Crowley Criminal Defense Lawyer

Crowley Criminal Defense Attorney

Being arrested for a criminal charge can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. Whether it is your first time being charged or a subsequent charge, you should take the appropriate procedural steps to protect yourself. Speak with a qualified Crowley criminal defense lawyer about your circumstances as soon as you are able to.

At The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, a local criminal defense Louisiana law practice based in Lafayette, we believe in focusing on each client’s unique legal needs under Louisiana’s civil-law framework as the basis of our strategic approach. Headed by attorney Joshua S. Guillory, who is both a law professor and veteran, our practice is dedicated to protecting our clients’ civil rights under Louisiana law.

Our formidable team has a deep understanding of Louisiana criminal defense laws and strives to consistently provide excellent legal counsel and representation to our clients and their families.

Types of Criminal Defense Cases

Criminal offenses in Louisiana can range from minor misdemeanor-grade offenses to serious felonies. Some common criminal defense cases that The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory has experience representing include:

• Driving while intoxicated: DWI, also called driving under the influence (DUI), offenses can become more severe if the driver is a repeat offender, has a high blood alcohol concentration, causes an accident, or incurs other aggravating factors with their DWI.
• Controlled dangerous substances (CDS) offenses: Examples of drug offenses include the possession of controlled substances or drug paraphernalia, drug possession with the intent to distribute, the manufacturing or cultivation of controlled substances, and drug trafficking.
• Theft: Examples of theft crimes include shoplifting, simple burglary, simple robbery, armed robbery, and certain forms of fraud. The severity of a theft crime depends on the value of the stolen property in question and whether there were aggravating factors, such as the use of a deadly weapon.
• Title 32 violations: Examples include speeding tickets, moving violations, and other tickets. While traffic violations are generally minor infractions, they can still result in fines and other negative consequences.
• Violent crimes: Violent offenses include robbery, domestic abuse (domestic violence), domestic abuse battery, manslaughter, murder, aggravated assault, sex crimes, and simple battery, just to name a few.
• White collar crimes: These offenses are typically nonviolent and financially motivated. Examples include embezzlement, forgery, bribery, public corruption, money laundering, insider trading, fraud, and other financial crimes.

In 2024, the rate of violent crime in Louisiana was 520 per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate was 2,296 per 100,000 residents. This was 44.8% and 30.5% higher than the national rates that year, respectively.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Crowley

When someone is charged by bill of information, defendants should hire a criminal defense lawyer because qualified counsel under Louisiana law greatly improves the likelihood of reaching a successful conclusion in your criminal defense case. A good Crowley criminal defense attorney can explain the legal side of things so you understand the bill of information against you and the potential penalties you could face.

When in need of a competent Crowley criminal defense lawyer, you can rely on The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory.

The City Court of Crowley

The specific courthouse that oversees a criminal defense case in Crowley depends on the severity of the offense and other important case details. Most misdemeanor-grade offenses and preliminary matters go through the City Court of Crowley. The parish courthouse is located at 425 N. Parkerson Ave, Crowley, LA, 70526.

Felony-grade offenses and some misdemeanor-grade offenses go through the 15th Judicial District Court for Acadia Parish. The Acadia Parish Courthouse is located at the same address as above. Some smaller villages in Acadia Parish, like Iota and Estherwood, have their own municipal courts, called Mayor’s Courts. When you hire counsel under Louisiana law, they can verify the courthouse where your court appearances are to take place.

FAQs About Crowley, LA Criminal Defense Laws

Is It Worth It to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in Louisiana?

Yes, in Louisiana, it’s worth it to hire a criminal defense attorney because doing so increases the likelihood of achieving an ideal outcome in your case. This may involve working towards getting your charges reduced, minimizing penalties, or getting your criminal defense case prosecution dismissed or nolle prosequi. An experienced lawyer is familiar with the Crowley criminal justice system and knows how to build a strong defense on your behalf.

What Are the Sanctions for a Crime in Louisiana?

The sanctions for a criminal conviction in Louisiana can vary greatly according to the type and severity of the offense, the defendant’s history of prior offenses, and other relevant case details.

Generally, the more serious the crime, the more severe the penal consequences. Common sanctions include:

• Fines
• Parish jail time
• Supervised probation under Louisiana law
• Court-ordered community service

Non-violent crimes, like a DWI, may be punishable by an administrative license suspension (ALS) and participation in a mandatory substance education program.

How Much Does a Defense Lawyer Cost in Crowley?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Crowley, Louisiana depends on the type and severity of the criminal process under the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure, the case’s complexity level, what evidence is available, and other factors. Defense attorneys typically charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. Ask your lawyer what payment structure they use, as well as an approximation of your attorney fees for the case.

Can a Criminal Conviction Be Expunged from Public Access in Louisiana?

In the state of Louisiana, yes, some criminal convictions can be expunged if certain conditions are met. Expungement is a criminal procedure that effectively expunges the record from public access. This can be beneficial for those who have undergone a custodial arrest or have certain convictions. This is because prospective landlords and employers often run background checks, making it difficult to find jobs or housing.

Hire a Crowley Criminal Defense Lawyer Who Gets Results

At The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, we are familiar with the local courts and state criminal defense laws. Our experienced criminal defense attorney can guide you through the criminal procedure as you navigate your case. Reach out to us to schedule an initial meeting with a capable defense lawyer who’s ready to offer insightful advice under Louisiana law and advocate on behalf of your civil rights under Louisiana law.