Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Lafayette, LA

Lafayette, LA Criminal Defense 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.