Facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming and distressing experience for anyone involved. With your freedom in jeopardy, it is imperative you receive the support of a compassionate legal advocate committed to protecting your rights and advocating for your interests.
If you or someone you love are dealing with criminal charges, a steadfast Metairie criminal defense lawyer could provide the guidance and representation you need during this difficult time.
Common Types of Criminal Charges
In Metairie, criminal charges against residents fall under the category of misdemeanor or felony, each with its own distinctions. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:2, a misdemeanor is any offense not classified as a felony. Misdemeanors can result in up to six months in jail and up to $500 in fines.
A felony in Louisiana is any offense in which a person would receive a sentence of imprisonment for hard labor or death (LA RS § 14:2). It is essential to understand that being charged with a misdemeanor or felony is an allegation and not a conviction. Felony convictions can lead to prison time ranging from two years to life and fines of up to $5,000 or more.
All persons facing criminal accusations have a constitutional right to confront witnesses and evidence against them, as well as the ability to challenge the narrative being presented by the prosecutor. Common criminal accusations individuals may face include:
- Theft or shoplifting
- Assault and battery
- Distribution of narcotics
- Driving while intoxicated
- Sexual assault or harassment
- Possession of illegal substances
A seasoned Metairie criminal defense attorney could provide valuable legal assistance to someone arrested for any of the above conduct, potentially resulting in a reduction or dismissal of the charges.
Superior Defenses That Win Cases
Individuals dealing with criminal accusations often feel no one will listen to their version of events because the total weight of the city, county, or state is against them. These people usually agree to plea deals in criminal cases without fully understanding the ramifications.
Criminal convictions can negatively impact a person’s schooling, employment opportunities, family life, and social status. Individuals are likelier to have overall criminal charges reduced or dismissed when they consult a lawyer. A dedicated legal counsel could present top-notch defenses such as:
Consent
Consent is a defense that legal professionals can raise when a person alleges that another individual made them feel unwanted physical contact. For instance, a person could allege that they were struck against their will, yet a thorough investigation may reveal that the two individuals were actually in a fight. The lawyer might argue that the contact between the individuals arose from mutual consent because evidence shows that both parties willingly engaged in a fight. As a result, the event was one of mutual combat.
Defense of Others
Attorneys might also consider that the person facing the accusations intervened to defend others against an aggressor. Evidence supporting this defense often includes the facts of the situation and testimony attesting to the individual’s reputation of carrying themselves with good moral conduct.
Mistaken Identity
Another unfortunate incident can occur when a witness chooses the wrong person from a line-up or a photo array. This can result in a person being imprisoned or jailed for a crime they did not commit. The likelihood of this happening increases when a person does not have legal representation or the representation is not adequate. A diligent attorney could argue that either the witness was unreliable or there were errors in the identification process.
These are just a few examples of the many possible defenses to criminal charges. A skilled criminal defense lawyer in Metairie could stand in the corner of anyone seeking a just resolution to their case.
Contact a Metairie Criminal Defense Attorney
Unfortunately, you are at a disadvantage when you walk into the courtroom or attempt to negotiate a deal without a criminal defense attorney. To receive the best deal when facing criminal penalties, you need an experienced legal professional in your corner.
Reach out to a committed Metairie criminal defense lawyer for supportive and fair legal counsel. Give us a call today for specific questions.
