Shreveport Violent Crimes Lawyer Defending Clients Who Face Serious Charges
Facing a criminal conviction of any kind can be terrifying. You may not understand why you are being charged or how to fight the accusations against you. Fighting violent crime charges is even more difficult because of the stigma around these crimes. Prosecutors in Louisiana can be relentless when pursuing the alleged offender of a violent act. When you are facing criminal charges relating to the bodily injury of another individual, be it domestic violence, sexual abuse, battery, or aggravated arson, you need lawyers who understand the law and will fight aggressively for a positive outcome in your case.
A violent crime conviction can devastate your life, making it difficult to obtain child custody, get gainful employment, or have a social life. A criminal defense attorney like those at our law firm will carefully investigate the charges against you to uncover the truth about what happened. We will develop a strong defense on your behalf that can get the charges lowered or even dismissed. Don’t risk facing a criminal record that can haunt you for the rest of your life. Call our law firm today to speak to experienced defense attorneys who will fight for you. You can reach us at 318-594-4565 to schedule a free initial consultation.
What Are Some Common Violent Crime Charges in Louisiana?
By definition, a violent crime in Louisiana is any alleged offense involving the threat or use of force or violence against another person or their property. Not all violent crimes involve using a dangerous weapon, but crimes involving a firearm or other deadly weapon can result in severe penalties.
Some violent crime cases that we handle at Whiddon Criminal Defense include:
- Homicide – Homicide cases occur when one individual causes the death of another person, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and negligent homicide.
- Aggravated assault – These cases involve an incident where one person has the intent of inflicting physical harm on another person.
- Battery – Battery happens when an individual follows through with the threat of violence and harms someone else.
- Domestic assault – Harming a household member, be it a child, spouse, roommate, or romantic partner who lives with you, is known as domestic assault and can result in criminal charges.
- Sex crimes – Some sex crimes are considered violent crimes, such as when the sexual abuse is carried out under threat of force. These crimes carry severe penalties, such as being added to the sex offender registry.
What Penalties Could I Face for a Violent Crimes Conviction?
The Louisiana criminal justice system provides stiff penalties for individuals convicted of violent crimes. Criminal law prohibits using force or the threat of physical injury for any reason, and violators are held accountable accordingly. The penalty for your charges depends on the nature of the alleged criminal act. Some potential penalties include steep fines, jail time, and having your name added to the Louisiana sex registry.
When a violent crime goes on your permanent criminal record, you could face many challenges, such as limited employment opportunities, lack of contact with your loved ones, and a social stigma that follows you throughout your life. However, you still have legal options. You can fight the charges by demonstrating that you are not guilty, or you may be able to get the charges lowered by showing that law enforcement violated your Constitutional rights during the investigation.
How Can I Fight My Violent Crimes Charges?
Whenever you are accused of a violent crime, you should contact highly skilled attorneys like those at Whiddon Criminal Defense. Your attorney can explain the legal process and help you understand your options. Your lawyer will be incredibly important in gathering evidence to help you defeat your violent crime charges. They will also help you understand when to exercise your right to remain silent to avoid accidental self-incrimination during law enforcement investigations.
Above all, you should be honest and polite to avoid further criminal charges. Your criminal defense attorney can guide you on interacting with police officers and help you make the necessary decisions to get the favorable outcome you want in your criminal case.
Some possible defenses to violent crime charges include:
- Failure of the prosecution to provide proof, such as if evidence has gone missing or is not available during the trial
- Self-defense, such as in cases where the violent actions were necessary to protect yourself
- Insanity
- Acting under coercion or duress, for example, if you committed the act under threat of force from another individual
- Mistaken identity
Reaching out to an experienced attorney is one of the best steps you can take to develop a strong defense that can defeat your criminal charges. Call our law offices today to learn how we can help. We offer free initial consultations, so you have nothing to lose by calling us right away.
Should You Hire Our Violent Crimes Attorney?
A violent crime conviction can have a devastating effect on your life and your family’s well-being. You may be unable to continue in your line of work or get custody of your children. You could also face limitations on where you live if your charges are sex-related. Please don’t risk the life you’ve worked hard to achieve by fighting your charges alone or with an inexperienced attorney. Contact Whiddon Criminal Defense immediately to get the counsel and representation you need to defeat your violent crime charges.
The criminal law attorney at our law firm handles violent crime cases regularly. Our legal team understands what it takes to get favorable outcomes in the Louisiana criminal justice system, and we promise to put that knowledge and skill to work in your case. We will give your case the personal attention you deserve and fight tirelessly to lower or defeat your criminal charges. Call 318-594-4565 today to schedule a free consultation.