Louisiana Criminal Defense Lawyer

Honest Louisiana Criminal Defense Attorney

If you’re charged with a crime in Louisiana, it’s wise to act quickly in order to protect your rights and start forming your defense. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate Louisiana criminal defense laws on your own. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you secure legal representation from a Louisiana criminal defense lawyer to help you go up against the criminal justice system. The right attorney can make all the difference when it comes to forming your defense.

For the last 15 years, Knightshead Law Firm has been representing Louisianans through complex criminal cases. We understand how much is at stake when your freedom is on the line.

Our attorneys can discuss possible criminal defense strategies with you to refine and personalize the right defense for your case. We know how to navigate legal procedures following a criminal charge and can protect your rights in and out of the courtroom.

Forming Criminal Defense Strategies Against Charges in Louisiana

Crime in Louisiana has fluctuated greatly over the last decade or so, including property crimes, violent crimes, and white collar crimes. Louisiana metropolitan parishes recently reported a total of 110,473 offenses in a single year, including:

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

Louisiana’s prison population exceeds 30,000 people as of 2026. If you’re charged with a crime, you can expect to face serious penalties that can alter the course of your life. It’s important to understand what you’re going up against in a legal case based on your criminal history and the facts of the charges against you.

You can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony under Louisiana law based on the nature and severity of the crime. Misdemeanors are usually not as serious as felonies and don’t involve serious harm or injury.

The maximum sentence for a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment with hard labor is two years. Common 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

Louisiana law defines a felony as any crime that may be punishable by death or imprisonment at hard labor. Felony charges are reserved for serious crimes, including:

• Armed robbery
• Arson
• Certain drug crimes
• Certain theft crimes
• Home invasion or carjacking
• Kidnapping
• Murder or manslaughter
• Rape

Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony depends on a variety of factors. It’s recommended that you hire a criminal defense lawyer who has experience forming criminal defense strategies for a wide range of criminal acts.

Louisiana Criminal Defense Lawyers You Can Trust

Knightshead Law Firm has been representing Louisianans for years. We’re passionate about defending our clients’ rights and protecting their freedoms. Led by Attorney Tedrick Knightshead, our team is prepared to be the advocate you need throughout your case.

Our criminal defense attorneys have in-depth knowledge rooted in Louisiana criminal law, and we’re prepared to see you through your case. Located in Baton Rouge, we’re proud to serve our clients throughout the state of Louisiana.

FAQs

When Is the Right Time to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Louisiana?

The right time to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Louisiana is as soon as possible. Even if you only suspect you’re being investigated for a crime, it’s helpful to have a Louisiana criminal defense lawyer on your side.

If you don’t already have legal representation at the time of your arrest, it’s wise to find an attorney as soon as you can. Their guidance can prove to be invaluable in the outcome of your case.

What Makes a Crime a Felony Under Louisiana Law?

What makes a crime a felony under Louisiana law may vary depending on the nature of the criminal act. In Louisiana, felonies are defined as crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment with or without hard labor. Common felony crimes under Louisiana law include:

• Aggravated DWI
• Armed robbery
• Arson
• Carjacking
• Home invasion
• Kidnapping
• Manslaughter
• Murder
• Rape
• Some drug crimes
• Some theft crimes

A Louisiana criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the level of charges you’re up against.

What Criminal Defense Strategies Can I Use in My Case in Louisiana?

What criminal defense strategies you can use in a case in Louisiana can vary depending on the details of the charges against you. The most successful defenses are going to be tailored to the facts of your case. Common defenses that a Louisiana criminal defense attorney may discuss with you include:

• Alibi
• Coercion
• Duress
• Entrapment
• Insufficient evidence
• Lack of intent
• Mental incapacity
• Mistaken identity
• Mistake of fact
• Self-defense or defense of others

Does Louisiana Recognize the Death Penalty?

Yes, Louisiana recognizes the death penalty as a viable sentence for certain crimes. Death sentences are reserved for the most serious felony crimes under Louisiana law. In fact, only homicide offenses may result in the death penalty.

At the start of 2026, 0.2 percent of Louisiana’s prison population was incarcerated with the death penalty. It’s possible to avoid the death penalty by plea bargaining, getting a life verdict, or securing post-conviction relief.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer to Help You Face any Criminal Case in Louisiana

Being charged with a crime in Louisiana is serious at any level. You can expect to face harsh consequences, potentially including imprisonment.

It’s highly recommended that you hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent you. From sound legal advice to comprehensive advocacy, you can count on a Louisiana criminal defense attorney from Knightshead Law Firm to be there to see you through your case.

We’re proud to be a local law firm that is committed to defending our clients’ rights and protecting their freedoms. If you’re ready to discuss your case with a Louisiana criminal defense attorney, we’re here to listen.

We’re located in Baton Rouge near the I-10 and I-110 interchange, making it easy for us to serve those in need throughout the state of Louisiana. Contact the office to schedule a consultation with a member of the team to get started today.