Lake Charles Assault Lawyer
Home / Lake Charles Assault Lawyer
Our Services
Assault Attorney in Lake Charles, LA
Being charged with assault in Louisiana is a big deal. It’s important to understand state and federal assault laws and how they pertain to your charges. The good news is you don’t have to become a criminal defense professional overnight. Instead, you can talk to a Lake Charles assault lawyer and take advantage of their knowledge to get a favorable outcome in your case.
Our team at Stockstill Defense Firm has been helping Louisianans through tough criminal charges for decades. Whether you’re facing a charge for simple assault or aggravated assault, you can count on Lake Charles criminal defense lawyers to help you through your case. We have experience navigating cases through state and federal courts alike. No matter the severity or complexity of your case, we are here for you.
Assault Cases in Lake Charles
Assault is one of the most commonly charged violent crimes across the country. In 2024, aggravated assault cases accounted for 83.9 percent of violent crimes in Louisiana. There were a total of 23,900 assault cases reported that year.
Crime rates in Louisiana fluctuate from parish to parish and city to city. Lake Charles is known for its lively culture, extravagant casinos, and successful tourism. In addition to the city itself being home to over 80,000 people, Calcasieu Parish welcomes seven million visitors in a single year.
As far as cities in Louisiana go, Lake Charles is not considered to be one of the safer ones. When it comes to assault crimes specifically, Lake Charles ranks in the 14th percentile for safety. That means it’s considered less safe than 86 percent of other cities in regard to assault crimes.
Understanding Louisiana Assault Laws
Assault is when someone attacks or threatens to attack another person. Simple assault and aggravated assault charges are generally misdemeanors, but it doesn’t take much for an aggravated assault charge to be escalated to a felony, depending on the details of the case. Offenses are classified as either simple assault or aggravated assault under Louisiana law.
Simple assault occurs when the harm involved was minor or only threats were involved. It’s the least severe assault charge you can receive under Louisiana law. Aggravated assault is when someone seriously injures another person or uses a deadly weapon. There are other aggravating factors that can escalate a simple assault charge to an aggravated assault, for example, committing assault against protected classes like police officers and healthcare workers.
About Our Lake Charles Assault Attorneys
Stockstill Defense Firm has been helping local Louisianans through complex criminal cases for decades. We offer personalized legal strategies for a wide range of crimes, including assault cases.
Our lead attorney has experience as a prosecuting attorney and public defender, too, so we bring well-rounded legal skills and knowledge to the table. We believe everyone deserves a strong defensive strategy and a fair trial. Through careful preparation and a strategic courtroom presence, our Lake Charles violent crime lawyers can help you navigate your charges and work toward a positive result.
FAQs
What Is Considered Assault in Louisiana?
Any action that attacks or threatens someone else is considered assault in Louisiana. Examples can include verbal threats, threatening gestures like raising a fist, physical intimidation like pushing or spitting on someone, or attempts to harm, such as throwing an object or punching another person. Showing a deadly weapon or using one in an attempt to attack someone generally results in aggravated assault charges.
Can I Go to Jail for an Assault Charge in Lake Charles?
Yes, you can go to jail for an assault charge in Lake Charles. Simple assault is the lightest assault charge you can face in Louisiana, and the minimum sentence still includes potential imprisonment for up to 90 days. It’s wise to hire an assault charge lawyer to build a solid defense. Your attorney may be able to negotiate an alternative sentence, such as a probation agreement, to help you avoid jail time.
How Can a Lake Charles Assault Lawyer Help With My Assault Case?
A Lake Charles assault lawyer can help with your assault case in many ways. When you hire an assault lawyer, you’re bringing a knowledgeable professional on board who has experience defending people in similar situations as yours. Your attorney can help you understand Louisiana assault laws as well as the legal options available to you. They can also investigate the evidence and police procedures, negotiate plea bargains prior to trial, and represent you in court if needed.
What Are Common Defenses Used in Lake Charles Assault Cases?
There are several common defenses used in Lake Charles assault cases, but the exact one is going to depend on the details of your specific case.
Common defenses against assault charges that your Lake Charles assault attorney may discuss with you include lack of evidence, lack of intent, mistaken identity, and self-defense or defense of others. You can also challenge the validity of your arrest and any of the prosecution’s moves afterwards to invalidate the case against you.
Does Louisiana Have a Three Strikes Law?
Yes, Louisiana has a three strikes law, also called the Habitual Offender Law, which allows courts to impose increasingly harsh penalties for felony charges like aggravated assault or even some non-violent crimes. When a defendant receives a third or fourth violent felony conviction, a judge can impose a mandatory sentence of up to life in prison without the possibility of parole. It is crucial to inform your criminal defense lawyer of any past arrests or convictions.
Hire an Assault Lawyer That Understands Louisiana Assault Laws
If you’re facing assault charges in Louisiana, it’s imperative to defend yourself. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone. With the right legal support, you can rest assured you’re navigating the process correctly and giving yourself a chance at a fair outcome.
Stockstill Defense Firm offers high-quality, personalized legal defense strategy to every client, regardless of the allegations they’re facing. Take the first step to protect your rights and your freedom today. Call the office to set up a consultation with a trusted attorney to discuss your case in more detail.
Schedule a Case Evaluation!
Your First Step Toward Building a Strong Defense.