Shreveport Homicide Defense Lawyer

Being arrested and charged with homicide is one of the most serious predicaments you can find yourself in. These are extremely serious charges that can result in life imprisonment or even death. Whether you’ve been arrested for murder in Mooretown or manslaughter in Cedar Grove, you need the trusted and experienced legal counsel and representation of a confident Shreveport homicide defense lawyer. Don’t leave your future up to chance; let us protect you today.

Seek the Most Reliable Legal Counsel in North Louisiana

For more than 30 years, the team at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, has been building trust across North Louisiana with clients who face a wide range of criminal charges. Over the years, we have also built solid relationships with the judges and prosecutors who operate in both the state and federal courts.

Whether your case is being handled through the Caddo Parish First Judicial District Court or the Tom Stagg United States Courthouse, we are here to protect your rights and freedoms. The sooner you act when it comes to hiring an attorney, the better your chances are of a successful case outcome. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, we aren’t just about helping you avoid criminal charges; we are here to protect your future and livelihood. 

Defining Homicide Charges in Shreveport

Most people use the terms “homicide” and “murder” interchangeably; however, there is a clear distinction between the two. In Louisiana, a homicide takes place when one individual takes the life of another, regardless of the circumstances involved. Murder, on the other hand, is a specific kind of homicide charge. Shreveport sees around 1.1 homicide cases per 100,000 residents in the city. Homicide charges can include the following:

• Second-degree murder. This is the most common homicide charge in Shreveport and occurs when one individual is accused of intentionally killing or taking the life of another person. However, it can also apply in cases where an individual is killed without any kind of specific intent as long as the death occurs while another crime is taking place, such as arson, robbery, or rape. 
• First-degree murder. This is the most serious homicide charge an individual can face. It requires the existence of a specific intent to cause death and can happen under various circumstances. These circumstances include:
  • Intentionally killing more than one individual
  • Getting paid to take the life of another person
  • Killing a peace officer, an emergency responder, or other similar individual in an intentional manner while they are performing the duties of their employment
  • Killing another person in an intentional manner during a specific violent crime, such as a kidnapping or burglary
  • Intentionally killing an individual who is elderly or under a certain age
• Manslaughter. This charge arises in cases where the charge would typically be considered murder, but there are certain extenuating circumstances involved. Either the accused party did not have any kind of intent to cause death or harm, or they acted in a way of sudden passion that was caused by provocation. 
• Vehicular homicide. This is a charge that happens when an individual has been arrested for operating their vehicle in an impaired manner and causing the death of another individual. For example, if an individual is driving drunk and causes an accident in which another driver or passenger is killed, they could be charged with vehicular homicide in addition to driving while impaired. 
• Negligent homicide. This charge can arise when death is caused, but the accused party did not have any direct intent to cause the death. This can happen when an individual is killed due to a criminally negligent action, or when an individual’s dog or other animal kills a person. 

In 2024 alone, the Shreveport Police Department reported 52 homicides, down from 80 reported the previous year. The penalties for a successful homicide conviction can range in severity, but you will likely face some combination of life imprisonment, hard labor, and fines. In cases of first-degree murder, convicted individuals could face the death penalty should the district attorney decide to seek a capital verdict. 

Understanding the Legal Process Involved in a Homicide Case

When you are accused and arrested for homicide in Shreveport, your attorney is there to guide you through the entire legal process and ensure you are aware of all your legal rights and options. When you are charged with any kind of violent crime, the legal process will likely include the following steps:

• Official arrest and investigation. Following your homicide charge, the police will investigate you, and it is crucial that you secure legal counsel as soon as possible so that your rights can be protected during this part of the process.
• Bail and pretrial. Should you undergo any kind of bail hearings or pretrial motions, having an attorney present is essential to ensure you are treated fairly and your chances for release are increased. 
• Trial. Only around 2% of criminal cases go to trial, but when they do, having an attorney on your side is of utmost importance. Having a confident trial attorney on your side to present your defense and seek justice is vital to the security of your future. 
• Potential case outcomes. There are several different outcomes to a homicide case. You may be able to seek an acquittal, orchestrate plea deals, or you could be convicted and sentenced. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, we are here to seek the most favorable results and mitigate the harm you could suffer from possible penalties. 

Fighting for You When You Need It the Most

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Hire a Homicide Defense Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one is facing homicide charges in Shreveport, no matter the nature of the charge, you need to hire a homicide defense lawyer as soon as possible. It is crucial to have experienced counsel on your side in order to avoid or minimize the harsh penalties that you could face if convicted. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, we understand the stakes involved and are here to help. Contact our offices by calling 318-377-1555 or by filling out our online form and scheduling your initial consultation today.