If you are going to court in Louisiana, you will usually have a choice between a jury trial and a bench trial. According to the American Bar Association, a jury trial is where your case is decided by a jury of your peers. A bench trial is where the judge decides the...
Criminal Defense
What is a hung jury?
The basic workings of a Louisiana jury trial are generally well known. A jury is chosen, hears the arguments presented in court, and once the arguments are concluded, the jury is sent off to consider a verdict. Sometimes the verdict is decided in a single day. If...
What is the difference between probation and parole?
When it comes to criminal charges and penalties in Louisiana, many people are confused by certain terms. Two terms that are common to misunderstand are probation and parole. If you or someone you care about is having legal trouble, you may come across both terms. It...
What is a plea bargain?
If you are facing a criminal charge in Lousiana, you may hear about something called plea bargaining. Most criminal cases involve this step in the legal proceedings. Understanding what it is and how it works can be quite beneficial to you and the final outcome of your...
How is a jury chosen?
One important aspect of criminal cases in Louisiana is your right to a jury trial. This means a group of people from your area who have no special legal training or knowledge will decide if you are guilty. When you decide to have a jury trial, the process to select...
What does it mean to plead the 5th?
If you are facing criminal charges, you may wonder if you can plead the fifth. You have probably heard about pleading the fifth a lot. It is commonly used in the movies and in television shows. It refers to the fifth amendment of the constitution. The very basic...
Job hunting with a felony charge
Once a person is convicted of a criminal charge in Louisiana, he or she has a criminal record that can be accessed by pretty much anyone. Many employers run background checks that look at criminal records. This can make it difficult for a convicted felon to find a job...
Is drug use during pregnancy a crime?
There is no denying that there is a huge drug crisis in this country and in Louisiana. Opioid use, in particular, is especially an issue. This means that there are also more babies being born to addicted mothers. People wonder if having a baby addicted to drugs is a...
Understanding Louisiana’s DWI/DUI laws
Louisiana drivers who get behind the wheel after having a few drinks or engaging in the use of illegal drugs do so at their own risk. Louisiana has stiff penalties for driving while intoxicated and driving under the influence of illegal substances. The Louisiana...
What are the long-lasting effects of a felony charge?
If you are convicted of a felony in Louisiana, the punishment may go far beyond that which is handed down by the court. There are many lasting effects that will cause you to lose rights and that could alter your life. According to the Louisiana Justice Coalition,...