Reasonable suspicion vs. probable cause: breaking down the difference
Reading Time: 4 minutesGetting pulled over by police can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to recognize what motivates them to stop you. They may have reasonable suspicion that you’ve engaged in criminal activity, but when a police officer finds evidence, they may be able to arrest you on grounds of probable cause. Yet, what is the […]
What crimes are federal offenses?
Reading Time: 4 minutesWhile most criminal offenses are prosecuted at the state level, not all are. Depending on the circumstances of the crime and where it was committed, it may be a federal offense, not a state one. Any crimes that cross country or state lines, occurred on federal property or involved federally controlled infrastructure, or involved interstate […]
How to get a drug trafficking charge dismissed in Louisiana
Reading Time: 2 minutesIf you’re facing drug trafficking charges in Louisiana: Your lawyer can mount a strong defense on your behalf, protect you during police questioning, and ideally have your trafficking charge dismissed. Below, our Lake Charles drug offense attorneys explain what it takes to be found innocent in drug trafficking cases and how to get a drug […]
Can social media be used as evidence in a criminal case?
Reading Time: 4 minutesYes, anything that you post on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, and other social media platforms (including “anonymous” ones like Reddit or Discord), can and likely will be used by the prosecution against you in criminal legal proceedings. The internet is forever, and nothing that you post online is truly private, even if your social media […]
Can you use prior convictions as evidence?
Reading Time: 3 minutesIf you have been arrested and charged with a crime, you may wonder whether you can use prior convictions as evidence to improve the outcome of your case. Previous criminal convictions can be used as a defense strategy to discredit the credibility of the prosecution’s witness, or be used by the prosecution to discredit your […]
What is the difference between murder and manslaughter?
Reading Time: 3 minutesThe main difference between murder and manslaughter, per Louisiana criminal law, is the intent of the person committing the homicide. Was it an in-the-moment crime of passion, or was the crime meticulously planned for weeks? Your mindset at the time of the alleged crime can be a determining factor in the level of charges you […]
Examples of public corruption and common defenses
Reading Time: 2 minutesPublic corruption remains a critical issue impacting trust and efficiency within government institutions. From bribery to embezzlement, the forms it can take are varied and complex. Understanding public corruption examples and the legal defenses commonly used to address these allegations is vital for both the public and legal professionals. At The Johnson Firm, our Lake […]
How do you get a juvenile record expunged in Louisiana?
Reading Time: 2 minutesFortunately, Louisiana law provides mechanisms to expunge juvenile records, offering a fresh start to those who qualify. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of expungement and juvenile defense law in Lake Charles, then call us at (337) 433-1414 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help in your case. Understanding juvenile […]
How do you get a juvenile record expunged in Louisiana?
Reading Time: 2 minutesFortunately, Louisiana law provides mechanisms to expunge juvenile records, offering a fresh start to those who qualify. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of expungement and juvenile defense law in Lake Charles, then call us at (337) 433-1414 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help in your case. Understanding juvenile […]
First-time Offenders: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Reading Time: 4 minutesIs this your first arrest? You may be eligible for pretrial diversion through Louisiana’s first-time offender law Facing the Louisiana criminal justice system for the first time can be daunting. Many first-time offenders, often involved due to simple mistakes or lack of knowledge, may feel overwhelmed by the process of court appearances and interactions with […]