Louisiana Meth Possession Laws

Meth Possession Defense Attorney In Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA

Meth possession in Louisiana carries severe penalties, including 5 to 30 years in prison and fines up to $600,000. Louisiana classifies methamphetamine as a Schedule II controlled substance, making even simple possession a felony offense with mandatory minimum sentences. The penalties increase dramatically based on the quantity of methamphetamine in your possession.

If you face meth possession charges in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, Ruston, and Minden, the criminal defense team at the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm can provide experienced legal representation. Methamphetamine is an extremely powerful, synthetically produced stimulant. Known by various street names like “ice” and “meth,” it’s easily produced and pervasive in many Louisiana communities. Producing, using, possessing, or trafficking meth are all criminal violations. Our firm handles all types of drug offense cases throughout north Louisiana.

What Are Louisiana Meth Possession Laws?

Louisiana state law models its controlled substance laws after the Federal Controlled Substances Act definitions and guidelines.

Louisiana defines illegal stimulants as the following:

“Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, or other stimulants listed in Schedule II”

Possession of methamphetamine or a stimulant in the Class II controlled substances category is subject to the same criminal penalties as possession of pure methamphetamine.

If charged with possession of a Class II controlled substance and convicted, the following penalties are possible:

Imprisonment with or without hard labor for 5-30 years, and may pay a fine of up to $600,000. Increased penalties for large amounts.

Regardless of intent, mere possession of meth constitutes enough probable cause for an arrest and charge for possession. Aside from possession, there are additional penalties for production as well as trafficking.

What Are the Penalties for Meth Production and Distribution in Louisiana?

Possession of methamphetamine by itself is an arrestable offense in Louisiana. If arrested with larger quantities of meth, such as those exceeding 30g, you can be arrested for charges including meth production.

If convicted, meth production charges carry the following penalties:

Minimum of 10-30 years in prison
Mandatory prison time without the possibility of parole or probation
Fines up to $500,000

Distribution of methamphetamine also carries similarly steep penalties:

Hard labor from 2 to 30 years in prison
Mandatory 2 years without possibility of probation or parole
Up to $50,000 in fines

Possession of meth also carries enhanced penalties for “large” quantities. Under Louisiana meth possession laws, “large” quantities are punished with harsher penalties, starting with a minimum amount of 28 or more grams.

Penalties Based on Quantity

If arrested in possession of 28 or more grams of meth, you could be facing:

5 to 30 years in prison
$50,000 to $300,000 in fines

If arrested in possession of 200 to 400 grams:

10-30 years in prison
$100,000 – $350,000 in fines

If arrested in possession of 400 grams or more:

15 to 30 years in prison
$250,000 to $600,000 in fines

No matter the charges, Louisiana meth possession is a serious offense that demands a strong legal defense.

Contact a Louisiana Meth Possession Defense Lawyer

Attorney Eric Johnson of the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm has more than 27 years of experience defending those accused in state and federal criminal cases throughout Louisiana. We have the knowledge and the confidence to give you the legal defense you deserve.

Let our experienced team fight for you in court. To schedule a free case review, contact us online or call us at 318-377-1555.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meth Possession in Louisiana

What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for the Possession of Meth in Louisiana?

If you’ve been charged with possession of methamphetamine in Louisiana, it’s extremely important to have an experienced meth possession attorney representing you. Contact Attorney Eric Johnson of the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm for a free consultation.

What is Considered Possession of Drugs in Louisiana?

Possession of drugs in Louisiana is when the suspect physically holds the illegal substance when the police make the arrest. A suspect can also be charged with possession if police find the drugs in a place that the suspect controls. If you’ve recently been arrested for drug possession in Louisiana, contact a knowledgeable drug crime attorney.

Should I Hire a Drug Defense Attorney if I am Facing Meth Possession Charges?

Yes. An experienced Louisiana drug crime lawyer knows that the best defense strategies are created with a clear understanding of the crime. To create a defense that stands up in court, the attorneys at the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm will take the time to get to know you and your case before they represent you in court. Call today for a free consultation.