Criminal Defense in Louisiana

What Is A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Louisiana attorney on your side. A criminal defense lawyer is an advocate for justice. These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their own investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Louisiana is the most effective way to protect your rights.

Without an attorney, the options for defense narrow. Unfortunately, the Louisiana criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel. As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Louisiana criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.

Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Louisiana

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Louisiana who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers that are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.

What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?

If you are facing criminal charges in Louisiana, you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.

Probation

Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times where a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.

Because of this, Louisiana laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.

When you receive probation, a judge usually will give you an opportunity to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.

Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions that come with serving time in prison. Some of these conditions include participating in rehabilitating programs, following a curfew, and receiving frequent drug testing.

In Louisiana you may be also required to pay restitution, court costs, a fine and any other fees. The length of time you are on probation may drastically range, depending on the initial crime and your previous history.

In Louisiana, judges have discretion when determining probation duration. Specifically, there are no statutory minimum probation periods. However, the maximum duration for probation is 2 years for misdemeanors and 5 years for felonies.

Probation Revoked

If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.

If the court places you on probation in Louisiana, your supervision will be handled by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Conditions of probation can include supervision fee payments, community service work, substance abuse treatment, and regular meetings with a probation officer. As well, you must agree to searches of your person, property or vehicle at random without a warrant. Under Louisiana law, the court may issue an arrest warrant for any probation violation. Once arrested, you can be placed in the custody of the court or assigned to a detention facility. Within 10 days of this arrest, the court will decide whether to grant bail prior to the violation hearing. Your final violation hearing will take place within 30 days of the arrest. If the court decides that you violated probation, it can revoke probation and order you to serve your suspended jail sentence.

Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may then revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Louisiana criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.

Parole

Instead of interacting with a probation officer, parole requires you to report to a parole officer. A parole officer will outline any expectations you are to meet.  In addition to the rules of your parole. He or she also monitors your progress and reports back to the court and the parole board.

Parole is a term to refer to the period of time that comes after a release from incarceration. Just as with probation, there are usually many conditions and safeguards that you must follow during your parole.

In Louisiana, the Department of Public Safety and Corrections will assign you a parole officer once you have been released from incarceration. Specifically, the Louisiana Division of Probation and Parole has 21 parole offices located throughout the state.  You must report to your parole officer within 48 hours upon release, and continue to have regular meetings. Other conditions of parole can include the monthly payment of supervision fees, alcohol and drug abstinence, and a ban on possessing weapons.

If you violate your parole in any way, the Louisiana Committee on Parole may issue a warrant for your arrest. A preliminary hearing is conducted to determine if there is probable cause that parole was violated. If probable cause is found, the Committee schedules a Formal Revocation Hearing. You have the right to attorney at this hearing, along with witness testimony. However, if the Committee finds you guilty, you can be ordered to serve the remainder of your jail sentence.

If you violate the terms of your parole, the parole board may require you to finish the remaining time of your sentence. Certain violations, though, may result in additional charges and a longer incarceration time resulting in the need for a Louisiana criminal defense attorney.

Work With an Experienced Local Louisiana Criminal Defense Lawyer

A Louisiana criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case. You may not want to go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Louisiana state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

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