Violent Crimes

Charges and penalties depend upon many variables, such as the circumstances and severity of the crime. The court will likely consider the events leading up to the incident, the alleged victim's age, the severity of injuries to the alleged victim, whether a weapon was used, and other factors. The attorneys at The Norris Law Group can examine every detail in a compassionate manner and the confidence of experience, to build the best defense.

Self-defense is the most common way to defend any violent crime charge. You may have the right to use force of violence to defend yourself when your personal safety is threatened, and perhaps even that of another person, or your property. The details of each case are unique and critical to the outcome of your case, which is why you need experienced and careful criminal attorneys representing you.

The Norris Law Group has a track record of successfully defending those who have been charged with violent crimes. Its lawyers utilize a number of possible defenses on behalf of its clients, and examine your case to attempt to identify ways to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed. The arresting officers may have failed to follow proper police procedure, or the alleged victim's statements turn out not to be credible, for example. Our attorneys will listen to the facts of your case to help build a defense.

The attorneys of The Norris Law Group are experienced with defending a wide variety of criminal charges, including violent crimes.

Violent crimes under Louisiana Law include some of the following offenses:

Arson
Louisiana Revised Statute 14:52 defines simple arson as the deliberate burning of a building or property, without the consent of the owner. It is a property offense that can be prosecuted as a felony (aggravated arson under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:51). How the District Attorney pursues the case can depend on the intent, severity of the crime, the value of the property that was lost or damaged, and whether anyone was injured.

Assault
Louisiana Revised Statute 14:36 defines assault as an attempt at battery, or the intentional placing of another in reasonable anticipation of receiving a battery. Assault and battery often occur in the same incident. A credible threat of violence, or assault, can be committed with threatening words or aggressive actions.

Battery
According to Louisiana Revised Statute 14:33, battery is the intentional and non-consensual use of force or violence, or when the assailant acts upon the threat of violence by making actual physical contact. Battery also occurs when poison or other harmful substances are administered intentionally. If convicted of such a crime, consequences could include hefty fines, court costs, mandatory counseling, probation, a lengthy term of incarceration, and a criminal record.

False Imprisonment
Louisiana Revised Statute 14:46 defines false imprisonment as the intentional confinement or detention of another, without their consent or proper legal authority. This can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on factors, like whether a weapon was used.

Homicide
Louisiana Revised Statute 14:29 defines homicide as "the killing of another human being by the act, procurement, or culpable omission of another." There are five (5) grades of criminal homicide:

• First-degree murder
• Second-degree murder
• Manslaughter (outlined below)
• Negligent homicide
• Vehicular homicide

Manslaughter
Under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:31, manslaughter is a homicide that would be considered first- or second- degree murder, except that the offense was committed in sudden passion or heat of blood that would deprive an average person of his or her self-control and reflection. The court will usually recognize that this crime was provoked. The court may not reduce the crime to manslaughter if the individual had time to reflect and "cool off" before the crime was committed. Manslaughter also occurs when a homicide is committed, without intent to cause death or great bodily harm.

Rape
Louisiana Revised Statute 14:41 defines rape as unlawful sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal) with a female or male person without their lawful consent. There are different degrees including:

• Aggravated or First-Degree Rape (Louisiana Revised Statute 14:42) - Typically charged when the victim is age 65 or older, or in circumstances where the victim's resistance is overcome by force, if they fear that great bodily harm will come to them if they resist, if the offender is armed with a dangerous weapon, if the victim is under the age of 13, when two or more offenders participate in the act, and other circumstances.
• Forcible or Second-Degree Rape (Louisiana Revised Statute 14.42.1) - When a victim cannot resist the act due to force or threats of violence, under circumstances where the victim reasonably believe that resistance would not prevent the act. Also includes instances where the individual cannot resist due to date rape drugs or other substances administered by the offender.
• Simple or Third-Degree Rape (Louisiana Revised Statute 14:43) - When anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse is deemed to be without the lawful consent of a victim.

Robbery
Robbery is the taking of anything of value belonging to another from their person or immediate control, by the use of force or intimidation, and is different than theft charges. All robbery charges are felony charges in Louisiana, since it is considered a violent crime. This crime has grades of severity that depends upon whether the offender uses a firearm or other dangerous weapon, leads the victim to believe that there is a firearm or dangerous weapon, or whether the offender intentionally inflicts bodily injury to the victim. Robbery charges in Louisiana include:

• Simple Robbery (Louisiana Revised Statute 14:65) - Taking of any thing of value from a person by force or intimidation, but not with a dangerous weapon.
• Purse Snatching (Louisiana Revised Statute 14:65.1) - Theft of any thing of value taken from a purse or wallet by use of force, intimidation, or by snatching, but not with a dangerous weapon.
• First-Degree Robbery (Louisiana Revised Statute 14:64.1) - The taking of any item of value from another person by force or intimidation when the victim has reason to believe that the offender is armed with a dangerous weapon.
• Second-Degree Robbery (Louisiana Revised Statute 14:64.4) - The taking of any item of value from another person when the offender inflicts serious bodily injury.
• Carjacking (Louisiana Revised Statute 14:64.2) - The intentional taking of a motor vehicle by force or intimidation.
• Armed Robbery and Attempted Armed Robbery (Louisiana Revised Statute 14:64) - The taking of anything of value belonging to another person by force or intimidation, while armed with a dangerous weapon.

Stalking
Stalking, according to Louisiana Revised Statute 14:40.2 is when a person intentionally and repeatedly follows another person or harasses another person with intent to cause fear. It includes unwanted intentional and repeated uninvited presence of the perpetrator at another person's home, workplace, school, or any place which would cause alarm or emotional distress. It could be the result of verbal, written, or implied threats of death, bodily injury, sexual assault, kidnapping, or any other statutory criminal act to the person, any member of their family, or acquaintance.

Illegal Carrying and Discharge of Weapons
Louisiana Revised Statute (14:94) defines this as the illegal use of weapons and "dangerous instrumentalities" as the intentional or criminally negligent discharging of a firearm or use (throwing, placing, or other use) of any article, liquid, or substance where it could cause great bodily harm or death to another person.

Individuals who have been convicted of one or more of the crimes listed above can also face hardships including difficulties in obtaining employment, housing and educational opportunities.

The consequences of a conviction can include court costs, mandatory counseling, probation, and a criminal record. A criminal conviction can be devastating to families and lead to long-term struggles for everyone involved. We can help minimize the impact that these charges will have on your life, your livelihood, your family and community.

The court will likely consider the events leading up to the incident, the alleged victim's age, the severity of injuries to the alleged victim, whether a weapon was used, and other factors. We will examine and evaluate every piece of evidence furnished by the District Attorney, as well as investigate and secure evidence favorable to your case, to give you the best potential defense.

Our attorneys are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors and judges to secure the most favorable outcome on your behalf. It is our goal to provide quality, aggressive, client-centered legal representation. If your case does go to trial, we will vigorously plead your case. Even if a conviction is inevitable, or if you must plead guilty, we will work with the prosecutors and the court to negotiate a favorable plea agreement, so that you can get back to your life as quickly as possible.

The Norris Group is proud of the reputation that we've built defending the people in our community. If you are facing criminal charges for a violent crime, call a skilled, caring attorney who will be there for you and fight to protect your rights, and to minimize the impact that they have on your life. Call The Norris Law Group to schedule a confidential consultation for immediate help, at 318-771-7000.