Violent Crimes

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Violent Crimes in Louisiana

A violent crime is a serious accusation, and can carry the full weight of years behind bars, thousands of dollars in fines, or even stricter punishments. If you or a loved one have been accused of a violent crime, you could lose everything that matters to you, from your reputation to your job and your very freedom.

In Louisiana, such crimes are called “crimes of violence,” and the criminal code defines it as:

an offense that has, as an element, the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, and that, by its very nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense or an offense that involves the possession or use of a dangerous weapon. (LA RS 14:2)

If such an accusation has happened to you, you need an attorney to come to your defense and help you present your side of the facts. Here at Rozas & Associates, we believe that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and will fight for your rights in court. We can help you with most violent crime charges, but we specialize in the following.

Murder & Manslaughter

Louisiana law stipulates three degrees of a murder charge: first-degree, second-degree, and manslaughter.

First-degree murder is defined as the killing of another human being when “the offender has the specific intent to kill or to inflict great bodily harm” on that person in perpetration (or attempt) of crimes included aggravated kidnapping, second degree kidnapping, aggravated escape, aggravated arson, or other such offenses; to kill or inflict harm on a fireman, peace officer, or civilian employee of the LA State Police Crime Lab or another forensic laboratory; and a number of other criteria (LA RS 14:30). Second-degree murder is defined similarly (LA RS 14:30.1), and is generally used when a prosecutor doesn’t want to pursue the death penalty on a case. If any of this sounds like your defense case, call our experienced murder attorneys in Louisiana today!

Difference Between Murder & Manslaughter

The difference between murder and manslaughter, in essence, boils down to intent. While murder typically includes malice aforethought, manslaughter is defined as a homicide that would be a murder under the previous two statutes, but that’s committed “in sudden passion or heat of blood immediately caused by provocation sufficient to deprive an average person of his self-control and cool reflection,” or if a homicide is committed without any “intent to cause death or great bodily harm” (LA RS 14:31). Additionally, if a crime is being committed, and someone is killed on accident, their death will most likely be defined as manslaughter, since it wouldn't have happened if the crime had not been committed.

No matter the level, a homicide charge can be a permanent stain on your record, making it harder for you to get and keep work, own a firearm, and more. If you’re convicted, the penalties can range from jail time to the death penalty.

Don’t fight a homicide charge alone. Rozas & Associates are experienced defense attorneys in all sorts of Louisiana homicide trials, and we’ll help the jury see your side of the story.

Sex Crimes

Even an allegation of a sex crime can leave a permanent scar on your personal and professional livelihood. That’s why the attorney you choose for your defense is of paramount importance: they’re the difference between going to jail for any type of sexual acts such as: sexual assault, rape, solicitation, molestation, sexual abuse or battery, prostitution, or other sex crimes, or being able to continue your life as it has been. Even if you don't get jail time, you could still be required to complete sex offender registration, which is public record and will always be on your record, even if you are innocent. If you've been accused of statutory rape, child pornography, child molestation, aggravated assault, or any other illegal sexual activities, don't hesitate to get a legal consultation with the experienced sex crime lawyers at Rozas & Associates today!

Assault & Battery

Some of the most common charges for violent crimes in our state are for assault or battery. In the legal sense, assault and battery mean very specific things:

Assault

refers to the attempt of causing physical injury to another person. No actual physical harm need be perpetuated, only an act that would put a reasonable person in fear of their safety. These include threats and attempts to physically injure someone.

Battery

refers to actual, harmful physical touching or force on another person. Battery is a willful, violent act that causes physical harm and bodily injury.

In Louisiana, prosecutors are rarely lenient with violent offenders. That means that if you’ve been charged with assault or battery, you need an experienced assault & battery defense lawyer to take on your case.

Experienced Violent Crime Lawyer in Baton Rouge

If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime in Louisiana, seek out experienced criminal defense lawyers who can help you along every step of your trial process. Rozas & Associates have offices in Baton Rouge and Lafayette and have been working in Louisiana for decades, so we have the experience and the will to get you the help you deserve. Give us a call or come by our offices as soon as you can.

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