Gonzales Murder Lawyer

Gonzales Murder Attorney

Murder cases are among the most difficult to navigate due to the severity of the crime. You can expect Louisiana prosecutors to pursue a conviction aggressively, which is why it’s crucial that you have a clear defense in place that combats their claims against you. Navigating a murder charge can be a lot to handle on your own. That’s why it’s advised to seek representation from a Gonzales murder lawyer.

With the right legal support on your side, you can protect your rights and ensure you have a fair shot at a positive outcome. At Longman Jakuback, we understand that every case has two sides, and we’re committed to giving your side a voice.

We bring decades of combined experience navigating complicated murder cases in Louisiana. We’re ready to help you fight your charges and secure your freedom.

Murder Cases in Louisiana

Murder is a type of homicide charge under Louisiana law. Homicide is defined as killing a person by another person. There are 5 levels of charges for homicides recognized under Louisiana law:

1. First-degree murder
2. Second-degree murder
3. Manslaughter
4. Negligent homicide
5. Vehicular homicide

Nationally, the murder rate fell nearly 15 percent in 2024, marking the most significant drop in the last 10 years or so. Even so, Louisiana is one of many Southern states with higher rates of criminal activity. The state reported 663 murders in a single year. Moreover, there were a total of 23,900 violent crimes reported in Louisiana in 2024.

Ascension Parish ranks in the 18th percentile for safety regarding murder specifically. Louisiana has strong murder laws in place, which is why it’s important to understand what steps to take if you’re facing charges. Fortunately, you don’t have to learn everything on your own. In fact, it’s highly recommended to seek legal counsel from a local Gonzales murder lawyer.

About Our Gonzales Murder Lawyers

You’re not obligated to hire a murder lawyer if you’re facing charges in Louisiana, but it’s highly recommended that you do. Murder cases bring about some of the most serious accusations one can face.

Penalties can include time at the Ascension Parish Jail or the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center, fines, and a permanent felony charge on your criminal record. If you’re facing murder charges, you need a defense team on your side that’s willing to fight for you.

For Gonzales residents, that defense team is Longman Jakuback. For years, our attorneys have been helping local Louisianans through complex murder cases, focusing on both trial defense and post-conviction relief for those facing the most serious charges.

We provide the aggressive representation that our clients deserve. Our goal is to set realistic expectations, so you’re never blindsided by what’s happening throughout your case. We offer comprehensive services to help you through every phase of your case, including:

• Challenging the prosecution’s case
• Gathering evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Investigating prosecutors
• Negotiating plea bargains
• Representing you in court

No matter the scope of your charges or the level of service you require, you can count on our Gonzales murder attorneys to be there for you.

FAQs About Gonzales Murder Laws

How Is Murder Defined Under Louisiana Law?

Murder is defined as the unlawful killing of another and is classified as a homicide charge under Louisiana law. Second-degree murder involves the specific intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm.

First-degree murder involves a premeditated plan to kill or commit great harm while committing or attempting to commit another crime, such as arson, burglary, kidnapping, rape, and robbery, to name a few. Murder charges can also be escalated if the crime is committed against protected classes of victims.

Is It Difficult to Defend Against Murder Charges in Gonzales?

Murder charges are among the hardest to defend against because they are considered to be the most serious violent crime you can commit. For this reason, you can also expect murder penalties to be harsh.

The prosecution is going to come at you with every resource at their fingertips. A Gonzales murder attorney can discuss possible defenses, including defense of yourself or others, duress, entrapment, insanity, lack of evidence, lack of intent, or mistake of fact.

How Can a Gonzales Murder Attorney Help With My Murder Case?

A Gonzales murder lawyer can help with your murder case in countless ways. When you hire a murder lawyer, you’re securing access to honest counsel, key legal tools and resources, and aggressive advocacy and representation.

You can count on your legal team to help you build a solid defense based on the facts of your case and their extensive knowledge of Louisiana murder laws. They can also investigate the prosecution and identify ways to weaken their case against you.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Murder Lawyer in Gonzales?

The cost of hiring a murder lawyer in Gonzales ultimately depends on the nature of your case. It’s important to do your research to ensure a lawyer is a good fit and in your price range before you commit. Fortunately, you can usually set up an initial consultation to evaluate a firm.

At Longman Jakuback, we typically structure our price agreements based on the amount of time and resources we believe are required to win your case.

Hire a Murder Lawyer to Help With Your Case in Gonzales

Being charged with murder is one of the most serious situations you can face in court. Louisiana murder laws are strict, imposing harsh penalties and leaving little room for flexibility when it comes to sentencing. Without the right legal representation, it’s easy to make mistakes and hinder your chances at a fair outcome.

That’s why it’s recommended to work with a Gonzales murder attorney. The good news is you don’t have to look any further than Longman Jakuback. Our attorneys bring decades of criminal defense experience to the table, and we’re ready to put it to work for you. Contact the office to set up an initial appointment with a member of our team to discuss your case in more detail.