Louisiana’s criminal laws are robust. If you’re facing charges of any kind, you can expect to face serious consequences, including fines, time in jail, and other penalties based on the facts of your case. Defending against a criminal charge can be challenging and daunting, which is why it’s highly recommended that you work with a Prairieville criminal defense lawyer.
The right legal representation can make all the difference in a criminal case. If you’re charged in Prairieville, you can expect your case to be handled through the Ascension Parish Court or 23rd Judicial District Court.
Regardless, you can count on the Prairieville criminal defense attorneys at Longman Jakuback to have your back. Our local team has years of experience navigating complex criminal cases throughout southern Louisiana. We’re prepared to advocate for you in and out of the courtroom.

Louisiana’s criminal laws cover unlawful acts against people, property, and society. In recent years, crime rates for both violent crimes and property crimes in Louisiana have remained above rates in other states. In 2024, violent crime was 44.8 percent higher, and property crime was 30.5 percent higher than the US average.
Crimes are charged as either misdemeanors or felonies under Louisiana law. Felonies are crimes that can result in being sentenced to life in prison at hard labor or death. These charges are reserved for serious crimes such as:
Misdemeanor charges are for any crimes that do not classify as a felony. The maximum sentence for misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment with hard labor is two years.
Even if a misdemeanor charge comes with a shorter jail sentence, the charge can still stay on your criminal record that’s visible to employers and lenders. Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony under Louisiana law, it’s highly recommended that you hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you throughout your case.
Longman Jakuback has decades of criminal defense experience under our belt that we’re ready to put to work for you. When you choose us as your legal representatives in Prairieville, you’re choosing a team of advocates through every stage of your case.
Our team partners with local Louisiana investigators, legal researchers, and other professionals to gather research and other pieces of evidence to form your defense. The lawyers at Longman Jakuback are prepared to advocate for you in Louisiana courtrooms.
Five of our attorneys were selected for inclusion in Louisiana’s Super Lawyers, which is an honor only awarded to a small percentage of attorneys across the state every year. Our firm is also:
Longman Jakuback is a part of the Fair Fight Initiative. This program focuses on combating abusive criminal justice practices, ending mass incarceration, and exposing systemic racism. We’re proud to go above and beyond to help the members of our community.
We fight aggressively to protect your rights and future.
How a Prairieville criminal defense attorney can help with your case ultimately hinges on the details of your case and the type of support you require. A Louisiana criminal defense lawyer can help protect your freedom and rights throughout a criminal case.
They can open their own investigation to strengthen your defense, challenge flawed evidence, negotiate plea deals, and represent you in the courtroom if trial is the only way forward.
How you avoid jail time for a felony offense in Louisiana ultimately depends on the details of the charges against you. It’s more difficult to get out of a felony sentence than it would be for a misdemeanor. However, it is possible.
Under Article 893 of the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure, offenders facing charges for a first-time noncapital felony offense may defer sentencing and instead be placed on probation. Upon completing probation, your case may be dismissed.
You can have a criminal conviction expunged from your record in Prairieville for certain types of crimes. For eligible crimes, you must complete your sentence, including any probation or parole, and allow the waiting period to pass before filing for expungement.
Some offenses that are not eligible for expungement include:
The cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Prairieville depends on the complexity of your case, including whether or not it goes to trial. Costs for criminal defense attorneys typically include:
You can typically expect to pay a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a retainer depending on the firm and their fee structure.
Facing any type of criminal charge under Louisiana law is a big deal. It’s important that you know what steps to take to protect yourself in a criminal case.
Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything by yourself. With the right legal representation, you can form a strong defense against your charges. Individuals throughout Prairieville and surrounding areas have been turning to Longman Jakuback to represent them in tough criminal cases.
Our local firm brings decades of criminal defense experience to the table that we’re ready to put to work for you. If you want to learn more, reach out to our office to talk to a member of our team.
Call today to schedule an initial meeting to determine what to do next. We’re located near I-10 and I-110, making us a convenient trip for those in need throughout southeast Louisiana.
*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Louisiana, the team at Longman Jakuback is ready to fight for you. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.