Serving clients throughout Louisiana.
Depending on the nature and severity of a crime, you can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony under Louisiana law. Regardless of the level of offense, possible penalties for most crimes include fines and time in jail or prison. You can expect to face harsher consequences in felony cases. That’s why it’s recommended that you secure sound legal counsel from a Lafayette felony lawyer you can trust.
Since 2017, Longman Jakuback has been representing our clients in complex cases against the criminal justice system. We’re familiar with tactics used by Louisiana prosecutors, so we know how to build comprehensive defenses that are personalized to each case. Our Lafayette criminal defense lawyers have represented many felony cases in the 15th Judicial District Court. You can count on us to advocate for you through every stage of the process.
Louisiana’s criminal laws cover acts against people, property, and society. Louisiana’s property and violent crime rates have been higher than the national average in recent years. In 2024, property crime was 30.5 percent higher, and violent crime was 44.8 percent higher. The Lafayette Police Department alone reported 3,526 crimes in a single year.
You can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony for criminal acts in Louisiana, depending on which specific factors apply to your situation. Under state law, a “felony” is defined as any crime that can result in the offender being sentenced to life in prison at hard labor or death. It’s important to note that offenses can be felonies, whether they are punished with or without hard labor. The key is that they can be sentenced. A “misdemeanor” is simply any crime that is not a felony.
We fight aggressively to protect your rights and future.
If you are charged with a felony in Lafayette, you can expect to face:
There are different degrees of felonies, but Louisiana does not broadly categorize crimes. Each criminal offense has its own specific penalties. Sometimes, first-time noncapital felony offenders may defer sentencing and be placed on probation. Completion of probation and other conditions can result in the case being dismissed. Additionally, you may immediately be eligible to expunge the charge from your record.
If you’re facing felony charges in Lafayette, it’s imperative that you understand the nature of the case against you. You will need a Lafayette felony attorney to form a cohesive defense and go up against the Louisiana criminal justice system.
Crimes that are charged as felonies under Louisiana law are those that are deemed severe enough to do so, including many violent crimes, drug offenses, and property crimes. Felonies are defined as crimes that have the potential for imprisonment at hard labor or the death sentence. Specific felony crimes in Louisiana can include:
Yes, it’s possible to have a felony charge reduced or dismissed in Lafayette. That said, it can be particularly difficult to do so, especially if you’re facing charges for a violent crime. It’s recommended that you hire a felony lawyer to explore possible strategies, including:
Certain felonies are unlikely to be reduced or dismissed. It’s wise to hire a felony lawyer to explain your legal options.
Yes, you can have certain felony convictions removed from your criminal record after serving your sentence in Lafayette. Typically, you must wait 10 years after completing your sentence and not have been convicted of any other criminal offenses throughout that time.
Certain offenses are not eligible for expungement under Louisiana law, including:
Possible defenses to use in a felony case in Lafayette can vary based on the details of the charges against you. Common defense strategies in felony cases include:
A Lafayette felony lawyer can formulate your defense.
Going up against the criminal justice system is daunting, and a felony charge only takes things to an even further extreme. It’s beneficial to secure legal representation from a local law firm that has experience in navigating Louisiana felony laws. That way, you can have an advocate who knows how to form a solid defense, backed by Louisiana felony law.
Our team at Longman Jakuback has decades of combined experience in criminal defense law throughout Baton Rouge and the surrounding communities. We know that your lowest moment doesn’t define you, so we can work hard to advocate for you, seeking a fair outcome in your case.
When you choose us to defend you, you’re choosing a local law firm you can trust. A handful of our attorneys have been included in Louisiana Super Lawyers. This honor is only awarded to a small percentage of attorneys throughout Louisiana each year. *
If you’re ready to discuss the details of a felony case in more detail, our attorneys are here to listen. Contact the office to schedule a consultation with a trusted team member today.
*Industry awards and recognition do not guarantee future case results. Criteria will vary from organization to 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.
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Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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