Metairie Criminal Defense Lawyer

Metairie Criminal Defense Attorney

Whether you’re facing a minor infraction or you were arrested for a felony, you should immediately retain a criminal defense lawyer who can protect your rights. At The Bradley Law Firm, we incorporate intellect, experience, and passion to offer criminal defense services in Jefferson Parish that genuinely aid our clients. Due to Louisiana’s strict sentencing laws and the impact a criminal conviction can have on your life, the help of a defense attorney is indispensable in any criminal case.

Our head attorney is devoted to fighting for justice and is prepared to do so for you. For criminal defense assistance in Metairie, Louisiana, our team at The Bradley Law Firm is waiting to hear your story.

The Basic Aspects of Louisiana Criminal Law

Every state creates unique laws that discuss the criminal violations they recognize and how the court should punish them. For example, Louisiana is known for having much harsher drug laws than other states. This is because the local government implemented more drug charges than most places and also created serious sentencing laws. Similar to other states, though, Louisiana’s criminal charges come in three basic categories. As the categories become more severe, so do the consequences.

Another factor that separates Louisiana criminal law from other states is that misdemeanors and felonies do not have subcategories. This means that instead of being charged with a third-degree felony or a Class A misdemeanor, defendants are simply charged with a misdemeanor or felony instead. This makes criminal trials, settlements, and punishments easier for the state to organize. The three categories of Louisiana criminal offenses include:

1. Infractions: An infraction is the least severe legal charge you can receive in Louisiana. Infractions include basic traffic violations and are more used to deter individuals from making poor decisions in the future. Most infractions result in a small fine but can sometimes be fought in court. If you’re charged with an infraction, it will not have as large of an impact on your criminal record as a misdemeanor or felony would.
2. Misdemeanors: A misdemeanor is viewed as a more serious crime than an infraction but not as intense as a felony. Misdemeanors commonly include first-time criminal violations such as theft and assault. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor in Louisiana, you can face jail time but not prison time. You can also receive probation, community service, or fines, depending on your conviction.
3. Felonies: Felonies are the most serious kind of crime that you can be charged with. In Louisiana, individuals can be charged with felonies if state law says their specific crime can be punished by “at hard labor” or prison time. Louisiana is also one of the few states that still uses the death penalty, which can be implemented only for certain felonies. Examples of felonies include homicide, theft over $500, battery of a police officer, and more.

Our Metairie Criminal Defense Services

If you or someone you love are searching for criminal defense representation in the New Orleans metro area, The Bradley Law Firm takes great pride in offering legal aid that is dedicated to justice. We have defended clients against infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, giving us the insight required to offer effective representation. Our criminal defense services can include but are not limited to:

Assault and Battery: Assault in Louisiana occurs when someone threatens or attempts to harm another individual. Battery, however, occurs when there is actual physical contact between two people that causes the victim harm. Both assault and battery have the potential to be considered violent crimes, which can turn them into felony charges. Consequences for assault and battery can range anywhere from a misdemeanor and 90 days in jail to a felony with ten years in prison. Discuss your case with our head attorney as soon as you have been arrested for assault or battery in Metairie, LA.

Disturbing the Peace: “Disturbing the Peace” is a nonviolent misdemeanor that occurs when an individual provokes, angers, disturbs, or consistently bothers another person or the public. Examples of disturbing the peace can include having concerts in your backyard, interrupting a funeral procession, and getting into consistent, loud quarrels with a family member.

DUIs: In Louisiana, the technical term for intoxicated driving is known as “Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.” However, it is commonly referred to as a DUI or DWI by the state and the defendants who are arrested for it. A Louisiana DUI can change your life quickly, especially if it’s not your first one. This is because the state has intense consequences in place for habitual offenders. From losing your license to eventual prison time, it’s vital that you work with our team to protect your rights in a DUI case.

Drug Crimes: Louisiana carries some of the most extensive drug laws of any state in the U.S. In fact, some illegal substances carry their own kinds of charges. For example, individuals carrying or selling heroin can face a “heroin charge.” Drug crimes can include the possession of any illegal substance, possession with the intent to sell, the manufacturing of illegal substances, and more. The majority of drug crimes are charged as felonies and can result in massive fines, prison time, and mandatory parole if you are convicted.

Domestic Violence: To commit an act of domestic violence in Louisiana, an individual must threaten, harm, or attempt to harm their romantic partner or someone they share a home with. Domestic violence charges hold a serious weight and can affect your relationships and career. Talk to The Bradley Law Firm to learn about your rights in a Metairie domestic violence case.

Probation Violations: Probation is a court-ordered program where an individual follows strict terms and supervision instead of going to jail. It is a form of alternative sentencing that aims to give convicted individuals a chance to show their behavior is changing. However, if you violate the terms of your probation, you can ultimately find yourself back in jail.

Public Intoxication: Louisiana and the city of New Orleans are popular party destinations. Because of this, many locals and tourists from out-of-state end up facing public intoxication charges when they’ve had a little too much fun. Public intoxication is seen as a form of disturbing the peace, which generally results in a misdemeanor charge. If you are from outside of Louisiana and are facing public intoxication charges, you’ll need the aid of an accomplished attorney to settle the charges before you can leave.

Sex Crimes: If you are accused of a sex crime in Louisiana, the consequences can be intimidating. Sex crimes involve any offense that involves behavior of a sexual nature. Most sex crimes are felonies and are viewed as heinous by judicial officers, which can often make your case even more contentious. Anyone facing sex crime allegations in Metairie should retain a lawyer before moving forward with their case.

Theft Crimes: Theft is one of the most common criminal offenses across the U.S. It can come in multiple forms and is generally categorized by the value of the property that was stolen. In Louisiana, petty theft occurs if someone steals property that has a value of less than $500. A petty theft charge can be increased to felony theft as soon as an individual steals property that is worth $500 or more. Felony theft, which is commonly known as grand theft in other states, can result in prison time, fines, restitution, and more.

White-Collar Crimes: White-collar crimes typically include financially motivated offenses that are nonviolent. Most white-collar crimes involve some form of corruption and often are done by someone in a position of trust. Money laundering, fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and insider trading are all white-collar crimes and areas that we may be able to assist you in.

What Can a Metairie Criminal Defense Attorney Do?

A criminal defense attorney is responsible for many jobs. Their careers encompass a collection of duties that help them to protect and represent the rights of those facing criminal allegations. At The Bradley Law Firm, our leading lawyer’s dedication and insight into criminal law help him to:

• Analyze your case and determine what solutions are possible.
• Gather strong evidence to use in your defense.
• Build a defense that highlights your side of the story.
• Work to keep your case outside of court whenever possible.
• Defend you against the prosecution, difficult witnesses, and unfair legal procedures.
• Find solutions and settlements that are favorable to your situation.
• Negotiate deals.
• Use the law in your favor.
• Ensure the court doesn’t take advantage of you.

Criminal Defense in Jefferson Parish: The Bradley Law Firm

With drastic jail sentences and complex criminal laws, being accused of a criminal offense in Louisiana can be daunting for anyone. Luckily, The Bradley Law Firm is here to offer compassionate criminal defense until justice is achieved. Serving clients in Metairie and beyond, our adept defense team at The Bradley Law Firm is prepared to advocate for your rights. For a legal advocate who openly communicates and works efficiently, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact The Bradley Law Firm for criminal defense in Metairie today.