Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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Despite pop culture references in movies and TV that may glamorize the drug trade, heroin is illegal under federal and state law. Indeed, heroin laws in Louisiana are strict and make any possession or sale a felony. So if you’re wondering just how much trouble you can get into for either having or dealing “just a little” heroin, you’ve come to the right place. Primarily due to the increased violence surrounding certain drugs, Louisiana authorities crack down heavily on both sale and possession of heroin.
Heroin possession, sale, and trafficking are felony crimes in nearly every state. Possession of a small amount of the drug can lead to serious penalties in Louisiana. The charges and penalties under Louisiana's heroin laws are listed below in this brief summary below.
| Code Section | §40:961, et seq. |
| Possession | Minimum of 4 yrs. at hard labor up to 10 yrs. without probation or suspension and/or fine to $5000 |
| Sale | Life imprisonment at hard labor without probation or suspension and perhaps fine up to $50,000; Sale to minors by those over 25 yrs. old: life imprisonment; Sale to minor or someone 3 yrs. junior: double penalties |
| Trafficking | - |
The risk to society and very real threat of drug-related violence drives legislators to create strict penalties for the sale and possession of heroin. Powerful opiates like heroin are regulated by both federal and state drug laws, and these overlapping statutes can criminalize everything from mere possession all the way up to manufacturing and cultivation as well as trafficking and distribution.
Although some prosecutors may be able to offer plea bargains to lower-level drug offenders in exchange for help building a larger case against higher-level producers and dealers, most charge convictions can carry severe penalties, including prison time and heavy fines. Still, in recent years more jurisdictions have created specialized “drug courts” that can help drug crime defendants avoid jail sentences in lieu of drug treatment programs and other options.
State drug laws, and their enforcement, are constantly changing, and can vary depending on the jurisdiction and specifics of your case. If you would like legal assistance with an existing drug case, or if you would just like to know your rights, you can contact a Louisiana drug crime attorney in your area. For related articles and resources, you can also visit FindLaw's Drug Charges section. If you think you might need help with a drug addiction or substance abuse problem, your first step is to ask for help.
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
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