Baton Rouge Violent Crimes Lawyer
Practice Areas
The Baton Rouge violent crimes lawyer team at The Law Offices of Ossie Brown aggressively represents individuals facing violent crime charges. Navigating the legal system is complex, and without a skilled violent crime attorney in Baton Rouge, defendants facing violent crime charges risk facing the harshest penalties. The criminal defense lawyers at our law firm are committed to building a strong defense, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and fighting for a favorable outcome in violent crime cases. If you or a loved one is facing violent crime charges, you need the right legal representation. Our Baton Rouge violent crimes defense lawyers are ready to protect your future and fight for justice.
For experienced legal counsel, call 225-343-1111 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled lawyer to discuss your violent crime case.

What is Considered a Violent Crime in Louisiana?
Louisiana considers the following types of crimes as violent crimes:
- Sexual battery
- Rape
- Domestic violence
- First-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, and armed robbery
- Aggravated burglary
- Aggravated assault and battery
- Homicide (including negligent or vehicular homicide)
- Manslaughter
- First and second-degree murder
- First, second, or third-degree feticide
- Aggravated arson
- Hate crimes
To learn more, contact our Baton Rouge criminal defense law firm for a free initial consultation.
Cases Our Baton Rouge Violent Crime Attorney Team Handles
Our criminal defense attorneys provide aggressive representation for clients facing a wide range of criminal charges in Louisiana. From violent crimes, such as aggravated assault, armed robbery, and homicide, to sex crimes, drug offenses, white-collar crimes, and weapons offenses, we fight to protect our clients at every stage of the legal process. Whether you are facing felony charges, a misdemeanor offense, or have been wrongfully convicted, our experienced team builds strong defense strategies tailored to the circumstances surrounding each case. With deep knowledge of sentencing guidelines and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes, we are prepared to challenge the evidence and seek a fair trial for every client.
Here are the types of violent crimes our Baton Rouge violent crimes attorney team handles. To learn more, call our law firm for a free initial consultation with an experienced attorney.
Sexual Battery
Sexual battery is a serious felony crime in Louisiana that carries severe potential penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and a permanent criminal conviction. Most violent crimes often involve allegations of physical force or lack of consent, making the legal stakes incredibly high. Strong criminal defense strategies are essential to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, establish reasonable doubt, or argue mistaken identity in complex cases. If you are facing violent crime charges related to sexual battery, securing experienced legal counsel from a Baton Rouge sex crimes lawyer is critical to navigating the legal process and fighting for a favorable outcome. A violent crime defense lawyer in Baton Rouge can help protect your rights and build a strong defense against these life-altering charges.
Rape
Rape is one of the more serious types of violent crimes our Baton Rouge violent crime defense lawyer team handles. Under Louisiana rape law, a conviction of felony charges, especially if physical harm was involved, can result in prison time and mandatory sex offender registration in Louisiana under the state’s sentencing guidelines.
First-degree rape involves force, threats, or a deadly weapon, while second-degree rape occurs when the victim is incapacitated or unable to consent. Statutory rape, legally called felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile, applies when an adult has sexual intercourse with a minor, regardless of consent. If you’re facing violent crime charges where a minor was involved, contact a Baton Rouge statutory rape lawyer immediately.
Felony charges require a strong criminal defense to protect the accused’s legal rights. Our criminal defense lawyers guide defendants through the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges can have severe consequences, affecting personal relationships, employment, and future opportunities. Louisiana law treats these criminal offenses seriously, especially when physical force results in an alleged victim’s injuries. However, false accusations and self-defense claims are common for cases involving physical harm, making strong legal representation essential. Experienced criminal defense lawyers can challenge the alleged victim’s statements, examine evidence, and build a strong violent crime defense. If you are facing violent crime charges of this nature, a Baton Rouge domestic violence lawyer can protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
Armed Robbery
Armed robbery charges in Louisiana are serious types of violent crimes that carry major penalties, especially if a deadly weapon is used or the armed robbery results in bodily harm. Convictions for armed robbery can lead to life imprisonment without parole, making it crucial to build a strong violent crime defense. In many armed robbery cases, the prosecution relies on witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence, which skilled criminal defense lawyers can challenge. A Baton Rouge theft lawyer can assess the armed robbery case, develop defense strategies, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Aggravated Burglary
Aggravated burglary in Louisiana is a serious felony charge that occurs when someone unlawfully enters a home or business with intent to commit a crime while armed with a deadly weapon or causing bodily harm to another person. This criminal offense is often linked to weapons offenses and carries serious penalties. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these violent crime cases, making a strong criminal defense essential. A Baton Rouge burglary lawyer can fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Aggravated Assault and Aggravated Battery
Aggravated assault and battery are serious criminal charges in Louisiana that involve causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury to another person, often with a deadly weapon. An aggravated assault charge can lead to prison sentences, fines, and a permanent criminal record, especially if a firearm or other weapon was used. Prosecutors pursue cases for aggravated assault charges aggressively, making the right legal representation critical. A Baton Rouge aggravated assault lawyer can assess the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s claims, and fight to protect your legal rights if you’re facing aggravated assault charges.
Homicide
Homicide is one of the most serious types of violent crime offenses in Louisiana, involving the unlawful killing of another person. Charges such as first-degree murder carry intense penalties, including life in prison or the death penalty, making a skilled defense strategy critical.
However, Louisiana law recognizes justifiable homicide in cases of self-defense or protecting others from imminent danger. Our Baton Rouge justifiable homicide lawyers are adept in proving self-defense as part of violent crime defense strategies. The legal process for homicide charges is complex, requiring a deep understanding of sentencing guidelines and the legal system. Whether defending against an alleged crime or proving justification, having the right legal representation is essential. A Baton Rouge homicide lawyer can assess the case, challenge the prosecution’s claims, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Negligent and Vehicular Homicide
Vehicular homicide is a serious criminal offense that occurs when a driver causes the unlawful killing of another person due to reckless or impaired driving. This violent crime charge often involves drunk driving, drug impairment, or reckless disregard for safety. The legal process for these cases is complex, as the prosecution must prove negligence or intoxication at the time of the alleged crime. A strong defense strategy is crucial to navigating the legal system and challenging the circumstances surrounding the crime. A Baton Rouge homicide lawyer can help build a solid defense strategy.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter applies when a person kills another person in the heat of passion or without premeditation, often due to sudden provocation or reckless behavior. The legal system considers factors such as intent, circumstances surrounding the case, and mitigating evidence when determining penalties. A Baton Rouge violent crimes lawyer will provide skilled legal representation to mitigate the damages of violent crime charges.
First and Second Degree Murder
First-degree and second-degree murder are among the most serious violent crime charges in Louisiana, both involving the unlawful killing of another person but differing in intent and circumstances.
First-degree murder requires premeditation or specific aggravating factors, such as killing during the commission of another felony, and carries a life sentence or the death penalty.
Second-degree murder, while also an intentional killing, does not require premeditation but still results in a mandatory life sentence if convicted. However, self-defense may be a valid legal argument in certain cases, as Louisiana law allows individuals to use force to protect themselves from imminent harm. Facing a murder charge requires experienced legal counsel. A first or second-degree murder lawyer in Baton Rouge can evaluate the evidence, challenge the prosecution’s case, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Feticide
First, second, and third-degree feticide in Louisiana involves the killing of an unborn child. First-degree feticide is intentional and premeditated, often tied to violent crime charges. Second-degree feticide results from reckless actions, such as drunk driving, while third-degree feticide involves unintentional killing due to careless or unlawful acts. These felony charges carry harsh sentences, making strong legal representation essential. A Baton Rouge violent crime defense attorney can build a violent crimes defense and fight for the best possible outcome.
Aggravated Arson
Aggravated arson is a serious violent crime charge in Louisiana, involving intentionally setting fire to property while endangering another person. This felony offense carries severe sentences, including prison sentences and hefty fines, especially if bodily harm occurs. Prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, often using forensic evidence to prove intent. In some situations, plea deals may be negotiated to reduce charges or sentencing. A Baton Rouge violent crimes lawyer can explore all legal options to achieve the best possible outcome.
Hate Crimes
Hate crimes in Louisiana are serious criminal charges that involve acts of violence, threats, or intimidation against another person based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. Prosecutors aggressively pursue criminal charges for hate crimes, often immediately interviewing witnesses and pulling social media records and other evidence to prove intent. A Baton Rouge violent crimes lawyer can provide experienced legal counsel.
Penalties for Violent Crimes in Louisiana
A violent crime conviction comes with severe penalties in Louisiana, such as a lengthy prison sentence and/or large fines. Below, our Baton Rouge violent crime defense attorneys break down the penalties.
- First-Degree Rape: Life in prison without parole and, in some cases, the death penalty. A district attorney can pursue the death penalty for rape in Louisiana whose victims were under the age of 13. However, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in 2008 (Kennedy v. Louisiana) that the death penalty is not a proportional punishment for raping a child.
- Second Degree Rape: 5 to 40 years in state prison at hard labor.
- Third Degree Rape: up to 25 years in jail at hard labor.
- Domestic Abuse Battery:
- First offense: punishable by 6 months of prison time and up to a $1,000 fine.
- Second offense: punishable by up to 1 year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.
- Third offense: punishable by up to 5 years in jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
- Fourth offense: punishable by 10 to 30 years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
- First-Degree Robbery: 3 to 40 years in jail at hard labor without the benefit of parole.
- Second-Degree Robbery: 3 to 40 years in jail.
- Armed Robbery: 10 to 99 years in jail at hard labor without the benefit of parole.
- Aggravated Burglary: 1 to 30 years in jail at hard labor.
- Aggravated Assault: 6 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
- Aggravated Battery: 10 years in jail with or without hard labor and/or a $5,000 fine.
- Murder – Life in prison at hard labor without the possibility of parole.
- Murder of a Victim Under 10 – Life in prison at hard labor without parole or probation.
- Homicide:
- Justifiable Homicide – No penalties.
- Negligent Homicide – Up to 5 years in prison with or without hard labor and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
- Vehicular Homicide – 5 to 30 years in prison with or without hard labor and/or a fine of up to $15,000.
If you are facing one of these criminal charges, you need a Baton Rouge violent crime lawyer on your side to avoid severe penalties. Call our law firm for a free consultation to discuss your violent crime case.
Criminal Defenses for Violent Crimes in Baton Rouge
If you’re facing violent crime charges, our criminal defense attorneys will investigate the circumstances surrounding your case, assess the level of bodily harm of the victim’s injuries, allegedly, work to create reasonable doubt, and do our best to negotiate a fair plea deal to help clients mitigate the severe consequences they’re facing. With the right legal representation, a seasoned defense attorney will be a crucial ally.
- Lack of Evidence: Sometimes, in a violent crime case, there is just not enough evidence to convict someone. If the prosecution doesn’t have enough evidence to charge you, then a Baton Rouge violent crime defense lawyer can fight for less serious charges or drop charges altogether.
- Justification: Our criminal defense attorneys use this defense in your favor if there’s solid evidence to prove that you committed violent acts for the sake of protecting other people (or property) during an emergency.
- Self-Defense: If you committed violent acts in order to protect yourself, a Baton Rouge violent crime lawyer will gather sufficient evidence of this under Louisiana self-defense laws.
- Lack of Intent: This defense can be used if someone is originally convicted of murder, for example. The main difference between murder and homicide is intent.
- Solid Alibi: If you were truly not present at the time the crime occurred, then our criminal defense attorneys can provide evidence to prove this.
- It Was An Accident: Sometimes, accidents truly do happen. If you accidentally injured or killed someone, a criminal defense attorney could use this defense in your favor. This violent crime defense may work for certain types of homicide.
- The Victim Isn’t a Household Member: Louisiana specifically defines domestic abuse as using force or violence upon another household member. If the victim did not live in the household, then the offender could receive a lesser charge or penalty.
- False Accusations: There are times when a perpetrator is falsely accused, such as domestic violence or having sexual intercourse without consent, for example. If this is the case for you, a criminal defense attorney can gather evidence to prove that you truly did not commit the crime.
Contact a skilled Baton Rouge violent crime defense attorney for a free initial consultation.
Can You Expunge Violent Crimes From a Criminal Record in Louisiana?
No. In most cases, you cannot expunge these charges from your record in Louisiana. Some felony crimes may be expunged in Louisiana, but not if they are considered “violent.” A Baton Rouge expungement lawyer can review the details of your case and help you determine whether you’re eligible.
Baton Rouge Violent Crimes Attorney
If you have been arrested for or charged with a violent crime in Baton Rouge, you need a strong legal team. Our Baton Rouge violent crimes defense lawyers will provide the right legal representation for your case to help you mitigate the severe consequences you’re facing. We have extensive experience in handling violent crime cases in the Baton Rouge area, and we have a successful track record to prove it.
Call 225-343-1111 to schedule a free confidential consultation.
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