Louisiana Heroin Laws

By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed October 28, 2024

Stopping the abuse of illegal drugs remains one of the greatest challenges facing our nation. With the opioid epidemic reaching epic proportions in recent years, it should come as no surprise that lawmakers in Louisiana are cracking down on heroin use and distribution. Heroin is just one of many controlled dangerous substances that Louisiana law targets.

Whether law enforcement arrests you for possession of heroin or drug trafficking, you’ll face harsh penalties. In addition to potential jail time, you’ll also have to pay hefty fines. This is true whether the police catch you with heroin, fentanyl, or any derivatives of these drugs.

Here, we’ll discuss Louisiana’s drug laws, including the penalties for violating these laws. If you’re facing drug charges in Baton Rouge or any other part of Louisiana, you should familiarize yourself with these laws. You may also want to contact an experienced drug crimes lawyer.

Louisiana Law Prohibits the Possession and Sale of Many Dangerous Drugs

Heroin is one of the most dangerous drugs people can use. It's both addictive and deadly. The number of heroin and fentanyl overdoses is staggering. It burdens families, the community, and the healthcare system.

In addition to causing physical, emotional, and financial stress on society, the use of narcotic drugs also leads to an increase in crime. People suffering from drug abuse will do almost anything to get more drugs. This includes committing a crime if it means they can feed their addiction.

Louisiana law, like the law in most other jurisdictions, targets drugs that fall into the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Schedule I and Schedule II classifications. These drugs include the following:

Oxycodone
Phencyclidine
Methamphetamine/amphetamines
Cannabis/cannabinoids
Codeine
Various prescription drugs, such as Xanax and Valium

If law enforcement discovers that you are carrying a controlled substance, you may have to produce a valid prescription. If not, you'll face arrest.

There are some criminal cases involving Schedule III and Schedule IV drugs like ketamine and anabolic steroids. However, the legislature is more concerned with dangerous Schedule I and II drugs.

Heroin Statutes in Louisiana

Heroin possession, sale, and trafficking are felony crimes in every state. Possession of a small amount of the drug or drug paraphernalia can lead to severe penalties in Louisiana. The table below lists the charges and penalties under Louisiana's heroin laws.

Louisiana Heroin Laws Code Sections	Louisiana Revised Statutes LRS §40:961, et seq. LRS § 981 (penalties for selling to minors)
Louisiana Possession of Heroin Penalties	A mandatory minimum sentence of four years of hard labor with a maximum prison term of up to 10 years. Offenders must also pay a fine of up to $5,000.
Louisiana Heroin Sales/Trafficking Penalties	Life imprisonment with hard labor without probation or suspension and a fine of up to $50,000. Sale to minors by offenders over the age of 25 results in life imprisonment. Double penalties for a conviction of selling heroin to a minor or someone three years younger than the defendant.

Louisiana Heroin Laws Code Sections

Louisiana Revised Statutes

LRS §40:961, et seq.
LRS § 981 (penalties for selling to minors)

Louisiana Possession of Heroin Penalties

A mandatory minimum sentence of four years of hard labor with a maximum prison term of up to 10 years. Offenders must also pay a fine of up to $5,000.

Louisiana Heroin Sales/Trafficking Penalties

Life imprisonment with hard labor without probation or suspension and a fine of up to $50,000. Sale to minors by offenders over the age of 25 results in life imprisonment. Double penalties for a conviction of selling heroin to a minor or someone three years younger than the defendant.

Many jurisdictions in Louisiana have created specialized drug courts that can help drug crime defendants avoid jail sentences instead of drug treatment programs and other options. Louisiana developed its drug court program in 1997 and still uses it today.