If you are familiar with the American legal system, you have likely heard of blue-collar crimes. But what does “blue-collar crime” mean? What crimes are most commonly associated with this title? If you are charged with a blue-collar crime, what steps should you take to avoid extra penalties? Should you speak with a lawyer?
If you have any of these questions, we may be able to help. Our team at the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm has extensive experience in criminal defense law, including representing clients who have been charged with various blue-collar crimes. We are a team of talented and knowledgeable attorneys, and we treat each client with specialized attention to detail. To learn more about blue-collar crimes, continue reading.
What Are Some Common Blue-Collar Crimes in Louisiana?
Generally, blue-collar crime is a phrase that contrasts white-collar crime. White-collar crimes are more likely to involve illegal actions with corporations or businesses, such as reporting taxes incorrectly. In contrast, blue-collar crimes are more likely to be physical or violent in nature. Some common blue-collar crimes may involve those having to do with:
- Drugs, including their:
- Manufacture
- Transport
- Distribution
- Possession
- Shoplifting, robbery, and other theft
- Vandalism
- Assault or battery
- Hit and run car accidents
- Sex, including:
- Prostitution or pimping
- Illegal pornographic material
- Sexual activity involving minors
- Wielding or possessing a weapon
Blue-collar crimes include a wide variety of circumstances and financial backgrounds. These crimes are not exclusively committed by those with blue-collar jobs, and defense around each type may vary from case to case. If you have been charged with a blue-collar crime, you should contact a qualified criminal defense lawyer to discuss your options and make the best possible next steps forward.
What Should You Do After a Louisiana Blue-Collar Crime Charge?
If you have been charged with a blue-collar crime in Louisiana, you may not know what next steps to take. We recommend following a few of our suggestions to maximize the likelihood of favorable results following legal proceedings.
Avoid Discussing Your Case
We strongly recommend you avoid discussing your case before legal proceedings occur. This includes avoiding speaking with close friends and family members, as anything you say may be used against you in court. The only exception to this rule is speaking with a lawyer. If you choose to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney, you may be entitled to lawyer-client privilege and the privacy that comes with it.
Contact a Qualified Criminal Defense Attorney
Before heading into legal proceedings, it’s best to hire a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney with experience in blue-collar crime cases. In particular, partnering with a lawyer as soon as possible will likely help you iron out the details of your case and build a strong defense in your favor. Your lawyer may be able to help you in many parts of the legal process, including the following areas:
- Legal knowledge
- Negotiation skills
- Handling other legal representatives
- Reducing your penalties
- Encouraging the court to drop charges
- Providing you with helpful resources and information
- Strategizing the best possible next steps tailored to your circumstances
- Collecting and analyzing evidence
- Leading or joining investigations related to your case
- Reducing stress
If you participate in legal proceedings, we encourage you to refrain from representing yourself. Instead, please hire a qualified lawyer to represent you. Your lawyer is far more likely to accurately and favorably represent your side of the case to the court and jury than you are on your own.
Get Qualified Representation With John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm’s Criminal Defense and Blue-Collar Crime Lawyers in Louisiana
If you’ve been charged with a blue-collar crime, we at the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm may be able to help. Our team—including the talented and compassionate attorney Eric G. Johnson—is highly experienced in criminal defense law and blue-collar crime-related cases, so we may have the skills, knowledge, and resources to help win you favorable results.
We’re dedicated to supporting our clients through every stage of the legal process, so partnering with us means you never need to feel alone. If you think we would be a good fit for your legal representation, please don’t hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience. We proudly fight for our clients. You can call us at (318) 377-1555 or complete our online contact form to discuss the details of your case and what options might be available to you.