Louisiana considers increasing age for criminal liability

Posted on May 13, 2016

Most 17-year-olds are still in high school. None have the right to vote and none have the right to purchase alcohol or cigarettes. Those rights do not come until later in the youths’ lives; however, in Louisiana, a 17-year-old child can be charged as an adult if they commit a crime. Recently, however, the state… Read more

Intent can play a role in a criminal conviction

Posted on May 5, 2016

When a New Orleans resident is charged with a crime, their case is handled by a criminal prosecutor who must prove that all of the elements of the crime were met. For many crimes, an individual must have a certain mental state or intent to commit the crime in order to be found guilty. As… Read more

Is ‘defense of others’ a defense to certain crimes?

Posted on April 14, 2016

Most married people would do anything to keep their significant others safe. New Orleans residents may even be willing to put themselves in harm’s way if it meant keeping loved ones from suffering harm. When an individual is threatened with physical violence certain defenses exist that may provide others with the right to step in… Read more

Are there any criminal defenses to solicitation charges?

Posted on March 3, 2016

Solicitation is a serious criminal charge. In Louisiana, a person may be charged with solicitation in a variety of contexts, but often solicitation charges are associated with the separate crime of prostitution. Generally, a charge of solicitation can result when a person is suspected of asking another person to commit a crime, and the asker… Read more

Defenses exist to criminal charges based on robbery

Posted on May 28, 2015

Facing allegations of a crime can be challenging. In order for the accused to take action against the criminal charges, a defense will have to be made. The process of a criminal defense is dependent on the details of the crime and what the state will need to prove to convict a defendant. When a… Read more

What crimes fall under the category of weapons offenses?

Posted on April 23, 2015

Firearms and other weapons are owned and used by Louisiana residents for many reasons. Some are used for hunting and other sports endeavors. Others are used as lawful means of self and home protection. However, in certain cases individuals may be suspected of using weapons to commit harm against others, and in those situations suspects… Read more

Criminal charges skyrocket during Mardi Gras

Posted on February 25, 2015

New Orleans is known for many things. From great culture and food to fantastic music and entertainment, visitors and residents alike can find many activities and events to enjoy within the boundaries of the city. One major New Orleans event that draws thousands to its streets each year is Mardi Gras. Recently, Mardi Gras came… Read more

Office of Juvenile Justice manages juvenile crimes & convictions

Posted on February 18, 2015

When young people make mistakes and bring consequences down upon themselves, many adults shake their heads and attribute the juvenile errors to childish inexperience. Not often are the wrongdoings of a Louisiana youngster so concerning that the criminal justice system must get involved. However, on those unfortunate occasions, a separate governmental sector often handles the… Read more

Can I face criminal charges in federal and state courts?

Posted on December 18, 2014

When a Louisiana resident is accused of committing a criminal act it is possible that he or she could face charges based on different types of laws. Prior posts on this blog have discussed the differences between federal courts and the criminal state courts of Louisiana; depending upon the nature of the alleged criminal act… Read more

Criminal charges and convictions lead to many incarcerations

Posted on November 19, 2014

When a New Orleans residents commit a crime they may expect to face some serious consequences for their actions. Imprisonment is one such consequence and can rob people of their physical freedoms. While in some cases lesser penalties are available, many people who are convicted of crimes in the state find themselves behind bars. The… Read more