How much do criminal defense lawyers cost?
Most Louisiana criminal defense attorneys charge by the hour, not a flat fee nor on contingency, and hourly fees can range from $200 to upwards of $1,000 or more, depending on the skill and experience of the lawyer and the seriousness of your charges. However, when you are facing criminal charges, the outcome of which […]
Can an accomplice be charged with a more serious crime?
Yes, under certain circumstances, an accomplice can face the same or even more serious charges than the main offender. Louisiana criminal law holds that anyone who aids, abets, or helps commit a crime may be treated as equally responsible, even if they didn’t carry out the act themselves. This legal principle is known as accomplice […]
Are all federal crimes felonies?
No, United States federal offenses are charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the type of crime and its severity. A federal criminal offense is one that occurred on federal property, involved a federal employee or agent, broke a federal law, or involved crossing state or country borders. Federal crimes are tried […]
Is arson a felony or misdemeanor?
Arson is a serious crime in Louisiana. In most cases, it’s treated as a felony, not a misdemeanor. The sentence can be long, especially if someone is hurt or killed, or if the fire causes major property damage. Understanding how Louisiana divides arson into degrees can help you understand what potential penalties you could face. […]
Can a person be charged with a crime without evidence?
No, a person cannot be charged with a crime without evidence. There must be sufficient evidence to establish probable cause that the person committed the crime. This requirement ensures fairness in the legal process and prevents baseless accusations. At The Johnson Firm, our Lake Charles criminal defense attorneys are committed to providing clarity and support, […]
What percent of assaults involve alcohol?
Alcohol is frequently a contributing factor in many assault cases, including both sexual and physical assaults. Its role in diminishing inhibitions and impairing judgment is well-documented, often escalating conflicts that lead to violence or exacerbating aggressive behaviors. At The Johnson Firm, we regularly address questions from clients about how alcohol affects the likelihood and severity […]
Can I talk to a lawyer before I submit to a urine, blood, or breathalyzer test?
Can I talk to a lawyer before I submit to a urine, blood, or breathalyzer test? When you are suspected of drunk or impaired driving, you may be asked to take a chemical sobriety test, such as a urine, blood, or breathalyzer test. It’s important to know your rights before submitting to a test. Once […]
Are DWI/DUI roadblocks and checkpoints legal?
Are DWI/DUI roadblocks and checkpoints legal? DWI/DUI roadblocks and checkpoints are temporarily set up by local law enforcement to randomly screen drivers for drunk driving. They are very controversial as many question the legality of these roadblocks/checkpoints. Are DWI/DUI roadblocks and checkpoints legal? Do Checkpoints Violate Your Fourth Amendment Rights? The U.S. Constitution’s Fourth Amendment […]
Can I still be charged with possession of child pornography if it was an accident?
Can I still be charged with possession of child pornography if it was an accident? In the state of Louisiana, it’s illegal to possess sexually explicit images or videos of juveniles (anyone under the age of 17). Lack of knowledge of their age is not a valid defense. In some cases, people who are charged […]
What are the Louisiana sexting laws for juveniles?
What are the Louisiana sexting laws for juveniles? In some cases, sexting between teenagers can be considered a crime, and depending on their ages, both the teenagers and their parents could face legal consequences. If your teen has been charged with sexting in Louisiana, you need to seek legal advice. To learn more, contact a […]