A violent crime charge changes everything. Fast. Your freedom, your career, your reputation. All of it is on the line the moment those charges are filed. Louisiana prosecutors pursue these cases hard, and the penalties can be severe.
At Rozas Law Firm, we’ve defended clients across Louisiana against some of the most serious charges in the criminal code. We know how these cases are built, and we know how to take them apart.
If you’ve been charged with a violent crime, the time to act is now.
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Violent Crime Charges We Defend in Louisiana
Murder and Homicide
Louisiana law recognizes three degrees of homicide: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter. The difference between them often comes down to intent and the circumstances surrounding the incident. First-degree murder carries the most severe penalties, including the death penalty. Manslaughter charges, while less severe, still carry sentences of up to 40 years.
Every homicide case turns on the details. Our murder and homicide defense attorneys examine every piece of evidence, every witness statement, and every procedural decision made during the investigation.
Assault and Battery
These are two distinct charges, and the difference matters. Assault involves placing someone in reasonable fear of physical harm. Battery involves actual physical contact. Both can be charged as simple or aggravated offenses, with aggravated charges carrying significantly higher penalties.
Our assault and battery defense lawyers handle everything from first-offense misdemeanor charges to felony aggravated assault cases. We look at the facts, challenge the evidence, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges carry consequences beyond the courtroom. A conviction can affect child custody, firearm rights, and housing options. We take these cases seriously and build defenses grounded in the actual facts, not assumptions.
Armed Robbery and Carjacking
Both offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences in Louisiana. Armed robbery convictions can result in sentences of up to 99 years without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. Getting an attorney involved early gives us the best chance to challenge the charges before the case hardens.
Sex Crimes Involving Violence
Sexual assault and other violent sex crime charges can result in prison time, fines, and mandatory sex offender registration. That registration is public, permanent, and affects nearly every aspect of your life going forward.
What Is a Violent Crime Under Louisiana Law?
Louisiana law defines a “crime of violence” as an offense involving the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against another person or their property. It also covers offenses where there’s a substantial risk that physical force could be used during the crime. (LA RS 14:2)
That definition covers a wide range of charges. Some are more obvious than others. All of them carry real consequences.
Common violent crime charges in Louisiana include:
- Murder and manslaughter
- Assault and battery
- Armed robbery
- Carjacking
- Kidnapping
- Domestic violence
- Sex crimes involving force or threats
The specific charge matters enormously. So does your criminal history. Louisiana’s habitual offender law can turn a manageable sentence into decades behind bars. In the most serious cases, life in prison or the death penalty is a real possibility.
The Violent Crime Penalties Are Serious. Your Defense Needs to Be Too.
Louisiana has some of the toughest sentencing laws in the country. Violent crime convictions often carry:
- Mandatory minimum prison sentences
- No possibility of parole on certain charges
- Enhanced penalties under the habitual offender statute
- Lifetime firearm restrictions
- Permanent criminal record
A conviction doesn’t just mean prison time. It means a record that follows you into every job application, every housing search, and every background check for the rest of your life.
Understanding the full weight of what’s at stake is part of what we do from day one.
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How We Build Your Defense
No two violent crime cases are the same. Our approach starts with a thorough review of everything: the arrest, the investigation, the evidence, and the charges themselves.
Some of the most common and effective defense strategies include:
- Challenging the evidence. Physical evidence can be mishandled. Witness testimony can be unreliable. We look for weaknesses the prosecution may not expect.
- Examining law enforcement conduct. If your rights were violated during the arrest or investigation, we file the appropriate motions to suppress.
- Establishing intent (or the lack of it). Many violent crime charges hinge on what the prosecution can prove about intent. We make them prove every element.
- Building a self-defense claim. Louisiana law recognizes the right to defend yourself and others. When the facts support it, we build that defense with precision.
We don’t offer generic strategies. We work the specific facts of your case from every angle.
Why Clients Choose Rozas as Their Violent Crimes Law Firm
We’ve been defending Louisiana clients since 2004. Our attorneys handle state and federal cases across the full spectrum of violent crime charges, with criminal defense offices in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport.
We’re also bilingual. Our team is fluent in both English and Spanish, so every client gets clear, direct communication throughout the entire process.
Over 10,000 clients helped. More than 2,000 positive reviews. Those numbers reflect something real. We fight hard for every client, regardless of the charges they face.
For a full overview of how we approach criminal cases, visit our Louisiana Criminal Defense page.
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Meet David Rozas - Your Louisiana Criminal Defense Attorney
Meet David, your trusted criminal defense attorney in Louisiana, for dedicated legal support throughout your criminal case. With years of experience in criminal law, David provides personalized legal guidance tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor, felony, or federal charges, David’s thorough knowledge of Louisiana criminal laws ensures your case is handled with care and professionalism.
Schedule a consultation below or call us at 225-341-6945 today to begin your defense with a reliable Louisiana criminal defense lawyer by your side.








