At some point when you face criminal charges, the prosecution may approach your attorney with an offer for a plea deal. Your attorney has a legal obligation to bring that offer to you for consideration. Before you decide whether to accept the deal, there are important...
Criminal Defense
Working To Minimize Over-Incarceration in Louisiana
With 564 prisoners per 100,000 people, Louisiana has one of the highest incarceration rates in the United States. At least 86,000 people go to jail in Louisiana each year. This over-incarceration problem has serious effects on the state's families and communities....
Can Louisiana drug court keep you out of jail?
In the state of Louisiana, drug courts serve as an alternative to incarceration for individuals with substance abuse issues. These courts aim to provide treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment. Participating in a drug court program could indeed keep you...
Why are your Miranda rights important?
When an officer asks you to participate in an interrogation, you should always keep your Miranda rights in mind. It is important to understand not only the Miranda rights, but also why you should utilize them and what purpose they serve. What are your Miranda rights?...
Understanding why the police might overcharge you
In the realm of criminal justice, charges serve as a formal accusation that a person has committed a crime. However, there are instances where law enforcement may levy more serious charges than the circumstances seem to warrant. This phenomenon, often referred to as...
What you should know about grand juries
Individuals who are unfamiliar with the criminal process may not know the difference between a trial jury and a grand jury. These two juries play very different roles and occur at different times during criminal procedures. Therefore, these are some things to know...
Mistaken identifications the top cause of wrongful conviction
When someone identifies you as the offender in a lineup, that witness’s recollections may carry a lot of weight. Many judges and juries consider an eyewitness’s testimony to be highly convincing. Yet, research shows that eyewitness accounts are much less accurate than...
How should you talk to the police when pulled over?
Despite the fact that you have the right to remain silent after an officer arrests or interrogates you, many people will choose to talk anyway because they believe they will look suspicious otherwise. In reality, this could backfire because you do not know how to...
The effects of over-incarceration in Louisiana
The incarceration rate is high in the United States, especially in Louisiana. Spending time in jail or prison can be damaging for incarcerated people. However, over-incarceration can also have negative effects on families and communities. Residents of Louisiana should...
The most common police errors in criminal cases
Police officers have a difficult job that requires handling many vital details. The stress and workload can create multiple opportunities for mistakes. Such errors may compromise the state's case against a defendant. The following oversights could even lead to a...