New Orleans Criminal Defense Attorney

Every individual deserves a fair trial, regardless of the circumstances of their case. Whether you’ve been charged with a minor infraction or for a serious felony, you should work closely with a qualified and skilled New Orleans criminal defense lawyer. They can protect your rights and fight for a favorable outcome in your case.

Criminal charges can be complex legal matters that carry potentially significant consequences. These penalties can drastically impact your life and future. With the potential for heavy fines, jail time, and even the loss of certain rights and freedoms, facing a criminal charge is a significant legal challenge.

Criminal Defense Representation in New Orleans, LA

Louisiana is known for its stricter laws in many areas of criminal law, such as its stance on drug crimes. Because of the potential impact that a conviction can have on a person’s life, a criminal defense attorney has an essential part in upholding justice and protecting the rights of those accused of a crime.

The team at The Bradley Law Firm offers compassionate legal counsel and representation to anyone accused of committing a violation. We are passionate about upholding our clients’ rights and seeking justice in every case. Our firm has a proven record of successful representation for our clients in and around the New Orleans area. We are ready to advocate on your behalf, no matter what the crime is for which you have been accused.

What Is Criminal Defense?

Criminal defense is the branch of our legal system whereby an attorney represents individuals who have been accused of committing a violation or engaging in criminal activity. A criminal defense lawyer upholds the rights and freedoms of the accused, ensuring that they receive a just trial.

Your criminal defense attorney can work diligently to achieve the most favorable outcome, whether that includes a complete dismissal of the charges, a reduction in the sentencing, or a favorable plea deal. Generally, they can accomplish this by offering some combination of the following:

• Case analysis. Your criminal defense lawyer can analyze your case, determine possible solutions, build a defense strategy, and compare the various laws and statutes applicable to your situation.
• Investigation. Your attorney can gather evidence to be used in your defense, interview witnesses, and protect you against unfair prosecution that may seek to distort the truth.
• Negotiation. Whenever possible, your attorney can attempt to keep the case from going to court. This is usually accomplished through alternative resolutions. In many cases, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea bargain or resolve the case out of court.
• Representation. If your case should go to court, your attorney can represent you before the prosecution and the judge, fighting on your behalf. From the start of the case through the final resolution, your lawyer can guide you through the legal process, advising you on how to handle every step.
• Appeal. Sometimes, a trial has some error during the proceedings, or the law is misinterpreted. If you are ruled guilty because of that, your attorney can appeal your conviction.

What Are the Different Levels of Criminal Charges?

Any violation of a law is punishable by state authorities and constitutes a crime. Crimes are categorized differently depending on the nature of the crime itself and its severity. Each level of severity carries increasingly harsher penalties.

However, Louisiana is unique in the nation in how it treats classification. Misdemeanors and felonies, unlike in other states, do not have subcategories or further classifications. This means that the state does not make further distinctions, such as a “Class A misdemeanor” or a “third-degree felony.” Instead, the courts classify all trials, settlements, and penalties under three simple categories.

As a result, every alleged crime is classified as one of three levels:

• Infraction. Representing the least serious type of criminal offense, infractions often include minor violations, such as traffic tickets, and will include fines without jail time.
• Misdemeanor. More serious than an infraction, misdemeanors are punishable by any combination of jail time, fines, probation, or community service. Crimes such as simple assault, petty theft, and first-time DUI offenses are generally classified as misdemeanor offenses.
• Felony. Felonies are the most serious category of criminal offenses. Because these crimes represent greater crimes, such as burglary, drug offenses, murder, or rape, they also carry the most severe penalties. This includes heavy fines and longer prison sentences.

Most crimes carry an automatic classification, but some crimes may be categorized as either a misdemeanor or a felony based on the particular circumstances of the case, such as the extent of the offense, whether a weapon was involved, or whether the accused has prior convictions.

These crimes, known as wobblers, can be charged differently, depending on the evidence in the case. If you’ve been charged with a felony, for example, it may be possible for your attorney to get your charges reduced to a misdemeanor. For further information on your particular case and how your alleged charges apply, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

What Types of Criminal Offenses Do We Defend?

The team at The Bradley Law Firm has extensive experience handling a wide range of criminal cases on behalf of our clients. Each criminal charge will vary in severity and can lead to varying degrees of penalties. The following represents some of the more common cases we take on:

• Disturbing the peace. It is against the law to provoke, anger, disturb, or otherwise consistently bother the public or another person with your behavior. Doing so represents a non-violent misdemeanor. This can include hosting loud parties on your property or engaging in unreasonable feuds on several occasions.
• Public intoxication. Seen as a form of disturbing the peace, public intoxication is generally charged as a misdemeanor. It is very common for tourists and out-of-state visitors to be charged due to New Orleans’ popularity as a party destination. If you’ve been charged with public intoxication and you are from out of state, you will need to resolve the matter before you leave.
• Driving under the influence / while intoxicated (DUI/DWI). Louisiana has severe consequences in place for drivers with multiple DUI offenses. Officially known as “Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated,” a DUI can lead to prison time and the loss of your license. Penalties get more severe with subsequent convictions.
• Theft. Theft crimes encompass many forms of criminal activity, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. The theft of property that is valued under $500 is considered petty theft. Once the value of the property exceeds this threshold, the theft charge becomes a felony. This can result in prison time as well as fines and restitution. Theft crimes are among the most common crimes across the country.
• Assault and battery. The state differentiates assault and battery based on whether actual contact was made between the two parties. When harm is threatened or attempted, this is known as assault. A crime becomes battery if physical contact is made, resulting in harm. Either crime can escalate into a violent crime and can carry felony charges. Sentences range from 90 days in jail to 10 years in prison.
• Domestic violence. When an individual threatens, harms, or attempts to harm a family member, household member, or romantic partner, they can be charged with domestic violence. Violence against former roommates or romantic partners can also constitute domestic violence, and the act does not have to occur in the home to qualify. Louisiana takes domestic violence seriously, and the extensive consequences of a conviction can impact an individual’s future, career, and relationships.
• Probation violation. Probation is a program ordered by a court as an alternative means of sentencing. The program exchanges jail time for supervision that includes strict terms. Violating these terms can revoke your probationary concessions and require you to complete your sentencing back in jail.
• Drug crimes. Louisiana has some of the most exhaustive drug crime laws in the nation, with many charges being specific to each illicit substance. Possession, intent to sell, manufacturing, and trafficking of any illegal substance carries serious penalties, such as hefty fines, mandatory parole, and extended prison time.
• White-collar crimes. Non-violent, financially motivated crimes are generally known as “white-collar” crimes and can encompass a wide range of violations. Some type of corruption is usually a factor in these crimes, and they tend to involve individuals in positions of trust exploiting others for their own gain. We cover such white-collar crimes as fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, money laundering, and tax evasion.
• Sex crimes. Any offense involving sexual behavior can be considered a sex crime and can increase its severity substantially. Because sex crimes tend to be more contentious, lending themselves to unfair assumptions and judgmental presuppositions, it is vital that those accused of committing a sex crime work closely with an experienced and skilled lawyer.

Criminal charges can range quite significantly, from minor infractions to serious felonies. Navigating the legal system can be a challenge, no matter how severe your charges are. If you’ve been accused of committing a crime or are facing criminal charges of any kind, reach out to one of our qualified team members today to discuss the details of your case and begin working on your defense.

FAQs About New Orleans, LA Criminal Defense Lawyer

How Long Does the DA Have to File Charges in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the District Attorney has a limited time in which to file charges against you once you’ve been arrested. The amount of time will vary, depending on whether you have posted bail or not. While you remain in jail, the District Attorney has 45 days to file charges against you. If you post bail, then that time extends to 90 days. The timeframe in which to file begins on the date of your arrest.

Who Is the Ideal Advocate in Criminal Cases?

While you may legally represent yourself in court, a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney is your ideal advocate for both counsel and representation. A criminal defense lawyer can review the details of your case, evaluate the evidence, and use proven strategies and methods for instilling doubt in the prosecution’s charges. Hiring a skilled criminal defense lawyer provides the ideal advocacy for achieving the most favorable outcome in your case.

What Is the Opposite of a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

The opposite of a criminal defense lawyer is a criminal prosecutor. A prosecutor’s role is to prove that an individual is guilty of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt by providing sufficient evidence and persuasive arguments. A criminal defense lawyer, on the other hand, is concerned with creating that doubt to allow their client to be deemed innocent. In many criminal cases, the prosecution represents the state, rather than an individual plaintiff.

What Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A criminal defense lawyer represents individuals who are charged with committing criminal offenses or violations. Their duty is to defend their clients against those charges by protecting and upholding their rights, analyzing evidence, and negotiating deals to obtain a favorable outcome.

Everyone deserves a fair trial, regardless of their charges or the nature of the case. Criminal defense lawyers offer a crucial service in the justice system by advocating on behalf of the accused.

Contact Your New Orleans Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

The criminal justice system is complex and can be daunting to navigate alone. Facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, as a conviction may have a serious impact on the rest of your life. For these reasons, it is highly recommended that you work with a qualified and experienced New Orleans criminal defense lawyer to handle your case and protect your rights.

Offering judgment-free counsel and diligent representation, The Bradley Law Firm is ready to extend the legal support and guidance that you need to avoid any unjust convictions. Whether it’s negotiating a plea bargain or getting your charges dismissed for lack of evidence, your attorney can fight to secure the most favorable outcome in your case. If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense in New Orleans, contact our office today to speak with a member of our team.