Carl Barkemeyer wrote the book on How to Defend Drug Charges in Louisiana. Download your free copy to learn more about the criminal process and drug defenses in Louisiana.
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We are currently in the worst opioid epidemic in our country’s history. The rise of usage and distribution of opioid and prescription drugs or CDS (controlled dangerous substances) in the nation is at an all time high, and Louisiana is no different. The numbers continue to climb in terms of opioid users and the addiction rate for these users is extremely high, including psychological and physical harm that comes along with an opioid addiction. As the number of prescription drug abusers continues to climb, so does the number of people convicted with prescription drug charges, especially in Louisiana. Carl Barkemeyer, criminal defense attorney has dedicated a majority of his life to defending drug charges in the state of Louisiana, including opioid and prescription drug offenses. The long-lasting effects that come with an opioid conviction are extremely damaging and can detrimentally hurt the future of yourself and those around you. It is imperative that you seek both treatment and legal assistance if you have been charged with a prescription drug offense in the Livingston Parish or Denham Springs area. If you seek help early enough, a defense case can be built for your situation that will fight for your freedom in court and hopefully result in a more positive result than jail time and excessive fines.
Opioids and prescription drugs that are abused are powerful painkillers that cause addiction very easily and also cause a lot of psychological and physical harm in its users. The federal government has designated five different levels of CDS called schedules. Each schedule decreases in danger, starting from Schedule I being the most dangerous CDS to Schedule V being the least dangerous CDS. There are various opioids and prescription painkillers on every level of the schedule system, showing just how dangerous these drugs can be. The level of medical use also increases as the schedule goes up, so schedule I drugs have no viable medical uses while schedule V drugs have the most medical uses. Some examples of opioids and prescription painkillers on each level are listed below:
Schedule I: methaqualone and heroin
Schedule II: Vicodin, Cocaine, methamphetamine, Dilaudid, Demerol, Fentanyl, Oxycontin, Percocet, morphine, opium, codeine, and methadone
Schedule III: Tylenol with Codeine (may be III or IV, depending on strength), ketamine, Nalorphine
Schedule IV: Xanax (Alprazolam), Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium (Diazepam), Ativan
Schedule V: low codeine-content cough syrup, such as Robitussin AC or Phenergan with Codeine, Lyrica (Pregabalin)
The punishments for opioid and prescription drug charges in Louisiana vary by drug type as well as quantity. The penalties go from most severe for schedule I drugs to least severe for schedule V drugs. However, all of them have a minimum prison time that is increased as the schedule severity increases. The punishments for each schedule are as follows:
Schedule I: Simple possession charges in Louisiana of these drugs ranges from 4-10 years, 5-20 years, or 0-10 years, again with variations and enhancements for the type of drug, and the quantity involved.
Schedule II: Simple possession charges in Louisiana are usually 0-5 years, but large quantities for personal use may increase that penalty.
Schedule III: Simple possession charges in Louisiana are a maximum of 5 years, dependent on the quantity and type of drug being charged.
Schedule IV: Simple possession charges in Louisiana are a maximum of 5 years, dependent on the quantity and type of drug being charged.
Schedule V: Simple possession charges in Louisiana are a maximum of 5 years, dependent on the quantity and type of drug being charged.
There are also usually hefty fines that can come along with the prison times for each schedule which can really add on the negative impact of being charged with opioid or prescription abuse. Also, the sale, distribution, or intent of distribution charges are all increased from the simple possession charges because the movement of these opioids is trying to be lessened so that the opioid epidemic can start to see a decline in the country as a whole.
If you have recently been charged with opioid or prescription drug charges in Louisiana, the first step is to get legal assistance immediately. Opioid charges are very serious across the whole country, and can carry very strict punishments including jail time and hefty fines if the conviction goes through. However, there are many defenses that can be used in your trial like alternatives of treatment and rehabilitation to help you attain the most ideal result from your case. Carl Barkemeyer has been defending prescription drug cases for many, many years and has extensive knowledge of the drug laws in Louisiana. Because of this expertise, Mr. Barkemeyer and his team of lawyers can help guide you through your prescription drug and opioid charges by building a case that fits your specific conviction and circumstances to help you fight for your freedom in court. As the opioid epidemic ravages on in America, it is important to remember that there are people who can help you with your opioid or prescription drug addiction. It is imperative you seek legal assistance after being charged, otherwise you could be looking at several years in prison and hefty fines that will detrimentally hurt you and your family’s future. If you are facing opioid or prescription drug charges, call us at (225) 964-6720 so that we can assist you in your defense and help to lead you to a better, healthier place for yourself.
H. Taylor - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
A Guide That Will Give You A Better Understanding
Of Legal Process In Louisiana
