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Louisiana Criminal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Louisiana on
Q: Why was I denied a Louisiana security license?

I was denied a security license in the state of Louisiana and informed that I could not hold any job in this field. I did not receive a notification of the specific reasons for the denial, but it was stated under articles #37:3276 - 3276.1 and 3289 A (1). I have a felony from 2014 for a DWI 4th... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 4, 2025

That must feel discouraging, especially when you’re trying to move forward and rebuild your career. The laws you mentioned — Louisiana Revised Statutes 37:3276 through 3276.1 and 3289 A(1) — govern the licensing requirements for private security work in the state. These statutes allow the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Federal Crimes for Louisiana on
Q: Can a felon face 12 years for firearm possession in Louisiana?

I am concerned about a legal case where the defendant, previously convicted of selling drugs, is facing charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This is his first offense for firearm possession and is also linked to charges of flight and resisting arrest. During a domestic violence... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 27, 2025

Yes, under Louisiana law, a felon in possession of a firearm can face a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, depending on the nature of their prior conviction. For someone previously convicted of selling drugs, the law treats that as a serious felony, which increases the potential penalty. Even if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: What should I do if I haven't received paperwork for my domestic abuse battery charge in Louisiana?

I received a domestic abuse battery charge in Louisiana on October 30, 2024, but I haven't received any paperwork or reports related to the charge. Although I have spoken to my attorney about obtaining these documents, they have not been provided to me yet. What steps should I take to ensure I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 25, 2025

It’s understandable to feel anxious when you haven’t received the paperwork for a charge that serious. In Louisiana, once a domestic abuse battery charge has been filed, you’re entitled to copies of the complaint, police report, and any other documents the prosecution intends to use against... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Civil Rights for Louisiana on
Q: What can I do after being charged with domestic violence battery in Louisiana?

I was taken to jail in Louisiana for unlawful entry to my own RV, and after spending three nights in jail, I learned from the judge that I was charged with domestic violence battery. He also issued a protective order against me. My daughter and I got into a fight; she got in my face, screamed at me... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 22, 2025

Take a breath—this is survivable, but timing and discipline matter. You’re dealing with two separate fronts: a criminal case for domestic abuse battery and a civil protective order; treat them as distinct and obey the order to the letter—any direct or indirect contact can trigger a new... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Appeals / Appellate Law for Louisiana on
Q: What motion is needed for sentence reduction after serving 18 years of a 25-year sentence?

I was sentenced to 25 years for 2 counts of armed robbery with a firearm in Louisiana and I have currently served 18 years of my sentence. My co-defendant has been released, and all previous motions for sentence reduction have been denied. What kind of motion should I file to seek a sentence... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 22, 2025

You are past the normal 30-day window for a routine motion to reconsider sentence in Louisiana, so your viable avenues now are: (1) apply for parole if you are statutorily eligible; (2) petition for executive clemency/commutation through the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole; (3) file an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: What documents are needed for a sentencing reduction in armed robbery case in Louisiana?

I need to know what documents are required to file for a sentencing reduction in Louisiana for a conviction of armed robbery with two counts, where a firearm was used. My sentence was a result of a plea bargain. I am considering this due to my good behavior, and my co-defendant has already been... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 20, 2025

In Louisiana, requesting a sentencing reduction after an armed robbery conviction requires careful preparation and the right documentation. Since your sentence resulted from a plea bargain, the court may have limited authority to reduce it unless new circumstances exist. The most common way to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Civil Litigation for Louisiana on
Q: Charged with aggravated assault; false report, civil rights concern.

I was contacted by my uncle about potential trespassers on his property, and upon arriving there on November 23, 2024, I encountered individuals riding off-road vehicles. I fired my gun into the ground to get their attention and informed them they were trespassing. However, one of the individuals... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Oct 20, 2025

You believe you have 2 cases----(1) the criminal charges against you; and (2) whether or not you have a civil claim against your accuser(s). Some attorneys handle both areas of practices and some do not. Also, you have an attorney representing you as to the criminal charges. As such, I would... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can I be forced to testify against my husband in a domestic abuse case?

My husband was arrested for domestic abuse battery against me. Can they make me testify against him if I haven't been subpoenaed and there's no protective order, divorce, or custody proceedings involved?

Christopher Adkins
Christopher Adkins
answered on Oct 21, 2025

You cannot be forced to testify against your husband in a criminal case unless you are subpoenaed. Even if you are subpoenaed, Louisiana law does recognize spousal privilege, which generally allows a spouse to refuse to testify against the other in most criminal cases.

However, there is an... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Louisiana on
Q: Why is a monitoring device placed on me after completing a sentence with no parole option?

I've completed a 30-year sentence for three counts of forcible rape in accordance with R.S. 14:133.1, which includes two years on each count without the benefit of probation or parole. Despite this, a parole officer has placed a monitoring device on me. I'm seeking clarity on how this is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 21, 2025

Your citation appears off: “forcible rape” is codified at R.S. 14:42.1 (now called second‑degree rape), which mandates at least two years without benefits. That “without benefit” language restricts early release during the minimum, but it does not prevent the state from supervising you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law and Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: How to verify search warrant authenticity before court date?

I received a search warrant while asleep inside my home, and upon waking, I found officers inside watching me. I am concerned that the warrant might be fake because it lacks numbers and has a stamped judge's signature instead of a handwritten one. My court date is approaching, and I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 14, 2025

You can verify the warrant quickly by getting the full packet: the face of the warrant, the supporting affidavit, and the return/inventory filed after the search. Ask the clerk of the issuing court or the district attorney’s office for a certified copy; compare your name, exact address, date/time... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Legal Malpractice, Identity Theft and Consumer Law for Louisiana on
Q: Advice needed for a felony charge related to misplaced ID used in fraud case.

I'm facing a felony charge of monetary instrument abuse, scheduled for trial next month. I'm concerned about the representation I'm receiving from my public defender and believe my case needs more attention. The incident in question occurred in November 2020, but I was only charged... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Oct 14, 2025

I would suggest speaking to your attorney about your concerns expressed in your post, which include your lack of satisfaction with your legal representation. If, after speaking/meeting with your attorney, you believe you need to consult and possibly hire another attorney to represent you, then by... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Employment Law for Louisiana on
Q: How can I prevent extradition and facilitate my fiancé's release for a felony vehicle charge in Louisiana?

My fiancé was charged with felony unauthorized use of a vehicle in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, and is currently held in Charleston County Jail, waiting for extradition. He bought the vehicle from a couple and paid $2,500 but couldn’t sign the title as it was unavailable at the time. The... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 13, 2025

I’m really sorry you’re going through this, especially with so much happening in your life right now. Unfortunately, once another state—like Louisiana—issues a warrant for felony extradition, local authorities in South Carolina are required to hold your fiancé until Louisiana either picks... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law, Health Care Law and Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Son with Autism jailed in Louisiana, untreated mental health and medical issues; civil rights concern.

My 21-year-old son, diagnosed with Autism at age 4 and recently with other mental health disorders, was arrested 5 months ago for resisting arrest with violence. A judge found him not competent to stand trial, yet he has been in jail over 4 months, including 3 weeks in solitary confinement, still... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 10, 2025

I can only imagine how painful and frightening this must be for you — no parent should have to see their child suffer without care. Based on what you’ve described, your son’s rights may very well be violated. When someone has been found incompetent to stand trial, they should not remain in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law, White Collar Crime and Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Suspect phone hack for criminal activities, need steps to secure and address issue.

I suspect my phone has been hacked and is being used for criminal activities, as I've noticed unusual activity. I have analytical data that suggests this, including patterns and specific technical details like timestamps and IP addresses. I haven't reported this to law enforcement yet.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 6, 2025

It’s important to act quickly if you believe your phone has been compromised. Start by disconnecting your device from Wi-Fi and mobile data to stop any potential unauthorized access. Back up only essential files such as photos or contacts, then **perform a full factory reset** to remove any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Juvenile Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can a person with charges involving juveniles be around my child?

I want to know if a person with charges of negligent homicide, cruelty to juveniles, and drugs around a juvenile can be allowed to be around my child, as I'm trying to protect my child from her mother's boyfriend.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 4, 2025

Your concern is completely valid, and you have every right to want to protect your child from someone with a serious criminal history involving juveniles. In most states, including Louisiana and others with similar child protection laws, anyone with charges such as negligent homicide, cruelty to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can I press charges for a 2021 assault in Louisiana?

In 2021, an individual grabbed me by the shoulder and dragged me to a door, saying he had the right to shoot it down whenever he wanted. I lived with him at the time, which prevented me from reporting the incident to authorities. Since then, I've interacted with him in hopes of reconciliation,... View More

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answered on Oct 1, 2025

In Louisiana, assault and related charges generally carry a statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for when charges can be filed. For misdemeanor-level offenses, the time limit is usually one year from the date of the incident. For felony-level assaults, the period can be longer, but an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: What are prohibited acts for possession of controlled substances?

I was arrested because an arrest warrant mentioned prohibited acts related to possession of controlled substances. I would like to understand what these prohibited acts entail, specifically concerning possession charges. Could you please explain what these might include and what implications they... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 1, 2025

When an arrest warrant mentions “prohibited acts” for controlled substances, it usually refers to laws that make it illegal to knowingly possess, use, or distribute certain drugs without proper authorization. For possession charges, this typically means you had a controlled substance on your... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Personal Injury and Domestic Violence for Louisiana on
Q: I submitted a question earlier stating my ex husband abused me and left me with permanent injuries.

I was asking What type of Atty handles tort law suits. The answer I got what civil or personal injury attys. I’ve called many personal injury attys and none handle domestic battery and tort claims. I need to find an atty who does this quickly

Michael S Brandner Jr.
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answered on Oct 1, 2025

I’m extremely sorry you’re going through this situation. The best attorney for you would be a family law attorney. There’s too many domestic elements in your case that most injury attorneys will not want to represent you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Louisiana on
Q: Ex husband attacked me. Domestic battery with strangulation. I now have l5 building disc and PTSD. Want to file tortsuit

He also did $26000 worth of damage to my car. The officer arrested both of us although I was the one attacked and defended myself by punching him in the nose during attack. I need help finding an attorney who would assist in filing a tort suit. I am left with permanent injuries.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 30, 2025

I’m so sorry you’ve been through such a traumatic experience. What you describe—domestic battery, strangulation, serious physical injury, and property damage—are all grounds for a civil lawsuit in addition to any criminal proceedings that may be underway. A tort suit would allow you to seek... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Concern about an open case against me after domestic abuse calls to police were ignored.

I recently found out there might be an open case against me, and I'm not aware of the details. There have been multiple incidents of domestic abuse, including being chased by a vehicle and choked, where I called the police. However, they did not take my reports seriously and even joked about... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 30, 2025

Finding out there may be an open case against you without clear information is stressful. In situations involving domestic incidents, police reports often get forwarded to detectives or prosecutors for review, even if you weren’t notified right away. Sometimes cases are opened because of... View More

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