Repeat Offender Gets Life in Prison for Marijuana Charges

By KevinMarcilliat, In Drug Crimes, 0 Comments

A man who was sentenced to probation only after each of his three marijuana convictions in New Orleans got quite a shock after moving to a new town – he was sentenced to life in prison after his fourth drug possession charge. The man was convicted of attempting to possess and distribute marijuana for the fourth time and was sentenced under Louisiana’s repeat-offender law.

Those who are charged with drug offenses for a fourth time are subject to Louisiana’s strict punishment of life imprisonment. The life imprisonment sentence is only applicable on the fourth conviction if the three previous drug offenses carried a sentence of 10 years or more.

The man’s previous marijuana convictions were in 2005 and 2009. The man was caught with two pounds of marijuana throughout his home, which he shared with his mother and son, when his new probation officer visited his house for a routine visit. Other items were also seized from the man’s house that indicated his intent to distribute the marijuana including a digital scale, bags and $1600 in cash.

While North Carolina drug crime laws differ from Louisiana’s drug possession laws, it’s important to note that all states take a tough stance toward repeat offenders. Sentences for repeat drug offenders often increase with each subsequent drug possession or drug distribution charge. A knowledgeable North Carolina criminal attorney can help you fight against drug charges if you are charged repeatedly with drug offenses.

Source: The Times-Picayune “Fourth Marijuana Conviction Gets Slidell Man Life in Prison,” Ramon Vargas, 5/9/2011

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