LAFAYETTE VIOLENT CRIMES LAWYER

The allegation of a violent crime puts a defendant squarely in the crosshairs of prosecutors. Depending on the nature of the crime, defendants face everything from steep fines to lengthy prison sentences. Times like these are when they need an experienced Lafayette violent crimes lawyer–one who has a track record of both handling and winning cases like these–in their corner.

Since 1993, the Law Office of J. Bradley Cockrell has been fighting for the rights of the good people of Lafayette, including the English, Spanish and French-speaking communities. Our past successes speak for themselves. Call the office at (337) 448-4777 or contact us online and let us handle your defense too.

Understanding Violent Crimes Under Louisiana Law

The term “violent crime” might seem self-explanatory, and in many cases it is. But the law requires specific definitions and sometimes those specifics can be important. The Louisiana code defines a violent crime as one that “has, an element, the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another…”

That means violent crimes do include those one might expect to find categorized as such–everything from sex crimes to assault and battery to domestic violence, and all the way up to murder. But the legal definition also means that violent force need not actually be involved for a crime to be termed violent. The legal definition is broadened to include the threatened use of physical force. This can significantly broaden the scope of what can be considered a violent crime.

Impact of Violent Crime Convictions in Lafayette

The sentence that can come from a conviction will depend on the crime itself. Murder ,in the state of Louisiana, can result in the death penalty in extreme cases. On the other hand, less extreme cases could see a short prison stay or even probation as the result. There’s quite a bit of ground between those extremes and the quality of a Lafayette violent crimes attorney can make a big difference on where a defendant lands on the sentencing spectrum.

But regardless of the crime or the sentence, there are certain consequences that are highly likely to follow defendants around, even if they serve their time. A violent crime conviction will almost certainly play a role in any custody decisions, in the event the defendant has children. A defendant who attempts to get a job or even simply a place to live, will have this conviction appear in their background check. The right to own a firearm for self-defense can be taken away, as can the right to vote.

A violent crime conviction lingers, well after the formal sentence itself is finished. There are some cases where the evidence against a defendant may be too strong, simply reducing the sentence may be the best approach. But the best result is, of course, to go all-out for acquittal.

The Law Office of J. Bradley Cockrell combines detailed legal investigation with a vigorous fighting spirit. Let us go to work for you next. Call the office at (337) 448-4777 or fill out our online contact form to set up a time to talk.

Strategies for Defending Against Violent Crime Accusations

The defense strategy used by a Lafayette violent crimes lawyer will depend on the crime itself and the specific circumstances involved. Generally speaking, though, here are some viable strategies that might be employed…

• Self-Defense: Whether the charge is using one’s fists, a gun or anything else, the right to defend one’s person, family and property is always a valid defense in front of a Louisiana jury. The key will be for the attorney to demonstrate that the threat the defendant felt was credible and the use of force administered in return was reasonable.
• The Defendant Was Not There: It’s the prosecution’s job to prove that the defendant was even present at the scene of an alleged crime. The defense attorney might be able to take a proactive approach and establish that their client was not, in fact, at the scene of the crime. Anything from cell phone footage or photos to credit card charges might show the defendant at another location. The lack of the client’s DNA at the crime scene could be another avenue to explore. Each circumstance can present different opportunities for the defense.
• A Misunderstanding: The language of Louisiana law says that even the threatened use of force can qualify as a violent crime. What if there is simply a misunderstanding? As an example, let’s say a couple people are outside the stadium after an LSU football game on a Saturday night. Tempers have been flaring between the two all night long and one of them shouts words to the effect of “I’ll kill you!” Witnesses hear it, so there’s no doubt the threat was made. But was it really a threat of physical violence? In this circumstance, and others like it, the defense can argue for a misunderstanding.

Choose a Proven Lafayette Defense Attorney Today

The Law Office of J. Bradley Cockrell does its due diligence with all our clients, examining the specific facts of each case, finding viable defense strategies, and then vigorously pursuing them. We’ve been doing this work for over a quarter of a century and understand what questions need to be asked in an investigation. Call today at (337) 448-4777 or contact us online to set up a consultation.