Broussard Criminal Defense Lawyer

Broussard Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing any criminal charges can be terrifying, confusing, and overwhelming to handle on your own. It’s understandable to feel confused about your next steps, especially if you have never dealt with criminal charges before. Your most effective strategy is hiring an experienced lawyer to build your defense strategy and gather evidence that challenges the prosecution’s case against you. Reach out to a Broussard criminal defense lawyer for help with your case.

The legal team at The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory understands the complexities of a criminal defense case. A Broussard criminal defense attorney can assist you in devising a criminal defense strategy that’s built on a foundation of evidence. Choosing the right legal representative may be the most important decision you make. You should consider hiring one from an award-winning law firm.

What to Do When You Are Arrested in Broussard?

If you are arrested and charged with a criminal offense in Broussard, your case will most likely be held at the Lafayette Parish Courthouse on South Buchanan Street in Lafayette. Depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, the case may proceed to either the 15th Judicial District Court or the Lafayette City Court. There are currently over 30,000 individuals serving time in the Louisiana prison system, so prepare your case accordingly.

Getting arrested can be humiliating, especially if you are handcuffed in front of your family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Sometimes, the stigma of an arrest can be enough to change how people perceive you.

Criminal charges are fairly common in Louisiana, and a charge does not equal a conviction. There were over 3,500 crimes reported in Lafayette Parish in 2023, with almost half of them being property crimes.

You must know how to protect yourself in the event of an arrest. You are always innocent until proven guilty, no matter what the charges say. Rely on your constitutional rights, particularly your right to remain silent and your right to retain legal counsel.

Here are some steps you can take during and after an arrest to keep yourself protected and make sure your case is strong:

• Say nothing: The worst thing you can do for your case is incriminate yourself by speaking with the police. At this time, the police are not your friend. They are here solely to make the charges stick. That can mean guilting or manipulating you into confessing something, as their case may not be as strong as they’ve made you think it is. Exercise your right to remain silent and simply ask for your lawyer.
• Contact a lawyer: As soon as you are able to, you need to call a criminal defense lawyer. While waiting for them to arrive, continue saying nothing to the police. You don’t have to say a word to them if you don’t want to. When your lawyer arrives, let them speak on your behalf and start developing your defense strategy. You need to be totally honest with your lawyer about whether or not the charges are accurate.
• Don’t talk about the case: Don’t talk to anyone about the case without your lawyer present. This includes police, inmates, family, friends, and anyone on social media. Anything you post publicly can be used against you as evidence.
• Arraignment: Generally, an arraignment in Louisiana happens within 72 hours of your arrest. A judge informs you of the charges, and you will enter a plea of either guilty or not guilty. Based on the offense, the judge sets the bail amount, which can be paid in cash or with a bail bond. If the offense is severe and you are deemed a flight risk, you may not be allowed bail at all.

Most importantly, this situation is not permanent. Speaking with a criminal defense lawyer in Broussard as soon as possible can help you potentially change the outcome.

FAQs About Broussard Criminal Defense Laws

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Louisiana?

How much a criminal defense lawyer might cost in Louisiana varies for every case. Many different contributing factors determine your lawyer’s fee, and every criminal defense case is different. Some of the most influential factors include the severity of the charges against you, the complexity of the case itself, whether or not the case goes to trial, and your lawyer’s experience with cases similar to yours.

What’s the Difference Between a Defense Attorney and a Lawyer?

The primary difference between a defense attorney and a lawyer is who they represent. Every defense attorney is a lawyer, but not every lawyer is a defense attorney. A lawyer is a broad term that describes anyone who is licensed to practice law. Lawyers can work in real estate, family law, estate planning, personal injury, and more. A defense attorney focuses solely on representing people who are charged with a crime and helping them beat those charges.

How Much Evidence Does the Prosecution Need to Convict You in Broussard, Louisiana?

To secure a conviction in a Louisiana criminal court, the prosecution needs to be able to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is the highest legal standard in the United States, and it requires both direct and circumstantial evidence to prove your involvement in the crime and that you committed it without question. Accomplishing this is not easy, and the prosecution needs overwhelming evidence of your guilt.

Should I Hire a Defense Lawyer in Broussard?

Yes, you should definitely hire a defense lawyer in Broussard. Choosing to go up against a seasoned prosecutor without legal help of your own is a losing battle. Depending on the offense, you may be looking at life-changing consequences if you fail to properly defend yourself. Hiring a defense lawyer gives you a much better chance at success.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you are facing criminal charges of any kind, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you and protect your interests. Joshua S. Guillory is a decorated military veteran and professor of law who leads a formidable team with considerable experience. Contact us to speak to a member of that team to see what we can do for you.