Jefferson Parish Drug Lawyer — Marino & Ehle, LLC

Drug Crimes Defense in Jefferson Parish

Drug crimes in Louisiana range from simple possession to large-scale distribution allegations, and each charge carries its own penalties and defense strategies. Whether you are facing an arrest for possession, distribution, possession with intent to distribute or manufacturing, the long term consequences can be severe including jail, home incarceration, steep fines, and a criminal record. At Marino & Ehle defending drug crimes is the largest portion of our criminal defense practice in Jefferson Parish.

At Marino & Ehle, LLC, drug defense is not academic — it is trial-tested. Attorneys Joe Marino and Davidson S. Ehle have extensive experience defending individuals charged with drug crimes in Jefferson Parish and throughout South Louisiana. Both attorneys have won numerous jury trials involving possession of a CDS, possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of controlled substances.

Drug Offenses in Jefferson Parish

Drug offenses in Louisiana are treated seriously, even for first-time offenders. The type of charge you face depends on:

• The type of controlled dangerous substance
• The amount or weight
• How the substance was packaged
• Whether paraphernalia was present
• Prior criminal history
• Whether a firearm possibky involved
• Whether cash was seized for forfeiture

Common drug charges in Jefferson Parish include:

• Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
• Possession with Intent to Distribute (PWIT)
• Distribution or Sale of a CDS
• Manufacturing or Cultivation
• Possession of a CDS with a Firearm

Because Louisiana drug laws are complex and penalties escalate quickly, having an experienced Jefferson Parish drug lawyer involved early is critical.

What Are the Civil Fines for Marijuana Possession in Jefferson Parish?

Although marijuana laws have changed in recent years, marijuana remains illegal in Louisiana, and possession can still result in serious consequences.

For 14 grams or less of marijuana, current Louisiana law allows for a fine rather than jail time in certain situations. However, a fine and court costs alone is not automatic. Additionally, the marijuana arrest can appear on background checks and may impact employment or professional licensing.

For more than 14 grams, marijuana possession has a different penalty which could include jail time, supervised probation, as well as fines and court costs. What initially appears to be a minor offense can turn into something much more serious in your future because possession of marijuana is an enhanceable offense. The punishment increases for each offense with third or more being a felony offense.

Are There Different Levels of Possession?

Yes. Penalties depend on:

• The amount of marijuana
• Whether it is a first, second, third, fourth or subsequent offense
• Whether aggravating factors are present

Aggravating factors may include:

• Marijuana found with scales or baggies
• Large sums of cash
• Statements made to police
• Prior drug convictions
• A firearm discovered during the arrest
• Cell phone records involving use or sales

Because possession cases are often built on circumstantial evidence, they are highly defensible when handled correctly. Marino & Ehle have tried many drug trials successfully as well as challenging illegal stop and searches.

Possession of Other Narcotics in Jefferson Parish

Possession of narcotics other than marijuana is a felony in Jefferson Parish. Felony offenses carry significantly harsher penalties and long-term consequences.

Under Louisiana law, controlled dangerous substances include narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, anabolic steroids, and synthetic pills. The complete list of substances classified as CDS is found in Louisiana Revised Statutes R.S. 40:961 et seq.

Examples of Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS)

• Schedule I: Heroin, LSD, MDMA (Ecstasy), Marijuana
• Schedule II: Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone
• Schedule III: Codeine, Anabolic Steroids, Ketamine
• Schedule IV: Xanax, Valium, Ambien, Tramadol
• Schedule V: Certain stimulants and depressants

Penalties increase based on:

• The schedule classification
• The quantity involved
• Prior convictions
• Whether prosecutors allege intent to distribute

Even small amounts of drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, or fentanyl can result in years of incarceration if convicted. These cases demand a strategic defense by an attorney experienced in winning at trial.

What Are Other Related Drug Offenses in Jefferson Parish?

Drug arrests often involve multiple charges, which prosecutors use to increase leverage. Common related offenses include:

• Possession with Intent to Distribute (PWIT):

  Prosecutors rely on packaging, quantity, cash, or digital communications to argue intent.

• Distribution or Sale of a CDS:

  Includes alleged sales, transfers, or undercover operations.

• Manufacturing or Cultivation:

  Producing or growing illegal substances carries severe penalties.

• Possession of a CDS and a Firearm:

Under R.S. 14:95(E), possessing a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance can trigger mandatory jail time — even if the gun is legally owned and found in your home or vehicle.

Because charges often stack, early legal defense is essential to limiting exposure.

Contact a Jefferson Parish Drug Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in Jefferson Parish, do not wait. Speaking to law enforcement without legal counsel can seriously harm your case.

Call Marino & Ehle, LLC today

Serving Metairie, Gretna, Kenner, Marrero, Harvey, and all of Jefferson Parish

Confidential consultations available

Your future deserves an experienced, aggressive defense. Marino & Ehle are ready to stand between you and the full weight of the criminal justice system.