Over 65 Years Of Combined Trial Experience

Drug charges could lead to the death penalty

On Behalf of | Mar 23, 2016 | Drug Charges, Firm News |

If you have ever thought that drug charges are a laughing matter, think again. Louisiana law takes drug crimes very seriously, with first offenses often bringing hefty fines and serious time in jail as punishment. However, what may surprise you most about the consequences of drug crimes in Louisiana is that, for certain instances, a convicted person may have to pay the ultimate price.

The death penalty remains a controversial topic all across the country, but the fact is that the majority of states continue to use capital punishment for certain offenses, and Louisiana is one such state. It is worth mentioning that actual executions are declining, as fewer than 30 people were executed back in 2014 across the whole country, but that does not mean that the option is not on the table.

Most people view capital punishment as a consequence that is reserved only for the most severe crimes, such as first-degree murder or child abuse on a victim under the age of 12. While it is true that these offenses are punishable by death, there are many more crimes that could mean capital punishment under Louisiana law. Among these is a distribution of a controlled substance, meaning distributing harmful drugs like cocaine.

It is unlikely that first offense convictions of minor amounts of a drug will lead to the death penalty, but if you are facing a second or third drug charge regarding a great deal of a substance, you should be aware of the possible consequences. That is why you should take any drug accusations extremely seriously. It is highly recommended that you consult with an attorney to ensure that your legal defense is as strong as possible so that you are not wrongly convicted.

Archives