Johnson
    • Rachel W. Bays
    • Staff
    • Client Testimonials
  • Cases We Handle
    • Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief
      • Criminal Appeals
      • Post-Conviction Relief
    • Assault and Battery
      • Aggravated Assault and Battery
    • Criminal Defense
      • Arson and Criminal Mischief
      • False Imprisonment
      • Federal Computer Crimes
      • Federal Criminal Defense
    • Criminal Expungement
      • Louisiana Expungement Laws
    • Domestic Violence
      • Domestic Abuse Battery
      • Protective Orders
      • Violation of Protective Order or TRO
    • Drug Offenses
      • Drug Possession
        • Cocaine Possession
        • Drug Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute
        • Heroin Possession
        • Marijuana Offenses
        • Meth Possession
        • Prescription Drug Offenses
      • Drug Trafficking
      • Drug Court
    • DUI/DWI
      • DUI Defense Strategies
      • DUI with a CDL
      • Refusing DUI Tests
      • Underage DWI
      • Vehicular Homicide
    • False Imprisonment
    • Juvenile Offenses
      • Juvenile Sex Crimes
    • Resisting an Officer
    • Sex Offenses
      • Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile
      • Child Pornography
      • Online Solicitation of a Minor
      • Prostitution
      • Sexual Battery
      • Video Voyeurism
    • Stalking
    • Theft
      • Burglary
      • Credit Card Fraud
      • Identity Theft
      • Robbery
      • Shoplifting
      • Welfare Fraud
    • Traffic Violations & CDL Licenses
      • Driving Without a License
      • Vehicular Manslaughter
      • Hit and Run
    • Violation of Probation
    • Violent Crimes
      • Murder
      • Manslaughter
    • Weapons Offenses
    • White Collar Crimes
      • Embezzlement
      • Money and Asset Forfeiture
      • Counterfeiting
      • Money Laundering
      • Tax Fraud and Evasion
    • Trespassing
  • Areas We Serve
    • Bossier Parish
    • Caddo Parish
    • Claiborne Parish
    • Bienville Parish
    • De Soto Parish
    • Lincoln Parish
    • Ouachita Parish
    • Natchitoches Parish
    • Sabine Parish
    • Shreveport, LA
      • Drug Defense Attorney
      • Domestic Violence
      • DWI Lawyer
      • BUI Lawyer
      • Traffic Offenses Lawyer
      • Theft Lawyer
      • Marijuana Possession Lawyer
    • Monroe, LA
      • Drug Defense Lawyer
      • DWI Lawyer
      • Sex Offense Attorney
      • DUI Lawyer
    • Ruston, LA
      • Drug Defense Attorney
    • Tallulah,LA
    • Webster Parish
  • Recent Cases
  • Blog
    • FAQ
  • Contact Us

7 Defense Strategies for a Drug Trafficking Charge in Louisiana

March 7, 2023Eric G. Johnson

Being arrested and charged with drug trafficking can be overwhelming, especially in Louisiana. Those who get convicted of drug trafficking in Louisiana face serious penalties. Knowing how to defend yourself in court against drug trafficking charges can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. It’s best to get the help of an experienced Louisiana defense attorney with a good track record.

Being charged with drug trafficking in Louisiana can be a serious offense, resulting in significant legal penalties. If you are facing a drug trafficking charge, it is crucial to understand the defense strategies that may be available to you. Here are some of the top defense strategies our skilled defense lawyers at John D. & Eric. G Johnson Law Firm may use to defend you against drug trafficking cases in Louisiana.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Defense Strategies Against Drug Trafficking Charges
    • 1. Challenge the Search and Seizure
    • 2. Challenge the Chain of Custody
    • 3. Challenge the Intent to Distribute
    • 4. Challenge the Informant’s Reliability
    • 5. Challenge the Prosecutor’s Evidence
    • 6. Negotiate a Plea Bargain
    • 7. Show the Drugs Are Not Yours
  • Contact an Experienced Louisiana Defense Attorney

Defense Strategies Against Drug Trafficking Charges

Some of the best drug trafficking defense strategies include:

1. Challenge the Search and Seizure

In many drug trafficking cases, evidence is obtained through a search and seizure of property or a vehicle. If the search was conducted without a valid warrant or probable cause, the evidence obtained might be deemed inadmissible in court. If true, it may significantly weaken the prosecution’s case against you. 

2. Challenge the Chain of Custody

The chain of custody refers to the process of collecting, storing, and analyzing evidence. In drug trafficking cases, the prosecution must prove that the evidence was not tampered with or contaminated at any point during the chain of custody. If there are any issues with the chain of custody, such as missing or mishandled evidence, it can raise doubts about the reliability of the evidence presented in court.

3. Challenge the Intent to Distribute

Drug trafficking charges often rely on evidence that suggests the defendant intended to distribute the drugs. There is a big difference between possession and possession with intent to distribute. A skilled defense attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding the possession of the drugs and build a case that challenges the prosecution’s claims of intent to distribute.

4. Challenge the Informant’s Reliability

Many drug trafficking cases rely on information obtained from informants who provide information about drug transactions. However, the reliability of these informants may be called into question, particularly if they have a history of drug use or criminal activity. A defense lawyer can investigate the informant’s background and challenge their reliability in court.

5. Challenge the Prosecutor’s Evidence

The prosecution must present evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime of drug trafficking. A skilled defense attorney can review the prosecution’s evidence to identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies that can be used to build a solid defense. This may involve analyzing the results of drug tests, reviewing witness statements, and examining physical evidence.

6. Negotiate a Plea Bargain

In some cases, a plea bargain may be a viable defense strategy. A plea bargain involves negotiating a reduced sentence or charges in exchange for a guilty plea. This strategy can be effective in cases where the evidence against the defendant is strong, and a conviction is likely. A skilled defense attorney can help negotiate a favorable plea bargain that minimizes the legal penalties you may face.

7. Show the Drugs Are Not Yours

The prosecution must prove that the drugs belonged to you. However, it is possible that the drugs did not belong to you and that you were unaware of their presence. For example, if you had friends over at your house or let a friend borrow your car, you may be unaware of any drugs they left there. Such scenarios make it difficult for the prosecution to convict you of the crime.

Contact an Experienced Louisiana Defense Attorney

We understand that drug trafficking charges can be scary. However, you have the right to a fair trial and an attorney. A skilled defense attorney will listen to your case, investigate the circumstances around your arrest, and fight for the truth. We will do everything we can to help you.

If you are facing a drug trafficking charge in Louisiana, having an experienced and knowledgeable defense attorney by your side is crucial. John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm is a team of skilled criminal defense attorneys dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights and achieving the best possible outcome in their cases. Contact us today at (318) 377-1555 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Recent Posts

  • A Complete Guide to Ignition Interlock Devices in Louisiana DWI Cases
  • DWI Charges Involving Prescription Drugs
  • Navigating Louisiana’s Unique Drug Paraphernalia Laws
  • Explaining Louisiana’s Laws on Firearms and Felony Convictions
  • Top Medical Defenses to DUI: How Health Issues Can Impact Your Case

Practice Areas

  • Appeals And Post Conviction Relief
  • Louisiana Murder Defense Attorney
  • Criminal Defense
  • Criminal Expungement
  • Domestic Violence And Protective Orders
  • DUI And Vehicular Homicide
  • Louisiana Sex Offenses Attorney
  • Traffic Violations And CDL Licenses
  • White Collar Crimes

Contact Us

Attention: While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice
John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
Facebook
LinkedIn
Yelp

John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
Office: 318-377-1555 | Fax: 318-377-1559
national association of criminal defense lawyers
lsba
criminal defense attorney louisiana
2018 top rated lawyer

John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
415 Main Street,
Minden, LA 71055

Areas Served: 
 Serving the entire State of Louisiana including Minden, Ruston, Monroe, Shreveport, Bossier City, as well as Caddo, Webster, and Ouachita parishes.
Ⓒ 2025 John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC. Disclaimer Privacy Policy. Legal Website Powered by Market My Market