Baton Rouge Misdemeanor Lawyer
Practice Areas
Facing a misdemeanor charge in Baton Rouge can lead to serious consequences, including a permanent criminal record that impacts your future opportunities. At The Law Offices of Ossie Brown, our Baton Rouge misdemeanor lawyer group is dedicated to providing skilled legal representation tailored to your unique situation. In contrast to using a public defender, our experienced criminal defense attorney group offers personalized attention and strategic defense to mitigate the effects of a misdemeanor conviction. Our team of Baton Rouge defense attorneys works diligently to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your criminal case.
If you’re facing misdemeanor charges in Baton Rouge, call 225-343-1111 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Common Misdemeanor Charges Our Baton Rouge Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Lawyers Handle
Our Baton Rouge misdemeanor lawyer group has extensive experience handling a variety of misdemeanor criminal charges in Baton Rouge. Below are some of the various misdemeanor crimes that our experienced criminal defense attorney team can help defend against.
Misdemeanor DUI and DWI Charges
In Louisiana, driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) involves operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or while impaired by drugs. This typically includes motor vehicle DWI offenses and boating DWI offenses in Baton Rouge, with penalties for convictions of DWI charges, including fines, driver’s license suspension, and potential jail time.
In Louisiana, a person’s first or second DUI will typically result in misdemeanor charges. Our Baton Rouge DUI lawyers can handle criminal charges for DUI misdemeanors. Contact us about alcohol or marijuana DUI offenses in Baton Rouge today.
Misdemeanor Assault and Battery Charges
Facing misdemeanor assault and battery charges in Baton Rouge can have serious legal consequences. Charges such as simple battery and simple assault can result in a fine, community service, and a potential jail sentence. While simple battery involves the intentional use of force or violence against another person, simple assault is an attempt to commit battery or the intentional placing of another person in reasonable apprehension of receiving a battery.
Our Baton Rouge violent crimes lawyers provide essential legal assistance to clients facing these criminal charges, working to reduce penalties for both simple and aggravated assault charges. For more severe cases like aggravated assault, the stakes are even higher, requiring experienced legal defense to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
Misdemeanor Theft and Shoplifting Charges
Theft and shoplifting are considered misdemeanors in Baton Rouge when the value of the stolen property is less than $1,000. If convicted of theft or shoplifting in Baton Rouge, penalties can include a fine, probation, and/or up to one year in jail. A skilled Baton Rouge theft lawyer can provide experienced shoplifting defense in Baton Rouge, navigating the intricacies of criminal law and the criminal justice system.
Misdemeanor Drug Possession Charges
Misdemeanor drug charges in Baton Rouge can include possession of small amounts of certain controlled substances or drug paraphernalia. Our Baton Rouge drug possession lawyer team can provide skilled defense in illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia cases, navigating the intricacies of criminal law. Having a skilled criminal lawyer is critical for getting a first time misdemeanor charge dismissed or similar outcomes within the criminal justice system.
Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Charges
Domestic abuse battery in Baton Rouge can be classified as domestic violence misdemeanors when the incidents involve minor injuries or threats without significant harm. However, even misdemeanor domestic abuse battery convictions can result in serious legal and social penalties, with the potential of a subsequent criminal offense leading to a felony charge. Our Baton Rouge domestic violence lawyer group can provide experienced defense against domestic abuse and battery criminal charges.
Misdemeanor Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct Charges
While public intoxication in Louisiana isn’t uncommon around certain holidays, acting disorderly or being visibly intoxicated in public can result in misdemeanor charges. If you are accused of public intoxication or disorderly conduct, our skilled Baton Rouge criminal defense attorneys can help defend your criminal case.
Misdemeanor Vandalism and Trespassing Charges
Vandalism and trespassing fall under misdemeanor criminal mischief charges in Baton Rouge. A criminal mischief conviction can carry significant consequences, such as fines and community service. These misdemeanor charges require a strong legal defense to prevent long-term impacts on your record. If you are proven guilty, the penalties can be severe. It’s crucial to have a competent misdemeanor charges criminal defense lawyer from a reputable law firm known for aggressive representation. Our criminal defense attorneys understand the nuances of Louisiana law and are prepared to work diligently to achieve the best outcome for your misdemeanor charge.
Misdemeanor White Collar Crime Charges
If you are arrested for a misdemeanor white-collar crime in Baton Rouge, securing a Baton Rouge white-collar crime lawyer is essential to navigate the complexities of your criminal case. Misdemeanor white-collar crime offenses can carry substantial repercussions if brought to trial. Our Baton Rouge misdemeanor criminal lawyers have extensive experience defending clients against such prosecution. With in-depth knowledge of criminal law and a strategic approach, our criminal defense attorneys provide robust defense strategies to protect your interests.
Misdemeanor Sex Crimes
If you have been arrested in Baton Rouge for sex crimes of any kind, it is crucial to seek immediate legal help from a Baton Rouge sex crimes lawyer. Our criminal defense lawyers understand the sensitivity and complexity of these misdemeanor charges, which can escalate to a felony if not handled properly, potentially leading to prison time. Our law office offers free consultation to discuss your criminal case. We are dedicated to providing aggressive representation for our clients, ensuring the best possible representation in court and throughout the trial process.
Misdemeanor Juvenile Charges
When a minor faces a misdemeanor charge in Baton Rouge, navigating the complexities of criminal law requires the expertise of a Baton Rouge juvenile defense attorney. Juvenile criminal cases can have lasting impacts if the juvenile is convicted, potentially leading to consequences such as a jail sentence, significant fine, or other penalties decided by a judge. A criminal lawyer from a dedicated private law firm is essential for representing clients effectively in juvenile court. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys explore all legal options to secure the best outcome, striving to mitigate the potential long-term effects of misdemeanor charges.
Potential Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction in Louisiana
In Louisiana, if a person is convicted of a misdemeanor charge, the penalties typically include up to one year of jail time, up to $1,000 in fines, or both. If a person is convicted of a crime and is sentenced to longer-term or higher fines, they most likely have a felony charge. In some cases, a misdemeanor charge will be upgraded to a felony charge if the defendant has previously been convicted of a misdemeanor charge.
A misdemeanor conviction in Louisiana can result in legal consequences such as fines, probation, community service, and up to six months in jail. Beyond legal penalties, misdemeanor convictions can affect one’s personal and professional life, including damage to one’s reputation and permanent criminal record.
How are Misdemeanors Classified in Louisiana?
In most states, a felony or misdemeanor charge will fall into a certain category depending on the severity of the criminal offense. (This does not apply to traffic offenses.) For example, some states classify a misdemeanor charge as either a Class A misdemeanor, Class B misdemeanor, or Class C misdemeanor. However, in Louisiana, misdemeanor penalties are specific to each misdemeanor charge, and neither misdemeanors nor felonies are categorized like this publicly.
According to La. R.S. § 14:2, felonies include any crime punishable by death or prison time with hard labor. Under Louisiana criminal law, all other crimes are misdemeanors. Louisiana criminal law does not further classify felonies or misdemeanors.
If you are curious about the potential sentence for your misdemeanor charge under Louisiana criminal law, contact a Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney. Our law firm can evaluate the misdemeanor charges against you and can help you understand the consequences you may be facing in your specific criminal case.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a First-Time Misdemeanor in Baton Rouge?
Yes, if you are accused of any crime, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer, even if it’s a first-time misdemeanor charge. A Baton Rouge misdemeanor criminal defense lawyer will be able to provide you with invaluable legal advice and representation throughout the process.
Below are some of the various elements of your misdemeanor case that a misdemeanor criminal defense attorney in Baton Rouge, LA, can help you with.
The Legal Process for Misdemeanor Offenses in the Louisiana Criminal Justice System
In Louisiana, the legal process for misdemeanor offenses typically begins with an arrest, followed by an arraignment where the defendant is formally charged and enters a plea. If the case proceeds, there may be pre-trial hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially a trial.
A defense attorney can guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the entirety of your misdemeanor case.
Defense Strategies for Misdemeanor Charges in Baton Rouge
The best defense strategy for a given case will depend on the nature of the misdemeanor offense and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to develop a sound and effective defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
Negotiations and Plea Bargains for Misdemeanor Offenses
A criminal lawyer will also be able to negotiate with the district attorney or prosecutor in your case to secure a favorable plea bargain, which would allow you to receive a reduced sentence if you agree to plead guilty. They may even be able to negotiate with the opposing party to have your charges dropped entirely.
Some misdemeanors will allow you to participate in a pretrial diversion program in Louisiana in order to avoid penalties. A misdemeanor lawyer will be able to help you understand the options available to you in your specific situation.
Expungement and Help Clearing Criminal Record
Even if you are found guilty of a crime, a Louisiana misdemeanor lawyer can help you expunge the conviction. Expungement allows a crime to be removed from a person’s criminal record after a certain amount of time or as a result of certain conditions, like failing to commit any other crimes since conviction.
Your Baton Rouge expungement attorney will be able to help you understand the options for expungement in regard to your specific offense.
Experienced Baton Rouge Misdemeanor Attorney
While misdemeanors may seem like minor offenses, they can carry severe consequences that extend beyond jail time and fines and can affect your personal life, employment, housing opportunities, and more. If you have been accused of a misdemeanor crime in Louisiana, contact a criminal defense attorney at our law firm today.
Our criminal lawyers understand how misdemeanor charges are handled under Louisiana criminal law and provide compassionate and aggressive representation from the free consultation to the end of the court hearing if we can’t negotiate a deal with the prosecution on your behalf. Our attorneys work diligently to ensure clients receive the best possible outcome for their specific case.
At The Law Offices of Ossie Brown, our misdemeanor attorneys are experienced in handling criminal cases involving Louisiana criminal law as well as federal law. We are also skilled at representing those accused of felony crimes in Louisiana.
Call us at 225-343-1111 or reach out to us online and schedule your free consultation with an experienced Baton Rouge misdemeanor defense lawyer.
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