Youngsville Misdemeanor Lawyer

Youngsville Misdemeanor Attorney

Being accused of a crime can be upsetting, but facing criminal charges can be infuriating. Even if you are only charged with a misdemeanor, the consequences of that charge can be enough to cause severe distress and life-altering changes you never asked for. Misdemeanor charges can still be enough to give you a criminal record if convicted, and that can affect every other aspect of your life. To defend yourself, contact a Youngsville misdemeanor lawyer as soon as you can.

The legal team at The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory realizes how frustrating it can be to have to deal with a misdemeanor case. You may feel like a misdemeanor is nothing to worry about, and the consequences won’t be that dire.

Compared to a felony, that might be true, but that doesn’t mean you should take a misdemeanor case any less seriously. You should still hire a Youngsville misdemeanor attorney who understands the state’s misdemeanor laws.

Defenses Against a Misdemeanor Charge

If you’re arrested on misdemeanor charges in Youngsville, it’s likely you’ll first go to the Youngsville Police Department for initial holding. From there, you will probably be taken to the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center (LPCC) for booking and processing. If convicted, you may end up receiving probation in lieu of jail time.

According to a recent study, Louisiana had the 16th lowest probation supervision rate in the country in 2021. This means that many people are sentenced to jail instead of probation or house arrest.

Additional data from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections showed that there are over 60,000 individuals on probation throughout the state, though 99% of them have felony convictions. You don’t want to be part of that one percent, as you may be treated like just another statistic.

It’s important that you hire an experienced lawyer in Youngsville and start working on your defense as soon as possible. The sooner you start developing your defense, the stronger it can be. Some defense strategies may not work depending on the details of your misdemeanor charge. It’ll be up to your lawyer to determine the most effective strategy for your case.

Here are some possible defense strategies you might use:

• Self-defense: This is a common strategy to use when facing misdemeanor assault and/or battery charges. State law allows individuals to use an appropriate amount of force when faced with a genuine threat to their safety or the safety of others. There were 11 criminal sentences handed out for assault in Louisiana in 2024, according to the United States Sentencing Commission. If you can prove it, self-defense can be a strong strategy.
• Mistaken identity: It’s fairly common for an eyewitness to mix two people up, especially if they look similar enough. It’s possible you highly resemble the individual who committed the crime. If that’s the case, you should do whatever you can to prove you were elsewhere at the time. You can do that by providing a strong alibi. Your lawyer can help you retrace your steps and find evidence that puts you somewhere else.
• False accusation: Unfortunately, false accusations are also quite common throughout the country. Someone may falsely accuse you of committing a crime in an attempt to hurt your reputation, make you lose your job, break up romantic relationships, or just to damage your life. You need to gather as much evidence as you can find and get ahead of the accusation before it gets out of hand.

This list of defense strategies is by no means conclusive. There are other strategies and forms of evidence that can benefit your claim. An attorney can play an important role in your defense strategy.

FAQs About Youngsville Misdemeanor Laws

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor in Youngsville?

How much it costs to get a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Youngsville varies depending on the situation. Every misdemeanor case is different. Each case requires a careful and considered approach that takes into account every relevant detail. The factors that contribute to your lawyer’s total fee include how hard your case is, the severity of the offense, and whether your lawyer has handled cases like yours.

What Is the Hardest Misdemeanor Case to Beat?

The hardest misdemeanor case to beat is one without a defense strategy. Every case can be difficult depending on the details. Generally, it’s hard to defend yourself against a DWI charge, domestic violence, or any crime that involves children. People tend to get emotional, and they may even ignore evidence in favor of a better story. Regardless, you need to get a lawyer and defend yourself.

Can a Lawyer Help with a Misdemeanor Charge in Youngsville?

Yes, a lawyer can help with a misdemeanor charge. An attorney can listen to your side of the story and create a strategy around the details of your case. They might also be familiar with the local courts and the prosecutors who work there. This can lead to an increased chance of dropped charges or a lower sentence through negotiations.

What Shouldn’t I Say to a Prosecutor?

There are many things you should never say to a prosecutor. Above all, don’t incriminate yourself. Never say anything that can be seen as an admission of guilt. Don’t share any new information flippantly and don’t lie. Be honest, respectful, and focused. Follow your own lawyer’s advice and speak in concise, short, and direct responses. Additionally, do not share information about your case on social media because it might be used against you.

Hire a Misdemeanor Lawyer Today

It’s understandable to feel less worried about a misdemeanor charge than a felony, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hire a misdemeanor lawyer. You still want to avoid penalties. Founding attorney Joshua S. Guillory is a professor of law and a veteran who is devoted to your legal needs. He can bring focus and empathy to your case.

At The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, we can help you develop a solid defense and give you a better chance against your misdemeanor charge. Contact us to speak to someone who knows how to help you.