Drug Crime Lawyers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Last updated on January 1, 2026
Our criminal defense attorneys provides effective representation for people charged with misdemeanor and felony drug offenses. At Damico & Stockstill, Attorneys at Law, we help people from all walks of life who are facing drug charges in state and federal court.
When your freedom is at stake, every minute counts. Our experienced defense team has successfully protected clients against drug possession, trafficking and distribution charges. We fight for reduced sentences, dismissed charges and alternative sentencing options. Contact us today to discuss your case confidentially by calling 225-769-0190 or send us an email.
Proven Results
Our law firm has successfully represented clients in various criminal defense matters. Below are some of the case results that demonstrate our commitment to providing strong legal representation.
Each case is unique, with its own specific circumstances and legal considerations. While past results don’t guarantee similar outcomes in future cases, they showcase our approach to criminal defense matters and our dedication to protecting our clients’ rights throughout the legal process.
If you’re facing criminal charges, we understand the stress and uncertainty you may be experiencing. Our experienced legal team is available to review your situation and discuss potential defense strategies during a free and confidential consultation.
| Client | Jurisdiction | Charge | Result |
| R.A. | East Baton Rouge | Possession with intent to distribute cocaine | Dismissed |
| O.F. | East Baton Rouge | Possession with intent to distribute | Dismissed |
| P.G. | East Baton Rough | Possession of cocaine | Dismissed |
Don’t Talk to the Police Before Consulting an Attorney
At Damico & Stockstill, we bring 80 years of combined criminal law experience to the representation of clients charged with state and federal drug violations. Our drug crime lawyers have a history of success defending people in cases involving the possession, trafficking, distribution and manufacturing of controlled substances. We represent college students, professionals and repeat offenders in matters involving:
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Crack
- Methamphetamine (meth)
- LSD
- Ecstasy and other pills
We also provide a strong voice for people in cases involving state and federal charges, including drug conspiracy, racketeering and money laundering.
Louisiana Drug Schedule Classifications
Louisiana categorizes controlled substances into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. When facing drug-related charges, understanding these classifications is crucial, as penalties vary depending on the schedule of the substance involved.
- Schedule I: These drugs have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Examples include heroin, LSD and ecstasy.
- Schedule II: These substances have some medical applications, but also carry a high risk of addiction. Common examples include cocaine, methamphetamine and oxycodone.
- Schedule III: These drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule I and II substances but can still lead to dependency. This category includes anabolic steroids and ketamine.
- Schedule IV: Medications with a lower risk of abuse and dependency, such as Xanax, Valium and Ambien, fall under this classification.
- Schedule V: These substances have the least potential for abuse and include medications like cough syrups containing small amounts of codeine.
The classification of a drug can have a direct impact on the severity of potential penalties, with Schedules I and II often posing the most severe repercussions.
State and Federal Consequences for Drug Offenses
A conviction for Louisiana drug offenses can lead to serious legal consequences at both the state and federal levels. The severity of penalties depends on factors such as the type and quantity of the drug, prior offenses and whether the crime involved distribution or trafficking.
State penalties: Louisiana imposes strict penalties for drug offenses. Simple possession of a Schedule I drug can result in years of imprisonment, while distribution carries even harsher sentences. For example, the distribution of Schedule I or II substances can result in decades of incarceration.
Federal penalties: Federal drug laws often apply in cases involving large-scale trafficking, interstate drug distribution or offenses committed on federal property. Federal convictions typically result in mandatory minimum prison sentences, which can be significantly harsher than state penalties.
Navigating drug charges requires a strong legal defense, as state and federal laws alike impose consequences that can impact your future.
Extensive Experience Defending Against High-Stake Drug Charges
Our drug representation has included principal defendants in four of the largest cocaine prosecutions in the Baton Rouge area in State and Federal Court in the last 15 years, two of the largest marijuana prosecutions in the last 10 years, the largest GHB prosecution, several of the larger MDMA conspiracies and several of the major methamphetamine investigations. These cases are in addition to the hundreds of street dealers, users or fraudulent scriptwriters represented. Additionally, the firm has represented physicians, nurses and pharmacists who were prosecuted or investigated for drug trafficking.
Finally, our lawyers have handled over 150 interstate drug interdiction cases and numerous associated money laundering drug clients.
Our representation has resulted in many granting of suppression motions, dismissals of charges, and jury verdicts of responsive and outright acquittal verdicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis legal in Louisiana?
Marijuana laws in Louisiana are still evolving. Important steps have been made to decriminalize medical marijuana, and police can no longer use the “odor of marijuana” as a reason to search your home without a warrant. However, you can still be arrested for cannabis possession in Louisiana, especially if you are not a registered medical marijuana patient. While recreational possession of 14 grams or less has been decriminalized, you can still be fined for possession of small amounts of marijuana. If you are facing a marijuana charge of any kind, talk to the drug crime defense attorneys at Damico & Stockstill as soon as possible.
Do first-time drug offenders go to jail?
In Louisiana, first-time drug offenders may face jail time depending on the severity of the charge. While some first-time possession offenses result in probation or diversion programs, felony drug charges can lead to incarceration. The court considers factors such as the type of drug, quantity and intent when determining sentencing.
I was charged with drug distribution. Shouldn’t it just be drug possession?
Overcharging is a reality in the criminal justice system. In many cases, that means people who are found to be in possession of a relatively small amount of a drug may be charged with selling or distributing the drug. The prosecution may charge you with distribution when really the appropriate charge is possession. In other cases, the defendant should not be charged at all. Don’t let overcharging lead to a conviction. Talk to us about your options for getting the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
Is “stop and frisk” legal in Louisiana?
The term “stop and frisk” refers to when a police officer, who does not have a search warrant, detains and searches someone. For a stop and frisk to be lawful, the police officer must have a good reason to detain someone, and the police officer must then have a good reason to search that person. For example, in a stop and frisk scenario, a police officer may claim that someone was behaving suspiciously, so the police officer detained that person for questioning; in the midst of the questioning, the police officer may come to believe that the detained individual somehow poses a threat to another person, so the police officer may then “frisk” or search the detained individual. One big problem with stop and frisks is that they depend so much on a police officer’s subjective experience of a situation. Stop and frisk is technically allowable under Louisiana law, but not all stop and frisk situations are lawful. Many drug charges arise after police conduct a stop and frisk. If you are facing a criminal charge after a stop and frisk, contact Damico & Stockstill immediately.
I’m facing a first-time felony charge. Can I get it reduced to a misdemeanor?
Prosecutors are known for charging people with felonies when really a misdemeanor is the appropriate charge. In many cases, the situation warrants no charge at all. At Damico & Stockstill, we frequently get our clients’ charges reduced from felonies to misdemeanors. This is especially common in cases involving first-time drug charges. However, a charge will not automatically be reduced. You need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side to get a charge successfully reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. Our team can investigate your case and pursue every available option for a reduction or dismissal of drug charges.
I wasn’t doing anything wrong. How can I get out of this drug charge?
You are not alone. Drug crime cases often involve people who would never intentionally hurt another human being. However, what you feel inside is only part of your case. You may not have done anything morally wrong, but the drug charge against you still stands. You need a criminal defense attorney on your side to protect your rights and freedom — and help you put this matter behind you as soon as possible. At Damico & Stockstill, we have a long record of success in getting drug charges reduced or dismissed. We encourage you to contact us today to find out how we can help you.
Get Your Defense Started Today
In the face of drug crime charges, every decision you make can alter the course of your future. We understand the gravity of your situation and are prepared to mount a vigorous defense on your behalf. Contact us now at 225-769-0190 for a free consultation – because your rights, freedom and future can’t wait.