Lafayette Violent Crime Lawyer
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Lafayette Violent Crime Attorney
Violent offenses, including assault, battery, robbery, and homicide, carry significant consequences. These charges can lead to harsh penalties, like long-term prison sentences, heavy fines, and a lasting impact on your reputation. When facing such serious allegations, you need an experienced legal advocate. A dedicated Lafayette violent crimes lawyer can support you through each step of the process, and they can fight to mitigate the penalties and charges you face.
A conviction for a violent offense can affect your freedom, your educational and professional opportunities, and your financial abilities. Do not take these charges lightly. Whether you committed the crime or not, it is imperative that you obtain legal representation. They can fight for your interests and determine how to address your charges.
Diligent and Strategic Violent Crimes Defense With Stockstill Defense Firm
Kevin Stockstill at Stockstill Defense Firm provides skilled representation, committed to protecting your rights and pursuing the best outcomes for your case. He has over 25 years of experience in criminal defense law, and our team also has significant experience in supporting individuals in our communities who’ve faced these difficult cases.
When you are charged with a violent offense, we can look over the details of your arrest, the accusations made against you, and the evidence the prosecution has. We can listen to your side of the story and use all this information to determine a strategic defense for your case. Our firm has a history of successful outcomes in criminal cases, including case dismissals and acquittals, favorable plea deals, and direct appeals to the court’s decisions.
Our firm can obtain the most beneficial result for your criminal charges, and we can give you a straightforward and transparent understanding of your case.
Types of Violent Offenses
Violent offenses are those that cause harm to another person or involve an attempt or threat to harm another person. There were 664 violent crimes committed in l in 2019, giving the city a violent crime rate of 524.1 per 100,000 population. Of these offenses, there were 486 cases of aggravated assault and 148 robberies.
When you have been arrested for or charged with a violent offense, it is essential that you work with a criminal defense attorney in Lafayette with substantial experience in these offenses.
Violent offenses, like murder, have the most serious criminal consequences, and you need legal representation who knows the complexity and severity of these cases. They can build an effective defense for your unique case. At Stockstill Defense Firm, we have experience in some of the following kinds of violent criminal cases:
Assault and Battery
Assault refers to threats or attempts of violence, while battery involves actual physical harm. Both carry serious consequences under Louisiana law. Penalties for these offenses increase when there are aggravated factors, like being armed with a dangerous weapon or a firearm.
If the victim of the offense was seriously injured or believed that the offender was armed with a dangerous weapon, this can also increase penalties. The specific victim can also aggravate penalties, such as if they were a police officer or a utility service employee engaged in their duties.
Domestic Violence
A domestic violence offense includes acts of violence between family or household members. Family and household members include relatives through blood, adoption, or foster families, along with individuals who live or have lived together in an intimate relationship. Any violent crime, such as assault, battery, sexual assault, or stalking, could be considered a domestic violence offense when it is committed against those individuals.
These cases often come with heightened legal challenges, especially if children are involved. It is essential that you work with an attorney who understands the delicate and severe nature of these cases.
Robbery
Unlike theft, robbery involves force or intimidation, making it a more severe offense that can result in significant prison time. It is even more harshly penalized when the offender is armed with or uses a dangerous weapon or firearm. The penalties can further increase if the victim suffers serious bodily injury. Robbery may be charged as simple, first-degree, second-degree, or armed robbery.
Homicide and Attempted Murder
Homicide charges include first-degree and second-degree murder, manslaughter, negligent homicide, and vehicular homicide. They are some of the most serious violent criminal offenses, and these serious charges carry the possibility of life imprisonment or even the death penalty. A strong defense is critical in these situations.
Sexual Assault
A sexual assault offense involves non-consensual sexual contact and can lead to lengthy prison sentences and mandatory registration as a sex offender. These serious accusations need a skilled and dedicated legal defense.
Even being charged with these offenses can have serious personal and professional consequences for your life, and a conviction can worsen the situation. An experienced attorney could mitigate these consequences, prevent a conviction, and protect your future.
Navigating the Legal Process for Violent Crimes
When you are charged with a violent offense in Lafayette, your case will likely be handled at the Lafayette Parish Courthouse, which is one of three courthouses managed by the 15th Judicial District Court (JDC). The courthouse is located at 800 S. Buchanan Street. Our firm has experience in the 15th JDC.
Understanding the legal process of a violent criminal charge can help prepare you, and an attorney can also guide you through each step of the process.
- Arrest and Charges: Upon arrest, formal charges are filed. Early legal representation is essential to protect your rights during this stage.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Prosecution builds their case through evidence, police reports, and witness statements. A defense attorney can challenge the reliability of this evidence.
- Pre-Trial Hearings: Motions can be filed to suppress evidence or seek dismissals before trial. Kevin Stockstill works to ensure that your rights are upheld at every stage.
- Trial Representation: Trials involve presenting evidence to a jury, cross-examining witnesses, and crafting arguments for the best defense. Experienced representation is crucial for achieving a fair outcome.
- Sentencing Considerations: If convicted, sentences range from probation to extended prison terms. The goal is always to minimize these penalties through strategic advocacy.
Building a Strong Defense for Violent Crimes
There are several strategies used to mitigate the severity of any penalties and potentially avoid a conviction. These include:
- Defensive Strategies: Potential strategies include arguing self-defense, lack of intent, mistaken identity, or defense of others. Kevin Stockstill tailors each defense to the specific needs of the case.
- Challenging Evidence: Questioning the credibility of witness statements, forensic evidence, and police procedures can be critical to weakening the prosecution’s case.
- Negotiating for Reduced Charges: Through negotiation, it’s often possible to pursue lesser charges or alternative sentencing arrangements, particularly when the evidence is not conclusive.
- Focus on Client Rights: Throughout the legal process, protecting clients’ constitutional rights is a top priority, ensuring fair and just treatment.
Why Choose Kevin Stockstill at Stockstill Defense Firm?
When you need a dedicated attorney, Stockstill Defense Firm can support you. Our firm offers many benefits, such as:
- Proven Experience in Violent Crime Defense: Kevin Stockstill has a track record of success, including case dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea agreements.
- Personalized Legal Support: We offer individualized attention, guiding clients through each step of their case with empathy and understanding.
- Advanced Knowledge in Complex Cases: From challenging forensic evidence to disputing witness testimony, Kevin Stockstill uses his in-depth legal expertise to build a strong defense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if I’m accused of a violent crime?
Contact a lawyer immediately, whether you are being questioned, arrested, or charged. Kevin Stockstill can guide you through the process and protect your rights from the beginning.
Can violent offense charges be dropped or reduced?
What is the difference between assault and battery?
How long does a violent crime case take to resolve?
What are my rights during police questioning?
What Is Considered a Violent Crime in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, violent crimes are offenses where physical force or the threat of force is used against a person or their property, or there was an attempt to use that force. Some violent crimes in the state include:
- Stalking
- Aggravated arson, assault, or burglary
- Simple, aggravated, and armed robbery
- Carjacking
- Battery offenses
- Rape
- False imprisonment
- Human trafficking
- Kidnapping offenses
- Manslaughter
- Terrorism
- First- and second-degree murder
What Is the Most Committed Violent Crime in Louisiana?
The most committed violent crime in Louisiana is aggravated assault, based on the four types of violent crimes that the FBI reports. There were 18,695 cases of aggravated assault in the state in 2019. When compared to the national rates, however, Louisiana had more than double the rates of nonnegligent manslaughter and murder, at 11.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to the nationwide rate of 5.0 per 100,000.
Are Violent Crimes Felonies or Misdemeanors in Louisiana?
Violent crimes may be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors in Louisiana, depending on the offense and any aggravating factors present in the offense. While most are felony offenses that are punishable by hard labor, some offenses may be misdemeanors with only jail time. Aggravating factors that can worsen the penalties for an offense include the use of a dangerous weapon, the use of a firearm, or bodily injury to the victim.
What Are Four Crimes That Fit the Category of a Violent Crime?
Based on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the four crime categories that make up violent crimes, which are reported by offense rather than by arrest, include:
- Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter
- Rape
- Robbery
- Aggravated assault
Other violent offenses, such as simple assault or weapons offenses, are reported by arrest rather than clearance rate.
Get Legal Help for Violent Crime Charges
If you or a loved one is facing a violent crime charge in Lafayette, Louisiana, time is of the essence. Reach out to Kevin Stockstill at Stockstill Defense Firm for a free, confidential consultation. Call (337) 262-0203 or complete our online form to schedule your appointment and discuss your case. Swift action is crucial to protecting your rights and building a strong defense.
Schedule a Case Evaluation!
Your First Step Toward Building a Strong Defense.