Bossier City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Top Rated Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Bossier City, LA

There’s a lot on the line when you’re facing criminal charges in Louisiana. This can make defending yourself against the criminal justice system a daunting prospect. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. A Bossier City criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the charges against you and work with you to form the right defense for your case.

Regardless of the nature of the alleged offense, it’s important that you understand what steps to take to protect yourself. A Bossier City criminal defense attorney can be an invaluable asset to have on your side throughout a criminal case.

At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, our skilled attorneys have been helping our clients throughout Bossier Parish and beyond for decades. We know how to handle difficult prosecutors, and we’re not afraid to provide aggressive advocacy both in and out of the courtroom.

Louisiana Criminal Defense Laws

Louisiana prosecutes crimes harshly at every level. The state is known as the prison capital of the world due to its significantly high incarceration rate across prisons, jails, immigration detention centers, and juvenile justice facilities.

In 2023, there were a total of 110,473 crimes reported for Louisiana metropolitan parishes. This included 7,868 offenses from Bossier City alone. 4,016 crimes, or over half, were considered to be property crimes. While these might have lower penalties than crimes against people or crimes against society, it largely depends on the context of the situation.

Crimes in Louisiana can be categorized as crimes against persons, crimes against property, and crimes against society. Common criminal offenses reported across the state can include:

• Aggravated assault
• Homicide
• Human trafficking
• Kidnapping/abduction
• Robbery
• Sex offenses
• White collar crimes

In recent years, both property crimes and violent crimes have been higher in Louisiana than the national average. One study ranks Bossier City specifically as one of the top 10 most dangerous cities in the state due to high crime rates. Regardless, crimes can occur anywhere, and it’s important that you understand what to do if you’re caught on the wrong side of the law.

Felonies Vs. Misdemeanors Under Louisiana Law

Under Louisiana law, you can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Felonies are defined as crimes punishable by death or imprisonment at hard labor. They’re reserved for more serious crimes, including:

• Armed robbery
• Arson
• Carjacking
• Drug trafficking
• Felony DUI
• Home invasion
• Kidnapping
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• Rape
• Theft over a certain limit

Misdemeanors are simply any crime that isn’t a felony and can cover a wide range of crimes. Charges for misdemeanors can vary depending on the nature of the crime itself. Common misdemeanor crimes under Louisiana law include:

• Disturbing the peace
• Domestic battery
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Resisting an officer
• Shoplifting or theft
• Simple battery
• Simple drug/paraphernalia possession
• Trespassing
• Violating protective orders

Even though misdemeanors are classified as less serious crimes, you can still expect to face harsh penalties, including time in jail and hefty fines. It’s wise to hire a criminal defense lawyer regardless of the level of charges you’re facing in order to protect your rights and your freedom.

Facing Criminal Charges in Bossier City, LA

Time in jail or prison is a common aspect of criminal sentences in Louisiana. However, there are alternatives to conviction and jail time under certain circumstances. A Bossier City criminal defense attorney from our team can explain your options in more detail based on the facts of your case.

We can see if you qualify for an alternative program and help convince judges to agree to these less harsh outcomes. These alternative options can include:

• Community service
• Deferred sentencing
• Diversion programs
• Drug treatment programs
• Pre-trial diversion

It’s important to understand the nuances of Louisiana’s criminal defense laws if you’re going up against the criminal justice system. Understanding your rights and legal options is the key to a successful criminal defense strategy. A Bossier City criminal defense lawyer can help.

Expungements in Bossier City, LA

An arrest or criminal conviction can follow you far into the future, even after you’ve completed your sentence. Having a criminal record can affect job opportunities, housing opportunities, and parts of your personal life, too.

Fortunately, it is possible to seal your criminal record under certain circumstances. A Bossier City expungement lawyer can work with you to understand your rights and options when it comes to sealing your criminal record.

A Local Bossier City Criminal Defense Lawyer You Can Trust

A criminal charge can impact your freedom and your future. It’s important to have a strong advocate on your side who understands how to navigate these difficult cases and protect your rights throughout the process.

Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates brings over 75 years of criminal defense experience to the table that we’re ready to put to work for you. Founding attorney Jacqueline Scott has been practicing law for over three and a half decades with experience as a(n):

• Assistant to a Louisiana State Senator
• Clerk for two District Court judges
• Paralegal instructor
• Parole officer
• Probation officer

Now, she leads a firm that is affiliated with a network of legal professionals and resources through the:

• American Bar Association
• American Institute of Legal Advocates
• Louisiana State Bar Association
• National Bar Association
• Shreveport Bar Association*

From navigating pre-trial processes to negotiating plea bargains to advocating for clients in the courtroom, our skilled attorneys are familiar with every part of the criminal justice process in Louisiana. We’re familiar with navigating criminal cases through the Bossier City Court and 26th Judicial District Court in Bossier Parish, depending on the jurisdiction.

Moreover, we take the time to carefully review every part of your case, including the events leading up to your arrest. You can have peace of mind knowing you have a team on your side that takes the time to learn about your situation and knows how to support you throughout your case.

FAQs

What Types of Crimes Can a Bossier City Criminal Defense Attorney Help With?

The types of crimes a Bossier City criminal defense attorney can help with encompass crimes against people, property, and society. You can hire a criminal defense lawyer in Bossier City if you’re facing charges for a violent crime, property crime, white collar crime, or any other type of offense under Louisiana law.

Common charges that our Bossier City criminal defense lawyers have defended against include:

• Assault
• Battery
• Burglary
• Drug charges
• Juvenile crimes
• Operating while intoxicated (OWI)
• Robbery
• Theft

When Is the Right Time to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bossier City?

The right time to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Bossier City ultimately is up to you. As a general rule of thumb, it’s wise to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible in order to avoid any missteps and to protect your rights throughout each stage of the legal process.

The sooner you secure legal representation, the faster you can begin forming a solid criminal defense strategy that accounts for the nuances of Louisiana law.

How Can a Bossier City Criminal Defense Lawyer Help With My Criminal Defense Strategy?

A Bossier City criminal defense lawyer can help with your criminal defense strategy depending on the nature of the charges against you and your criminal history. You have the constitutional right to an attorney, and it’s highly recommended that you get one.

 Your legal team can help with your case by:

• Building a solid defense based on the facts of your case
• Challenging the prosecution’s case against you
• Negotiating plea deals
• Pushing for case dismissals
• Representing you in court

What Penalties Can I Face in a Criminal Case in Bossier City?

What penalties you can face in a criminal case in Bossier City depends on the severity of the crime and your criminal history. You can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony in Louisiana, but specific criminal penalties are reserved for individual crimes.

Potential criminal penalties under Louisiana law can include:

• Community service
• Fines
• Time in jail
• Probation
• Imprisonment with or without hard labor
• Death penalty

Hire an Honest Criminal Defense Lawyer You Can Trust to Help With Your Case in Bossier City

Navigating criminal charges at any level can be difficult. With so much at stake, it’s critical that you know what steps to take to defend yourself against the criminal justice system. It’s recommended that you hire a criminal defense lawyer right away to help you understand your rights and to start forming a solid criminal defense strategy.

For years, Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates has been representing Louisianans as they face criminal charges. We understand that this low moment in your life doesn’t have to define you, and we work hard to help the court see that, too.

If you’re ready to learn more about how we can help you with your case, reach out to an office near you to talk to a member of our team. We’re located right here in Bossier City on Hamilton Road and have another office nearby in Shreveport. Call to schedule an initial consultation, and we can discuss your situation in more detail.

*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.

Bossier City, LA Criminal Defense Resources

• Can I Get a Criminal Expungement and What Are Its Benefits?
• How Can You Expunge Your Criminal Record in Louisiana?
• An Explanation of Confusing Criminal Defense Terms
• How Can I Have My Criminal Record Expunged?