Lafayette Violent Crime Lawyer

Lafayette Violent Crime Attorney

Being charged with a Louisiana crime of violence is one of the most serious charges in our criminal code. We have extremely brave and loyal law enforcement officers in our state. These officers, however, are human, and humans sometimes make mistakes. If you are facing criminal charges for a violent crime, you need a Lafayette violent crime lawyer to defend you.

It is not terribly uncommon for an accused to be wrongfully charged with a crime of violence even if the accused would be more appropriately charged with a lesser crime given the facts of the case. If this mistake is not caught by the reviewing District Attorney’s office, the accused could very well be charged with a crime of violence.

For this reason alone, you should not hesitate in contacting a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible if you are accused of a crime of violence. Lafayette Violent Crime Lawyer Joshua S. Guillory is experienced in providing an aggressive and quality defense for those who are accused.

What is a “Crime of Violence”?

Louisiana law defines a “crime of violence” as an offense that has, as an element, the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, and that, by its very nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense or an offense that involves the possession or use of a dangerous weapon.

Louisiana law, under La. R.S. 14:2, provides an enumerated list of 59 crimes that are considered to be a “crime of violence.” Whether you are facing a crime of violence charge, falsely accused, or incorrectly charged with committing a crime of violence, do not wait in contacting The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory today at (337) 233-1303 or click here to arrange a consultation.

• DWI/DUI
• Misdemeanors
• Felonies
• Drug or Narcotic Offenses
• Theft
• Crimes of Violence
• White Collar Crimes
• Expungements
• Pardon Applications
• Traffic Violations

Potential Defenses Against Violent Crime Charges in Lafayette, LA

There are numerous potential defenses against violent crime charges. Determining which defense applies to your situation and will likely secure an ideal outcome is much easier with legal support. A criminal defense attorney has significant experience with cases involving violent crime offenses and can determine the most effective way to defend you based on your circumstances and the evidence against you. Some possible defenses are:

• Failure by the prosecution to meet the burden of proof
• False accusations made by the alleged victim
• Mistaken identity
• Alibi or innocence
• Justification for the offense, such as self-defense, defense of others, defense of property, or other necessary actions taken in an emergency
• Duress or coercion
• Lack of intent

Skilled legal support is crucial to protect your rights and secure the ideal outcome in a criminal case.

FAQs

Q: What Penalties Could I Face if Convicted of a Violent Crime in Louisiana?

A: If you are convicted of a violent crime in Louisiana, the penalties you could face greatly depend on factors of your case, such as the type of offense and its severity and whether there are any potentially mitigating or aggravating elements involved in your case. For example, murder in the first degree can result in a life sentence or the death penalty, while aggravated assault with a firearm can result in up to 10 years in prison or thousands of dollars in fines.

Q: Where Does Louisiana Rank in Violent Crime in the Country?

A: Louisiana was one of the states with fairly high incidents of violent crime, according to 2022 data gathered by the FBI. The state had a rate of 628.6 incidents per 100,000 residents, committed by offenders of all age groups. Violent crimes include homicide, non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

Q: How Much Does a Violent Crime Defense Lawyer Cost in Lafayette, Louisiana?

A: The cost of a violent criminal defense lawyer in Lafayette depends on numerous factors related to your criminal case and the attorney you choose. When your charges are more serious, or your case requires significantly more resources to investigate and defend, the costs may be higher.

Each attorney has unique fees based on their experience and success in cases like yours, the firm’s location, their fee structure, including whether it is a flat fee or an hourly fee, and whether the hourly fee includes a retainer fee.

Q: Is Violent Crime Surging in Louisiana?

A: No, violent crime is not surging in Louisiana. According to FBI data from the past several years, the violent crime rate in Louisiana increased from 2020 to 2021 but decreased from 2021 to 2022. There was a notable decrease in violent crimes such as murder, and 2023 data shows this trend has continued in the state. Continued efforts from law enforcement and residents in the community have contributed to this decrease.

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 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.