If you have been arrested for a crime in Louisiana, it’s important to understand the scope of your charges and the potential penalties you face. It’s recommended to hire a criminal defense lawyer to guide you through the process. Even so, it’s wise to have a basic understanding of the Louisiana criminal statute of limitations for yourself, too.
Louisiana Criminal Statute of Limitations
Louisiana is home to over 4,600,000 people. State criminal laws exist to protect Louisianans across the state, but they’re not perfect. That’s why those facing charges turn to knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers to help them through their case.
The statute of limitations for crimes in Louisiana can vary depending on the nature and severity of the offense. It’s imperative that you understand your charges, so you know how to fight against them and avoid a conviction. Louisiana criminal statute of limitations includes:
- Six years for felonies punishable by imprisonment at hard labor
- Four years for other felonies
- Two years for misdemeanors punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both
- Six months for a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or forfeiture
- No limit for capital felonies like murder
A Louisiana criminal defense attorney can help you navigate your charges, build a strong defense, and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Criminal Defense Cases in Louisiana
Criminal law covers a variety of offenses that typically fall under the categories of violent crimes, property crimes, or financial crimes. Common criminal defense cases include:
- Drug crimes: You can be arrested on several different charges, including drug possession, drug distribution, and drug trafficking. The severity of your charges is going to depend on the type and amount of drugs you have at the time of your arrest. Even a simple possession charge can carry hefty penalties, so it’s important to create a strong defense against your charges.
- DUIs. It’s illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In 2022, 31 percent of all motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana were alcohol-related.
- Juvenile charges: Our goal at LaCour Law Firm is to ensure the lives of minors aren’t permanently altered when they face criminal charges.
- Theft: While crimes against property don’t often hurt people physically, they can cause lasting damage. That’s why Louisiana law takes property crimes like theft seriously. It’s important to know how to defend yourself against these charges.
- Violent crimes: Louisiana law takes violent crime charges seriously. This can include charges for aggravated assault, domestic violence, and murder. Gun crimes are also taken very seriously in Louisiana. Our founding attorney, Chris LaCour, has a track record of winning tough cases, even taking on complex charges involving life without parole. No matter the nature of your case, you can have peace of mind with our team on your side.
- White collar crimes: If you’re accused of a white-collar crime, it’s imperative that you know how to defend against your charges. These types of crimes can be escalated to the federal level, which can be even more complicated to navigate. That said, these charges are taken seriously at the state level, too.
In addition to handling criminal cases in Louisiana state courts, LaCour Law Firm also has experience handling criminal cases in federal court. When your case is handed over to the federal court, it’s beneficial to have a legal team that can stay by your side. You can expect the federal government to have a lot of resources at its disposal to build its case against you, and a lawyer can help you fight against them.
FAQs
Do I Have to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer if I am Facing Charges in Louisiana?
You don’t have to hire a criminal defense lawyer if you’re facing charges in Louisiana, but it’s highly recommended that you do. Louisiana’s criminal laws are complex, and having a Louisiana criminal defense attorney on your side is vital to the success of your case. The legal system can be complicated and having the knowledge and experience you need to navigate the system can ensure your rights are protected and you receive the defense you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Louisiana?
When you hire a criminal defense lawyer in Louisiana, you can expect the total cost to reflect the complexity of your case. The services you require and the amount of work your case leaves your Louisiana criminal defense attorney are going to impact how much they charge. Their experience level may also impact costs.
How Long Does a Criminal Offense Stay on Your Record in Louisiana?
Generally speaking, you can expect a criminal offense to stay on your criminal record indefinitely unless you take action to have it expunged. Whether or not you can have a conviction expunged depends on whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, and if violence was involved in the offense. Arrests without a conviction can also remain on your record indefinitely. A Louisiana criminal defense attorney can help you clear your record and can work to have a charge reduced.
Is It Possible to Suspend the Statute of Limitations for a Criminal Charge?
There are situations where the statute of limitations can be suspended or tolled. This gives prosecutors ample time to file charges in cases where specific circumstances complicate the process. Situations that can lead to tolled statutes of limitations include the defendant fleeing the state, the victim being a minor or legally incompetent, the defendant being unfit to stand trial, or the crime involving certain financial offenses that are impacted by an official fiduciary relationship.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Navigating criminal charges can be complicated, especially when you’re trying to handle your case on your own. The good news is you don’t have to go through this process alone. In fact, it’s highly recommended to hire a criminal defense lawyer to help you through your case. When you choose LaCour Law Firm to handle your case, you can rest assured you’re working with dedicated legal professionals who are ready to fight for your freedom.
Our doors have been open since 2010, giving us 15 years of criminal defense experience and counting. We don’t treat clients like case numbers and take the time to understand our clients’ situations. We offer honest legal counsel and aggressive representation in court. We’re not afraid to go to trial to fight for you. Contact the office to discuss your case in more detail with a trusted attorney today.
