Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Lafayette

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lafayette, Louisiana?

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lafayette is 337-291-8200.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lafayette, Louisiana?

  To obtain a copy of a police record of your case in Lafayette, send an e-mail to publicrecords@lafayettela.gov with your name, address, phone number where you can be reached, and any relevant information to your case. You may also fill out the Public Request Information Form available on the local government's website.

• How much does it cost to consult a criminal defense attorney in Lafayette?

  Most criminal defense attorneys in Lafayette do not charge anything for the initial consultation. Once hired, attorneys can charge a flat fee to represent you. The exact fee is determined by the facts of your case, the number of court appearances, the number of motions to be filed, and the complexity of the case. It can range between $1,500 and $100,000.

• When do you have the right to speak with an attorney after being arrested in Lafayette?

  According to LA Code Crim Pro art. 230 (2021), you have the right to procure and confer with counsel, as well as to use a telephone or send a messenger to communicate with your friends or family to find a lawyer at the time of your arrest. If you are arrested in Lafayette, you can immediately request to speak with a lawyer, and all police questioning must stop.

• Can you be convicted for buying stolen property in Lafayette?

  It should be determined whether you, the buyer, knew or had reasonable grounds to believe that the item was obtained through robbery or theft. If the stolen property is worth less than $1,000, you could face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. For items worth $25,000 or more, you could face up to 25 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

• Can you be charged with a crime committed in Lafayette six years ago?

  Depending on the crime, a person can still be charged for something they did years ago. Prosecutors in Lafayette adhere to a time limit for crimes. Cases for felonies punishable by hard labor start within six years. Meanwhile, misdemeanors punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both must begin within two years. Any crime punishable by death or life imprisonment, as well as forcible or second-degree rape, has no time limit.

• How long should a person be held in Lafayette jail after being arrested?

  A person arrested in Lafayette for a crime can be held in jail for up to 120 days, depending on the severity of the crime and the time it takes for the prosecution to file charges against them. When a defendant is imprisoned for a misdemeanor, the state must file charges within 45 days. Felony sentences range from 60 to 120 days. If you have not been released from jail once the time limit has expired, you may petition the court for a writ of habeas corpus.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.