On August 1, 2024, a significant change to Louisiana’s Resisting an Officer law under La. R.S. 14:108 took effect. This new provision emphasizes the “obstruction of” an officer, specifically targeting drivers who refuse to provide their driver’s license upon request during a lawful stop. The updated law makes it explicitly illegal for a driver to…
When Louisiana police attempt to make a lawful arrest, individuals are legally required to comply. Any form of resistance, intentional or due to frustration or confusion, can result in serious charges. Understanding what actions constitute resisting arrest in Louisiana is essential to avoid exacerbating the situation during an encounter with law enforcement. Resisting arrest, also…
Facing federal charges of any kind is terrifying. A conviction for kidnapping is one of the most severe federal offenses that, in the most aggravated of circumstances, can lead to life in jail or even the death penalty. These types of cases often begin as misunderstandings that spiral out of control. If you’re facing kidnapping…
Probable cause allows Louisiana police officers to search local vehicles for dangerous substances without a warrant. However, officers do not have blanket permission to break into your car and rifle through your belongings. While you have less privacy in your vehicle than you do in your home, you can still challenge an officer’s warrantless search…
Technology is reshaping many aspects of our lives, including the legal system. In Louisiana, the impact of technology on criminal defense cases is profound. From the collection and analysis of evidence to courtroom procedures, technology plays a crucial role in ensuring justice is served. For those facing criminal charges, understanding these technological advancements can be…
When faced with a dangerous situation, knowing how to protect yourself legally is crucial. In Louisiana, self-defense laws are designed to provide clear guidelines on when force, including deadly force, is justifiable. Understanding these laws is essential for anyone who may find themselves in a situation where self-defense is necessary. Louisiana’s self-defense laws revolve around…
Finding yourself facing criminal charges in Louisiana can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience. The legal system is complex, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe, including hefty fines and long-term imprisonment. If you’re dealing with criminal charges, it’s crucial to understand the importance of hiring a local criminal defense attorney who is…
Louisiana has some of the country’s harshest sentencing laws. For example, about 15% of Louisiana’s prison population is currently serving life without the possibility of parole. In Louisiana, defendants must receive this sentence after being convicted of second-degree murder. The legal definition of second-degree murder causes some individuals who did not directly or intentionally kill…
If you have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to prison, you may be wondering what your legal options are. The typical option is to appeal, but when appealing a case is no longer an option, another avenue by which a convicted individual can try to overturn their conviction is to apply for post-conviction…
Robbery is considered a violent crime because it involves physically taking property from another person’s immediate possession or control with the use of force or intimidation. Armed robbery is an even more serious offense because the perpetrator commits the act of robbery while yielding a dangerous weapon. In Louisiana, the sentence for an armed robbery…