There are a variety of drug crime charges you can face in Louisiana. It is important to understand the difference between drug possession, sale, and trafficking, among other charges. For Louisianans throughout Caddo Parish, it is helpful to know more about simple possession vs. drug trafficking arrests along the I-20 corridor in Shreveport.
Drug crime charges at any level are a serious ordeal. Louisiana’s drug crime penalties are harsh, and they can be difficult to defend against, especially without the right legal representation. Fortunately, you can obtain assistance from a Shreveport drug crime lawyer to help you build a solid defensive strategy. Our team has experience navigating cases through drug court, pre-trial motions, regional courts like the First Judicial District Court, and the federal Tom Stagg United States Courthouse.
Louisiana Drug Crime Laws
Drug crimes are prosecuted harshly throughout the state. In 2024, simple possession and trafficking charges accounted for 32.1 percent of all federal criminal sentences in Louisiana. You can be prosecuted for a drug crime anywhere. Many arrests happen after searches and seizures during traffic stops.
The Louisiana State Police (LSP) frequently targets I-20 in and around Caddo Parish. The area serves as a major trafficking route between Texas and other southern states in the Deep South that are close to the border. You can be sentenced to varying levels of punishment for simple possession or drug trafficking arrests along the I-20 Corridor in Shreveport.
Simple possession charges are reserved for offenders found with a small enough quantity of certain controlled substances that constitutes personal use. You can be charged with trafficking for moving large amounts of controlled substances across state or national borders. If this activity occurs at the state level, it will be charged as distribution or possession with intent to distribute.
Drug crimes occur in and around Shreveport frequently. Two men in the Shreveport-Bossier City area were recently arrested in July of 2026 after a year-long drug trafficking investigation. Law enforcement officials seized Schedule I substances and more than $318,000. Another drug arrest occurred in June following a traffic stop that uncovered an illegal firearm and drugs.
Drug trafficking charges typically carry harsher sentences, including longer sentences and higher fines. However, you can face serious penalties for possession, too. Your sentence is going to depend on a number of different factors, including:
- Intent
- Quantity of drugs involved
- Type of controlled substance
- Your prior criminal record
Arrests that happen on the road can also lead to the loss of your driver’s license if you are found operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI). It is critical that you understand your rights and legal options following your arrest. Making poor decisions throughout your case can affect the rest of your life.
It is possible to defend against these charges with the right defensive strategy. If you are facing any charges, it is highly recommended that you hire a drug crime lawyer in Shreveport. With the right legal representation, you can build a solid defense and move past this challenging time in your life.
FAQs
Is Possession With Intent to Distribute the Same as Drug Trafficking in Louisiana?
Possession with intent to distribute is not the same as drug trafficking in Louisiana. While the two charges are closely related, they are legally distinct. Drug trafficking is a federal offense reserved for large-scale operations that cross state lines or meet specific weight thresholds.
Possession with intent to distribute involves the sale or distribution of drugs in state courts. You can be charged if you are found with a controlled dangerous substance in quantities that exceed limits for personal use.
Are Drug Crimes Misdemeanors or Felonies Under Louisiana Law?
Drug crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies under Louisiana law, depending on the facts of the case and the offender’s criminal record. For example, simple possession is typically a felony charge under Louisiana law, but personal possession of marijuana can be charged as a misdemeanor for a first or second offense.
How Do I Defend Against a Drug Crime in Shreveport?
How you defend against a drug crime in Shreveport will be unique from case to case. There are many viable defenses that a Shreveport drug crime lawyer may discuss with you, depending on your criminal record and the details of the charges against you.
Potential drug crime defenses can include:
- Chain of custody issues
- Entrapment
- Illegal search and seizure
- Lack of dominion and control or constructive possession
- Lawful medical authorization
What Are Louisiana’s Drug Crime Penalties?
Louisiana’s drug crime penalties can vary greatly. If you are charged with a drug crime in Shreveport, it is likely that you will be sentenced to time in jail or prison and/or have to pay fines.
It may be possible to negotiate entry into a Drug Court program for first-time offenders with less serious charges, avoiding jail time. Through this program, you must plead guilty and waive your right to trial while completing a court-mandated substance abuse treatment program.
Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer to Help With Your Case in Shreveport
Navigating a drug crime case can be overwhelming. It is highly recommended that you work with a criminal defense attorney to understand your rights and legal options throughout the process. For those facing charges in Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, Webster, and surrounding parishes, P. Michael Davis, Attorney at Law, is the firm to call. Our team has been defending Louisianans against complex criminal charges for years.
As a Shreveport-based law firm, we understand what it takes to protect our clients’ freedoms as they navigate the criminal justice system. You can count on us to help you understand the charges against you and advocate for your rights throughout the case. Whether it is negotiating solutions during the pre-trial process or taking cases to court, we work tirelessly for our clients.
As a former public defender, Mr. P. Michael Davis is experienced and skilled at handling complex drug crime cases at every level. His priority is protecting your rights and freedom. If you are ready to discuss your case in more detail, give us a call or use our online form to schedule a consultation today.
