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Questions Answered by E. Alexander Laird
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Louisiana on
Q: Felony expungement? Non-violent offender, first offense. No trouble with law enforcement since finishing parole.

I was convicted in Sept. 2016 for a felony. I was sentenced in Nov. 2016 to 1 year with good time. I spend 5 months in WinnField Correctional before being released Feb. 2017. It was my first offense. The charge was Simple Burglary of inhabitant dwelling. I’ve finished parole in Sept. 2017 and... View More

E. Alexander Laird
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E. Alexander Laird
answered on Oct 31, 2020

You may qualify for a first offender’s pardon. Then you may get an expungement without waiting 10 years.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: How much time does kidnapping carjacking strangulation carry
E. Alexander Laird
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E. Alexander Laird
answered on Oct 20, 2020

Carjacking carries between 2 and 20 years. Kidnapping varies greatly depending on several including whether the victim is injured or whether she was held for ransom.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: how much time can you get for contraband in louisiana if you have prior felons
E. Alexander Laird
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E. Alexander Laird
answered on Sep 17, 2020

You can get up to 5 years for having contraband in a penal institution.

Having a prior record won’t be looked upon favorably when it comes to sentencing.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: What is the new laws for a convictied felon with a fire arm
E. Alexander Laird
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E. Alexander Laird
answered on Sep 11, 2020

If you are convicted of certain felonies, including crimes of violence and a long list of other felonies found in Title 14, R.S. 14:95.1, you cannot possess a firearm.

If you are found guilty, you face steep punishments. 5-20 years WITHOUT the benefit or probation or parole....
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Hi I have citation for theft from Walmart. It was for $41. I’m trying to see what do I do when I go to court on 9/24.
E. Alexander Laird
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E. Alexander Laird
answered on Sep 8, 2020

This court date is more than likely your arraignment, where you will plead guilty or not guilty.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: If my appted atty request Discovery and the prosecution doesn't include evidence that it holds, is it admissable later?

Prosecution possessed but didn't include lab results in the Motion of Discovery. Prosecution also requested 3 different pretrial dates claiming to be waiting on lab results. When the defendant was presented labs, they were dated and received by the prosecution before a motion of discovery was... View More

E. Alexander Laird
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E. Alexander Laird
answered on Sep 6, 2020

This may be grounds for an appeal for ineffective assistance of counsel.

The main hurdle you might face is whether you were prejudiced by the lack of objection by your public defender.

You must show that “but for” the deficient performance, there is a “reasonable...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Louisiana on
Q: I have a hit and run felony on my record from 2004. I was arrested and went to court and paid a fine.

I backed into a vehicle by accident, I got out of the truck to see what happened. The passenger in the truck pulled me back into the truck and another passenger got behind the wheel and drove off with me in the truck. The police chased us down, arrested me booked me and let me out several hours... View More

E. Alexander Laird
PREMIUM
E. Alexander Laird
answered on Sep 3, 2020

To get a felony conviction removed from your record, you must wait 10 years after you have finished your sentence and have no felony charge pending against you.

You only get to expunge a felony conviction once every 15 years.

Hire a lawyer to file a motion for expungement

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can a woman who is charged with 2nd degree murder get a bond reduction....

After she bonds out of jail she opening up a bar in the victims home town

E. Alexander Laird
PREMIUM
E. Alexander Laird
answered on Sep 3, 2020

The purpose of bond is to ensure you make your future court dates. Bond is set depending on your ties to the community and danger to community. Any defendant may request a reduction in bond upon a showing of good cause.

If your purpose for getting a reduction is so you can open a bar on...
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1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice, Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Municipal Law for Louisiana on
Q: What Are The Legal Definitions Of Self Defense And Of Lex Talonis?

Dixon

E. Alexander Laird
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E. Alexander Laird
answered on Aug 23, 2020

In Louisiana, a person has a a right to use force to prevent imminent injury. But the force must be reasonable and apparently necessary. You do not have a duty to retreat.

You must also not be the initial aggressor in the confrontation.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: How many days do they have bill you on a felony
E. Alexander Laird
PREMIUM
E. Alexander Laird
answered on Aug 20, 2020

If you are custody, they have 45 days from the date of arrest to file a bill for a misdemeanor and 60 days for a felony

If you are not in custody, they have 90 days for a misdemeanor and 150 days for a felony.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Legal Malpractice, Criminal Law and Libel & Slander for Louisiana on
Q: What Is The Legal Definition Of Entrapment?
E. Alexander Laird
PREMIUM
E. Alexander Laird
answered on Aug 20, 2020

This is a common question and subject to many misinterpretations.

Entrapment is a defense to criminal charges. The basis for entrapment occurs between an officer and defendant before or during the alleged crime. When an officer coerces or uses overbearing tactics to induce someone to commit...
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