Lafayette Criminal Defense Lawyer

Lafayette Criminal Defense Attorney

An arrest is a frightening experience, and even more so for an individual who has never had contact with the criminal justice system. Without any kind of warning, you can find yourself thrust into an unfamiliar world where you are subjected to immense indignities, and the stress of an event of this magnitude can be wholly overwhelming. A criminal allegation can have a devastating impact not only on you, but also on your family and on all other parties involved. You need a Lafayette criminal defense lawyer to protect your future.

It is important to choose a criminal defense attorney who is reliable, experienced, knowledgeable and assertive. Attorney Joshua S. Guillory prides himself on aggressively fighting for his clients while striving for optimal results. Our staff pays great attention to the details of each client’s situation and responds to any and all questions with straightforward and honest answers.

Remember an arrest is not a conviction. The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory will aggressively fight for you and stand up for your rights in Court. To arrange a consultation, call (337) 233-1303 or click here.

Do Not Waste Time after an Arrest

Timing is critical in a criminal defense case after an allegation or arrest. With timely intervention from a capable criminal defense attorney like Josh Guillory, negotiation and preparation can help put your life back to normal. He will ensure that you know your rights and will act to protect those rights immediately. Josh Guillory knows the intricacies of the legal system and has a plethora of experience as a practicing Louisiana criminal defense attorney. A few of the criminal defense categories The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory handles include:

• DWI/DUI: Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) offenses can incur more severe charges for repeat offenses, having a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC), causing an accident, and other aggravating factors. Even a first-time offense can result in fines, the loss of your license, and jail time.Being arrested for a DWI does not mean you will be convicted. The support of a skilled DWI/DUI attorney is essential to determine possible defenses for your case. An attorney may be able to get your charges dismissed or mitigate them through a plea deal and limit the penalties you face.
• Municipal or Misdemeanors: Municipal crimes and misdemeanors are less serious forms of criminal offense, but you must still take them seriously. A conviction can still result in months of imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record. These crimes can range from public drunkenness to simple battery. Finding a Lafayette Criminal Defense Lawyer is necessary for mitigating the consequences of these charges and avoiding being harshly prosecuted.
• Felonies: Felonies are much more serious criminal offenses. Similar to misdemeanors, felonies can result in a criminal record, but unlike misdemeanors, they can also result in the loss of certain rights, years of imprisonment, and even more substantial fines. Felony offenses include aggravated assault or battery, domestic violence, and homicide.The most serious felonies could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. It is essential that you find an attorney who knows how to investigate and defend against these severe charges.
• Drug or Narcotic Offenses: Drug and narcotic charges include offenses like possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to distribute, the cultivation or manufacturing of controlled substances, and drug trafficking.The penalties associated with a drug offense vary based on the type of controlled substance and the amount found. Prosecutors harshly punish drug offenses, so legal representation is important to determine the ideal defense to aggressively protect your rights.
• Theft: Theft charges include offenses such as shoplifting, robbery, larceny, certain burglary offenses, and certain types of fraud. The severity of theft charges depends on the amount stolen and the presence of aggravating factors, like the use of a deadly weapon or firearm. An attorney can review your charges and circumstances to determine what defenses can mitigate the penalties of the offense.
• Crimes of Violence: Violent crimes include offenses like aggravated battery and assault, robbery, domestic violence, manslaughter, and murder. In cases of violent crimes, the victim of the crime is present and suffers a threat of harm, injury, or death. These criminal offenses carry serious penalties. Certain defense strategies may be applicable to mitigate the consequences of these charges, depending on your situation.
• White Collar Crimes: White collar offenses are financial offenses, often committed by those with financial or administrative power in white collar jobs. These crimes include embezzlement, money laundering, forgery, bribery and public corruption, insider trading, and many types of fraud.These offenses can result in criminal charges and civil cases filed by those who were financially hurt by the crime. An attorney who understands the financial and legal complexities of these cases is necessary to protect your interests.
• Expungements: Expungements can allow those who have been convicted of criminal offenses to clear certain offenses from their criminal record. Criminal records can affect many opportunities in your life, so expungement can help you start over. This is a complex process that is much easier with an attorney and allows you to have a fresh beginning.
• Pardon Applications: Pardons can be requested from the governor of the state in unique situations. An attorney can help you determine if you qualify and how a pardon may benefit your future.
• Traffic Violations: Traffic violations are often minor infractions that result in fines, such as moving violations, speeding tickets, and other tickets. A Lafayette Criminal Defense Lawyer can help you challenge these tickets.

Working with an attorney who has experience in the type of criminal charges you are facing is essential, as they have the resources and knowledge needed to investigate your charges and prepare your defense. At The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, we want to provide you with dedicated criminal defense.

FAQs

Q: How Long Can a Criminal Case Stay Open in Louisiana?

A: How long a criminal case can stay open in Louisiana depends on the specifics of the case, including the severity of the charges and other complex factors. Trials must begin within 30 to 180 days, depending on whether the charge is a felony or misdemeanor and whether the individual is in continued custody.

Once the trial begins, the duration will vary significantly based on the complexity of your case. Your attorney can give you a more accurate estimation of how long your unique case may take.

Q: What Are the Four Main Lines of Defense That a Defense Attorney Can Use?

A: The four main lines of defense that a defense attorney may use in a criminal defense trial include:

1. Innocence or alibi, which states your innocence and often provides an alibi for why you could not have committed the crime.
2. Lack of evidence often applies when the prosecution cannot meet their burden of proof, which is beyond a reasonable doubt.
3. Affirmative defense, including self-defense and duress. This defense is an admission to a crime with legal justification.
4. Constitutional violations, including mishandling of evidence, illegal search and seizure, failure to read you your rights, and entrapment.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for Criminal Cases in Louisiana?

A: The statute of limitations for criminal cases in Louisiana is the period of time that the prosecution has to file charges or an indictment from the time the offense was committed. This period of time varies based on the severity of the offense.

Misdemeanors have a statute of limitation of six months or two years, depending on whether the offense can be punished by imprisonment. Felonies have a limitation of either four or six years. Certain sex offenses have a limitation of 30 years. Capital offenses and other sex offenses have no time limit.

Q: Why Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: You need a criminal defense lawyer to secure the most optimal outcome in your criminal case and protect your rights and future. Your Lafayette Criminal Defense attorney can investigate the charges against you, listen to your side of the story, gather evidence, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and prepare a strong defense. Working with an attorney gives you the necessary resources to fight your charges and prevents you from facing the criminal justice system alone.

Fighting for Justice in Louisiana Courts

Josh Guillory is an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer. Lafayette area clients in need of defense for felony and misdemeanor crimes in Louisiana look to Josh Guillory for help.

Due to the complicated nature of Louisiana law and the seriousness of criminal allegations, those facing criminal charges need an experienced, knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to serve them, and Attorney Josh Guillory is more than qualified to do so. If you or a loved one are in need of an effective criminal defense attorney, please contact our office at (337) 233-1303 or click here today to arrange a consultation with Attorney Josh Guillory.

In addition to handling criminal law issues, Attorney Joshua S. Guillory is prepared to help individuals with a wide range of legal matters, such as family law matters, estate planning to include wills and trusts, business law, and personal injury. Do not hesitate to contact The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, LLC at (337) 233-1303 or click here to send a message to our firm.