Serving clients throughout Louisiana.
Facing federal criminal charges in Baton Rouge is a serious matter. It’s highly recommended that you talk to a Baton Rouge federal criminal defense lawyer about your case as soon as possible if you’re in need of a solid federal criminal defense strategy.
Federal crimes typically carry harsher penalties. They have more difficult requirements for forming a successful defense that secures a lighter charge or dropped charges altogether.
Longman Jakuback has been representing Louisianans through complex criminal cases at the state and federal level for decades. Our team is proud to advocate for the accused, the imprisoned, and the marginalized throughout Louisiana.
We fight aggressively to protect your rights and future.
In addition to our work in local and state courts, our Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyers are comfortable navigating federal cases through the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. We’ve got you covered no matter what.
Crime rates have consistently been higher in Louisiana than the national average in recent years. In 2024, Louisiana had the fifth-highest violent crime rates and property crime rates in the nation.
Prosecutors pursue criminal charges aggressively, especially at the federal level. It’s important to have a plan if you find yourself going up against the criminal justice system.
Defending against a criminal charge can be challenging regardless of the details of the offense. Louisiana has strict criminal laws at the state level as it is, and federal laws can impose even more serious punishments.
It’s critical that you understand U.S. federal criminal laws and how they pertain to your case. That way, you can form a solid defense strategy that secures your freedom.
When facing federal criminal charges, you can expect to go through three main stages throughout your case:
It’s important to note that it may still be possible to reach a pre-trial resolution even if the prosecutor obtains an indictment to pursue formal charges.
At the state and federal level, crime is prosecuted harshly in Louisiana. As of June 2026, the state’s total prison population was 31,228 inmates. If you’re facing federal criminal charges, it’s imperative that you understand your rights and legal options under U.S. law.
Criminal cases in Baton Rouge may escalate to the federal level for a number of different reasons. These offenses violate United States federal law. State laws and federal laws can sometimes overlap.
Who has jurisdiction over your case in these situations is likely going to be up to the federal investigators involved. Some crimes are automatically federal charges while others can be charged at either the state or federal level.
Building a strong federal criminal defense strategy starts with contacting a Baton Rouge federal criminal defense lawyer and investigating the charges against you. Your attorney can represent you through every stage of a federal criminal case, starting with the initial detention hearing. The outcome of this hearing determines whether you remain in custody or can go home for the duration of the case.
You can expect the prosecution to argue that it’s safer for you to be detained. Your legal team can advocate for you and present their arguments for why it’s acceptable for you to be free for the time being. This usually involves proving that you’re not a danger to your community or a flight risk.
This initial hearing is just one step in the federal criminal justice process. It’s helpful to have your attorney by your side for these next phases, too. It may be possible to negotiate a plea bargain or secure a lighter sentence through pre-trial motions. Your attorney can launch their own investigation in order to support your defense.
Our Baton Rouge federal criminal defense lawyers have worked alongside Louisiana investigators and other professionals to help with our clients’ defense strategies. We’re comfortable navigating pre-trial procedures and litigation in the courtroom alike. You can count on us to help with tasks throughout the case such as:
Many federal cases are resolved through negotiated plea agreements. Those that do go to trial are seen in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.
Even if you only suspect you’re under investigation for a federal crime, it’s recommended that you reach out to a Baton Rouge federal criminal defense attorney. The sooner you secure legal representation, the faster you can start forming your defense strategy and securing a pathway to freedom.
You can expect to face serious consequences for federal crimes, including expensive legal fines and long prison sentences. While it’s possible to avoid time in prison with the right federal criminal defense strategy, this is typically more challenging to accomplish than in a state court.
You can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony in a federal court. Under U.S. federal law, the maximum sentence for a misdemeanor is one year. Felony charges, on the other hand, can result in life in prison. Depending on the nature of the crime, you may face other penalties, too, such as having to pay restitution to victims or losing a professional license.
Beyond the criminal sentence itself, having a federal criminal conviction on your record can make life harder for you in the future. It can impact your ability to find adequate housing, gain employment, and maintain personal relationships.
The federal death penalty does apply to specific criminal acts due to the extreme nature of the offenses. This includes things like mass murder, terrorism, or treason.
Other crimes can lead to life in prison. You can expect to face serious consequences for misdemeanors and felonies alike. Hire a federal criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate your charges.
Federal convictions cannot be expunged in Baton Rouge, which means they essentially remain on your record forever. That said, it may be possible for you to apply for a Presidential Pardon to have a federal crime completely forgiven. You can only file this petition if:
Offenses that require the waiting period of seven years include violations of gun control laws, income tax laws, narcotic laws, and public trust, as well as perjury, organized criminal offenses, and serious violent crimes.
While a Presidential Pardon won’t erase the criminal record or declare your innocence, it can restore some crucial civil rights like your right to vote, hold public office, or serve on a jury. Furthermore, you’re likely going to have an easier time finding a job and passing background checks.
Some exceptions may apply when it comes to eligibility for a Presidential Pardon. A Baton Rouge federal criminal defense attorney can explain your rights and help you navigate the application process if you’re able to file.
Facing federal criminal charges can alter the course of your life, and a conviction only makes things worse. It’s helpful to have a knowledgeable legal professional on your side with hands-on experience handling cases like yours to form a strong defense and avoid common mistakes along the way.
Federal criminal charges are different from state charges. Cases at this level require a different set of skills that not every criminal defense lawyer can deliver. Lucky for you, Longman Jakuback is a skilled criminal defense law firm at the state and federal level.
Our team has extensive experience navigating state and federal criminal laws to advocate for our clients when they need us most. We’re proud to be a boutique law firm that focuses on providing superior results. As a smaller, intimate team, we’re able to provide one-on-one care.
We’ve still built a stellar reputation over the years amongst our clients and peers alike. Five of our attorneys were named as Louisiana’s Super Lawyers. This honor is only awarded to a small number of attorneys every year. We’re also affiliated with:
As a member of the Fair Fight Initiative, we are committed to dismantling abusive criminal justice practices, ending mass incarceration, and confronting systemic racism. We go above and beyond in any way we can to make the lives of our community members better.
It’s wise to contact a Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to help you navigate the early stages of a federal investigation. The right legal representation can make a world of difference in a criminal case, especially right after the initial arrest and during your detention hearing.
Crimes that are automatically federal charges in Louisiana target federal interests, violate specific federal statutes, or occur on federal property. Common crimes that only exist as federal violations include:
Large-scale drug trafficking charges are also often charged at the federal level, as are a number of white collar crimes and weapons violations.
What escalates a criminal charge to the federal level in Baton Rouge depends on the nature and severity of the offense. Crimes tried at the federal level are proven to have violated U.S. federal laws instead of just Louisiana laws.
Key factors that can trigger federal criminal charges include:
Defending yourself against charges for federal crimes in Baton Rouge looks different based on what you are charged with. There are a number of federal criminal defense strategies that an attorney may discuss with you based on the facts of your case.
Some common federal criminal defenses include:
Your lawyer can also challenge the prosecution’s case against you through their own evidence.
The penalties you can face if you’re charged with a federal crime in Baton Rouge may vary depending on the severity of the crime and the strength of your federal criminal defense strategy. Consequences are typically harsher at the federal level than the state level.
You can potentially face time in prison with mandatory minimum sentences and massive legal fines. Additionally, a criminal conviction can impact many areas of your life even after you’ve served your sentence.
When your freedom or your family is on the line, you deserve a team that is as invested in the outcome as you are.
Whether you’re under investigation, actively facing charges, or seeking an appeal, it’s wise to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to represent you in a federal crime case. Louisianans facing federal charges have been turning to Longman Jakuback to represent them in these complex legal matters.
Our Baton Rouge federal criminal defense attorneys aren’t afraid to be the advocate you need in and out of the courtroom. We’re comfortable navigating cases at the state and federal level. You can count on us to be there no matter how far matters escalate.
Call our office near you to set up an initial consultation with a trusted attorney from our team today. You can find us in the Saltz Building right here in Baton Rouge. We’re conveniently located near I-10 and I-110 along the Mississippi River to reach our clients throughout the Capital Region and beyond.
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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.
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