Lafayette Murder Lawyer

Lafayette Murder Attorney

In Louisiana, murder is a form of homicide and carries significant penalties. These charges are some of the most serious you can face, and the consequences that could come about as a result of a conviction can mean the end of your rights and freedom. Whether you have been accused of murder near Moncus Park or are under investigation following an incident at your home in Pilette, it is crucial that you speak with a Lafayette murder lawyer who can protect your rights.

Trust Your Murder Defense to Longman Jakuback

Since our firm was established in 2017, the defense attorneys at Longman Jakuback have been working on behalf of clients throughout Louisiana. From our Baton Rouge offices, we work to protect the freedoms, rights, and futures of the marginalized, the accused, and the families of those who fear for their loved ones.

Both outside of and inside the courtroom, we are here for you. You do not have to face your charges alone.

Understanding Murder Charges in Lafayette

In 2024, Lafayette experienced 428 acts of violent crime, including murder. There are two main types of murder an individual can be accused of, including:

• First-degree murder: This is the most serious of all homicide-related charges in Lafayette and requires the offender to have specific intent to cause the death of the victim. There are specific circumstances during which first-degree murder takes place, including:
  • Cases where someone intentionally kills another
  • Situations where the alleged offender has been paid to kill the victim
  • When someone is intentionally killed by another during an act of violence, such as during a kidnapping or burglary
  • When a child below a certain age or an elderly individual above a certain age has been killed
  • Cases where a peace officer, fireman, or employee of a crime laboratory was killed while performing the duties of their job
• Second-degree murder: This charge can arise when an individual has been accused of intentionally killing another person, but it can also apply in situations where someone has been killed without specific intent. This can occur when death happens during another crime, such as a rape, arson, or robbery.

An individual in Lafayette can also be charged with second-degree murder if they have given a controlled substance to another person and it has resulted in that person’s death.

Common Defense Strategies for Murder Charges

Of the nearly two million people incarcerated in the United States, many are facing life in prison for murder charges. If you are accused of murder, it is crucial to hire an attorney who can review your case and build you a defense strategy that can protect your rights and keep you out of prison.

At Longman Jakuback, we have successfully defended accused clients using one or more of the following strategies:

• Self-defense: This is a popular defense and can be used in a range of criminal cases. If you or another party is attacked by someone using life-threatening force, you have the right to defend yourself and others. However, in order for this defense to work, your attorney must be able to prove that harm was imminent to you or your loved one and death would have occurred if you had not intervened.
• Insanity: When this defense is put into motion, it means that you were suffering from a mental issue or condition that diminished your mental responsibility and impaired you in a way that you did not know your actions were wrong.
• Mistaken identity: In Lafayette, several factors could lead to mistaken identity, including faulty memory, malicious associations, or poor visibility.
• An accident: If you can prove that you had no criminal intent to cause the alleged victim harm and that your actions were not the result of negligence, you may be able to argue that the death was simply an unavoidable accident.

FAQs About Lafayette, LA Murder Laws

What Are Other Louisiana Homicide Charges?

Other Louisiana homicide charges besides murder include negligent homicide, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide. In a single year, Louisiana can see up to 837 homicides, with an overall homicide death rate of 19.3% per 100,000 residents. Each of these charges involves different penalties and sentencing ranges. Speak with a criminal defense attorney to learn more about your options.

What Penalties Can I Face for Murder in Louisiana?

The penalties you can face for murder in Louisiana are serious. If you find yourself facing first-degree murder charges, a conviction could result in the death penalty. You may also face a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or probation and with hard labor. If you are convicted of second-degree murder, then you face an automatic life sentence without the chance of release.

What Should I Do If I Am Accused of Murder in Lafayette?

If you are accused of murder in Lafayette, remain calm and contact an attorney. It is important that you remain silent, as anything that you say could be used against you as evidence. You will also want to keep your case private and refrain from posting anything about it to social media, as it could be used against you. During this challenging time, it is essential that you listen to your attorney.

Can I Appeal a Murder Conviction in Louisiana?

Yes, you may be able to appeal a murder conviction in Louisiana, depending on the circumstances of your original trial. There are several common reasons or issues with a trial that can lead to an appeal, including any kind of misconduct, cases where the jury did not receive proper instructions, or cases where your constitutional rights were violated.

Hire a Murder Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been charged with or accused of murder in Lafayette, you need to hire a murder lawyer as soon as possible. At Longman Jakuback, our experienced attorneys have the knowledge necessary to defend you against any criminal charge.

Homicide charges of any kind are serious, and you need an attorney who can champion your rights. Contact Longman Jakuback today to learn how we can help and schedule a consultation.