Louisiana Drug Possession Law
Louisiana Drug Possession Defense
What you're facing under La. R.S. § 40:966(C), how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Louisiana (LA) law.
Offense Class
Felony (Schedule I/II); Misdemeanor (Schedule III-V for smaller amounts)
Maximum Penalty
5 years hard labor (Schedule I, first); 5 years hard labor (Schedule II, first); lesser for III-V
Maximum Fine
$5,000
Penalty Range in Louisiana
Charge Enhancements
These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in Louisiana:
- Second offense (up to 10 years hard labor)
- Third or subsequent (up to 20 years hard labor)
Louisiana-Specific Detail
Louisiana reformed drug possession laws significantly in 2017 (Justice Reinvestment). Possession penalties were reduced. Schedule I/II possession is still a felony. Drug court diversion widely available.
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Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about Louisiana drug possession law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.