Baton Rouge Violent Crimes Lawyer

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.