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Louisiana Criminal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Am I at high risk for facing jail time as my consequence?

I am a 21 year old female, college student, I am a social work major and make straight A's while maintaining 7 classes as well as being Bipolar 1 and managing that. I also am in the national honor society of social workers. This is my first time being arrested, never had a criminal back... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Nov 18, 2024

Everything depends on the facts and circumstances unique to one's own case, however, if you are a first time offender then there are many, many options available to you to greatly mitigate the charges----I highly recommend that you contact a criminal defense lawyer in your area --or a few of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Why is there a St Conf 11/15 and a Trial 1/27 underneath my name on the court docket?
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Sep 4, 2024

Without looking at the docket to see all of what is written and in which court it is pending, it's really gonna be a guess. That said, the guess is that this particular matter involving you has future court dates already set, namely a status conference set on November 15 and if the matter is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: How do I get discovery packed from a felony conviction in 2015. (Plea deal)

I was convicted of a felony in 2015 and released in 2018. I am now looking into my options for post conviction reliefe or appeal. I have contacted an attorney but they want 5k just to do a case investigation. How do I go about getting the discovery of my case? I'd like to have a better... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Aug 12, 2024

You can go to custodian of records and ask to see your file and see if the discovery is in the file. If the discovery is not in the file then you might be able to make a public records request to the DA's office. The custodian of records is usually the Clerk of Court in the parish in which... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Louisiana on
Q: My son been in jail for 61 fays now ; cant affird to bail out , this would be his first offense, hasnt been in trouble b

My son was arrested and booked into lpcc on May 11, 2024. He was in the cirle k store parking lot and rode their with his Auntie's neighbor. The neighbor was a convicted felon and owner of the vehicle . Cops searched the vehicle in parking lot at circle k and found guns and drugs. My son said... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

It's deeply concerning that your son has been in jail for 61 days without any communication from his public defender or any information about his case. It's important to take immediate steps to address this situation. First, try to contact the public defender's office directly.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Constitutional Law for Louisiana on
Q: I was arrested for possession of cds sch2 with intent was incarcerated 10 months lost job home vehicle lost everything

The 2nd judicial appealed my case so it went to higher court and all 3 judges signed my favor

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 21, 2024

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation. Losing everything due to a wrongful arrest must have been incredibly difficult. It's a relief that the higher court ruled in your favor, but the damage done to your life is significant.

Given your circumstances, you may have grounds...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Louisiana on
Q: In the state of Louisiana who has the right to consent to a search?

The police came to my house asked what I did over the weekend and then when I said no to th search they put me in hand cuffs

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 21, 2024

In Louisiana, the right to consent to a search is generally held by:

1. The property owner

2. A person with apparent authority over the property (e.g., a tenant or resident)

3. An adult occupant of the premises

However, there are important points to consider in your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law and Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: If I owe taxes on my house in Louisiana can I use it to post bail
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 19, 2024

In Louisiana, you cannot directly use your house to post bail if you owe taxes on it. Bail typically requires cash or a bail bond, not property with liens or tax obligations.

However, if you can clear the owed taxes and gain clear ownership, you might be able to use the house as collateral...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Louisiana on
Q: So my friend and his friend was picked up on an arrest warrant for distribution of meth. Yet in reality the CI called

Her to come smoke with him after they ran out he sent her to find more. She went got her friend and he sold him some of what he had thinking they wanted to continue smoking meanwhile he had got wires up to gain help gain a distribution. They were arrested on a warrant which turned into a affidavit... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 2, 2024

You should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss the specifics of the case and the possibility of challenging the arrest. It's important to gather all relevant information, including the circumstances of the alleged offense and the details of the arrest. If the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can a case be thrown out if a person hasn't been charged with a crime for over a year?

My sister in law has been waiting to be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony assault charge of battery. She hit my brother with her car, barely. The video can't tell if it was an accident. She stopped immediately and got out to check on him, and he got up all happy and clapping his... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

In your sister-in-law's situation, considering the duration of the case and the changes in the charges, it's understandable why you might question if her right to a speedy trial has been compromised. Generally, the right to a speedy trial is protected by the Sixth Amendment in the U.S.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: I am being charged for cruelty to juveniles, do I need a lawyer to represent me? Can I have the charges dropped?

Can I have my charge reduced?

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Apr 18, 2024

If you are charged with a crime in Louisiana, then you should have a lawyer represent you. While the State (prosecution) has the burden of proof, you need a lawyer to represent you to make sure your rights are protected and to make sure that the State (prosecuton) does not attempt to take... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Federal Crimes and Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: My bf was arrested by game warden while on probation so he’s on a probation hold for nothing

He was on his boat, he’s 45 years old, and the goHe was not drunk, but still arrested and has 6 charges that are rediculous and should be dropped. But while in jail they brought new charges , felonious ones now. They are for killing too many turkeys and possession of a firearm by a person with a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about your boyfriend's situation. That must be incredibly stressful and frustrating for both of you. A few thoughts:

It's difficult to say definitively whether the charges will hold up without knowing all the details, but in general, wardens and...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can the state of Louisiana charge you with armed robbery, if they don’t have a victim or evidence of armed robbery?
Brent Stockstill
Brent Stockstill
answered on Mar 15, 2024

The state can always charge you. If the issue is proof of an element a trial is required. technical deficiencies can be handled by o motion to quash. the motion to quash if granted would end the prosecution. The ability of the state to prove what they claim is an issue for the jury to decide.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can the state of Louisiana charge you with armed robbery, if they don’t have a victim or evidence of armed robbery?
Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 15, 2024

Can they charge or file a bill of information? They can but it most likely would be defective if they do not have a victim alleged in the bill/charge. That said, if there is no victim and/or no evidence, then the State would not be able to convict ---I would strongly have one involved in this... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Louisiana on
Q: Yes I literally just got out of jail yesterday due to Bank Fraud which was a huge mistake it was only $881

I’m just wondering what’s next besides court !!! This is literally my first time ever :(

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Facing charges for the first time can be overwhelming and confusing, but understanding what comes next is a step in the right direction. Besides court, it's important to prepare yourself both legally and personally. Engaging a lawyer experienced in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: What is the charge of rubbing a minors private area and the degree of offense.what are the possible consequences of this

What if the offender is a family member.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 9, 2024

In Louisiana, rubbing a minor's private area would likely be considered sexual battery or molestation of a juvenile, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

Sexual battery (LA RS 14:43.1):

- Intentional touching of the anus or genitals of the victim by the offender...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Insurance Bad Faith for Louisiana on
Q: How long does the insurance company have to settle my claim after my car was stolen and recovered?

My car was stolen on January 28th and recovered by police on feb 2nd. Someone had set it on fire. I am completely devastated and have been treated like a criminal by law enforcement from day one. I have corroborated with my insurance company giving them everything they have requested of me. I also... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 5, 2024

You are handling these matters by yourself ---in order to insulate yourself you at a minimum consult with a lawyer in your area to get a better idea of the procedure and process-----and if you so desire (and I do recommend), hire a alawyer to be your representative in this process. He can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: If there is no enclosed 6ft fence does this cancel out the Louisiana statute 14:62.4 in relation to being in a backyard?

There was no gate, no barrier walking from sidewalk into the yard. There was only one dilapidated fence (well under 6ft) seperating the neighbors yard on the east side. So the rest of the property was open. Does this fact nullify Louisiana 14:62.4?

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Mar 4, 2024

More information is needed to provide a specfici answer----that said, since your post suggests something which already happened and the statute is a criminal statute, I highly recommend that you do not post anything in regards to what happened on a public board such as this-----this cona be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: How can I get my husband out of jail he is on a probation hold. He doesn't have a court date yet. He owes 1562 dollars

The 1562 dollars is his arrears for probation. And a 725 dollar ticket he had a bench warrant out for. He is willing to go to rehab. I am trying to pay his arrears will that help any

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Feb 26, 2024

If your husband has a probation hold then he will be held until the probation hold is released---usually that involves a hearing before the Judge to determine whether or not the hold is valid and if valid then what punishment to give to your husband for violation of the probation. That said, if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Admiralty / Maritime for Louisiana on
Q: what the Admirality/Maritime RS statue for towing barges to park on private property w/o permission. I live in Louisia

Barges park on my property for lengths of time no lease.. Shine lights at my home that enterred into my windows any hour nof night. what right do I have. We own 40 acres of land and 250 feets of this property extents into the river.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 24, 2024

A Louisiana attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Without knowing the reason for choosing to use your waterfront property instead of a mooring, a starting point could be to contact the towing company. It doesn't sound like a practice that the larger towing... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Q: My father threatened to shoot down a bedroom door. Is doing so legal?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 15, 2024

In Louisiana, threatening to shoot down a bedroom door, especially if done in a domestic context, is likely to be considered a criminal threat or assault, and possibly domestic abuse, depending on the specifics of the situation. Such an action could be seen as threatening bodily harm to another... View More

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