In our experience, courts and probation offices in southeast Louisiana regularly require drug testing at several key points in the criminal justice process:
Drug Tested While Out On Bond
If you’re released from jail pending trial, the judge may include random drug testing as a condition of your bond, especially if you’re charged with:
- Drug possession
- DUI or DWI
- Theft (with suspected drug involvement)
- Domestic violence involving substance abuse
Miss a test or fail one, and you could be sent right back to jail, even before your case is resolved.
As Part of a Diversion Program
In St. Tammany and Washington Parish, the District Attorney’s Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) programs almost always require drug testing. Failing a test can result in immediate removal from the program and full prosecution of your original charge.
During Probation or Parole
If you’re on supervised probation in Tangipahoa or Livingston Parish, drug testing is routine. Probation officers may test you at scheduled visits, or randomly, without notice. Even a first-time violation can result in:
- Technical violation hearings
- Stricter conditions
- Probation revocation
What Happens If You Fail a Drug Test?
Failing a drug test is taken seriously in every parish we serve. Here’s what could happen:
Bond Revocation
If you fail a drug test while out on bond in St. Tammany Parish, you may be taken into custody immediately or brought before the judge for a bond review hearing. The judge can:
- Raise your bond amount
- Revoke your bond entirely
- Add conditions like inpatient treatment or house arrest
Termination from Diversion
In places like Washington and Livingston Parish, diversion programs give you one shot. A failed drug test may mean:
- You’re kicked out of the program
- Your original charges come back
- You lose the chance at dismissal or expungement
Probation Violation
Failing a test on probation in Tangipahoa Parish can result in:
- Jail time
- Mandatory treatment
- Lengthened probation
- A full revocation hearing where your suspended sentence is at risk
Can You Challenge a Failed Drug Test?
Yes! And at James & Bradley Law Firm, we’ve done it successfully.
Drug tests can be inaccurate. We’ve seen cases where:
- Chain of custody was broken
- Clients were taking legal prescription medications
- The test used was unreliable or improperly administered
If you’ve failed a drug test but believe there’s more to the story, don’t accept the consequences without a fight.
How To Protect Yourself
If you’re facing drug testing in a pending case, here are a few critical tips:
- Stay clean: Even if your case doesn’t involve drugs, testing can be added at any time.
- Know your conditions: Ask your lawyer what to expect regarding the testing process.
- Don’t miss tests: A missed test is often treated the same as a failed one.
- Be honest with your attorney: If you’ve used drugs, we can plan a better strategy with full information.
Facing Drug Testing or a Failed Test? We Can Help.
At James & Bradley Law Firm, we’ve helped clients across St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, and Livingston Parish deal with drug testing issues before they spiral into bigger problems.
Call us today at 985-276-4740 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. Whether you’re trying to stay compliant or already dealing with a failed test, we’ll guide you through your options and protect your rights every step of the way.