Louisiana Criminal Law FAQs

What should I do if I’m arrested?

The most important thing to know after an arrest is what not to do. An arrested person should not talk with the police. They should not make casual small-talk in an attempt to be friendly. They should not submit to questions about the alleged crime until their lawyer is present. That leads us to the first concrete action an arrested person should do, and it's to call their attorney.

The U.S. criminal justice system offers arrested people and defendants a lot of rights, but those rights often have to be exercised. A person has the right to remain silent and has the right to a lawyer. They should use both. The Law Office of J. Bradley Cockrell can be reached at (337) 448-4777. Use the phone wisely.

Why do I need a lawyer if I’m innocent?

The harsh reality is this–innocent people do end up being found guilty in courts. Innocent people can be subjected to pressures and say thing that end up being misinterpreted. Innocent people can certainly be subject to scare tactics from a prosecutor and plead guilty to a lesser crime they did not commit in exchange for the D.A. not pressing more serious charges.

An experienced defense lawyer will know when the authorities have real evidence and when they are bluffing. An experienced attorney knows how to navigate an interrogation. Attorney J. Bradley Cockrell is just such an experienced attorney.

Can charges be reduced?

Charges can be reduced, although it typically happens through a process called plea bargaining. This is where the defendant is offered lesser charges in exchange for a guilty plea. As noted above, this is something that defendants are strongly advised to rely on an experienced attorney.

The offer of a plea deal may be a tacit admission from a District Attorney that they don’t have enough evidence to get a conviction on anything. Or it might be a legitimate offer asking a defendant they believe they can convict for information that might lead to arresting a more dangerous and influential person. A plea offer may also be a reflection of a D.A. with a heavy caseload and looking to find ways to manage it.

Experienced defense counsel can be invaluable in helping a defendant sort through the range of possible motives and evaluating whether a plea offer is best for them.

Don’t Gamble On Your Attorney

The Law Office of J. Bradley Cockrell has been protecting defendants, advocating for their rights, and battling prosecutors in courts of law since 1993. We know the system. We know your rights. We don’t back away from a fight when we’ve got the evidence on our side. Call today at (337) 448-4777 or contact us online to set up a consultation.