Orleans Parish Misdemeanor Lawyer

Orleans Parish Misdemeanor Attorney

Louisiana organizes criminal offenses into two main categories. Under Louisiana law, a felony refers to any crime that may result in death or imprisonment with hard labor, and a misdemeanor is any crime that is not a felony. Even though a misdemeanor is the less serious of the two charges, you can still face serious penalties for a misdemeanor in Louisiana. It’s wise to seek legal representation from an Orleans Parish misdemeanor lawyer to help you build your defense.

The Law Office of Ryan N. Cox has been navigating complex criminal cases for our clients in Orleans Parish and surrounding areas. With experience as a former prosecutor and former Assistant District Attorney in Jefferson Parish, we’re familiar with tactics used by prosecutors and with how to navigate cases in the Second Parish Court of Jefferson and the 24th Judicial District Court.

Misdemeanor Laws in Louisiana

Misdemeanors can cover a wide range of criminal offenses under Louisiana law. The specific details of a misdemeanor offense are going to depend on the nature and severity of the crime. Regardless, you can expect to face serious consequences if you’re charged with a misdemeanor in Louisiana.

In a single year, a total of 110,473 offenses were reported for the Louisiana Metropolitan Parishes. This included:

• 56,734 crimes against property
• 30,942 crimes against persons
• 22,797 crimes against society

Orleans Parish ranks in the 8th percentile for safety, making it less safe than 92 percent of other parishes or counties in the U.S. Misdemeanors can include property crimes and violent crimes, and they typically carry a sentence in a local or parish jail as well as fines. Some offenses may carry shorter sentences. You may even be able to secure an alternative sentence, such as probation instead of active jail time.

The maximum sentence for a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment with hard labor is two years. For misdemeanors punishable by fine or forfeiture, the statute of limitations is six months.

Key factors such as the severity of your charges and your criminal history can determine what penalties you face in a misdemeanor case. You must have a working understanding of Louisiana misdemeanor laws to build a solid defense for your case. An Orleans Parish misdemeanor attorney can help.

Hire an Orleans Parish Misdemeanor Lawyer

Facing any type of criminal charge is a big deal, even if it’s at the misdemeanor level. It’s imperative that you have decent knowledge of Louisiana misdemeanor laws, so you can form a cohesive defensive strategy based on the facts of your specific case. It’s highly recommended that you work with an Orleans Parish misdemeanor attorney to help you through your case.

The Law Office of Ryan N. Cox brings in-depth insight about felony and misdemeanor cases in Louisiana to the table. We’ve been representing Louisianans for more than 29 years, and we’re just getting started. Our team is committed to protecting our clients’ freedoms and helping them through the most challenging times in their lives.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take for a Misdemeanor to Come Off Your Record in Louisiana?

How long it takes for a misdemeanor to come off your record in Louisiana is ultimately going to depend on the details of your case. Under Louisiana law, you typically must wait at least five years before filing a petition for expungement.

When exactly you can have your record expunged depends on the details of the crime. You must go to the Clerk of Court in Orleans Parish. You must file all the necessary forms and pay any related fees.

What Are the Most Common Types of Misdemeanor Crimes in Orleans Parish?

The most common types of misdemeanor crimes in Orleans Parish include less serious crimes that are not classified as felonies. Common types of misdemeanor crimes in Louisiana include:

• Disturbing the peace
• Domestic battery
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Resisting an officer
• Shoplifting or theft
• Simple battery
• Simple drug/paraphernalia possession
• Trespassing
• Violating protective orders

The nature of the crime is going to impact the penalties you can face.

Can I Go to Jail for a Misdemeanor in Orleans Parish?

Yes, you can go to jail for a misdemeanor in Orleans Parish. Misdemeanors typically carry sentences of up to two years in jail and/or fines. You may secure a lighter or harsher sentence depending on the nature of the crime.

You can also work with an Orleans Parish misdemeanor attorney to negotiate a plea bargain for reduced or alternative sentencing.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Misdemeanor Lawyer in Orleans Parish?

The cost to hire a misdemeanor lawyer in Orleans Parish can vary from case to case. You can typically expect a Louisiana criminal defense lawyer to charge a flat fee or an hourly rate, depending on their specific fee structure.

You can typically meet with a lawyer beforehand to discuss pricing and services before you commit to working with them. Their reputation and level of experience may affect overall prices.

Hire a Misdemeanor Lawyer in Orleans Parish to Discuss Your Legal Options in More Detail

If you’re facing any kind of misdemeanor charge under Louisiana law, you must act quickly to start building your defense. You don’t have to do it on your own. Instead, you can turn to an Orleans Parish misdemeanor attorney to help you understand your legal options based on the facts of your case.

The Law Office of Ryan N. Cox has experience from both sides of the courtroom. We’re comfortable navigating cases through the Second Parish Court of Jefferson or the 24th Judicial District Court for more serious matters. No matter how far things escalate, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re working with local attorneys who are committed to protecting your freedoms.

If you want to discuss your case in more detail with a local attorney, look no further than our team in Greta. Our office is on Long Avenue near both the 24th Judicial District Courthouse and the Second Parish Court of Jefferson Courthouse. Call us to set up an initial consultation with a member of our team today.