Trusted Shreveport Assault Attorney
If you’ve been charged with a violent crime like assault in Louisiana, it’s imperative that you understand your rights and legal options upon your arrest. It’s generally a good idea to avoid speaking with law enforcement and prosecutors without a Shreveport assault lawyer there to represent you. Louisiana’s assault laws are harsh, and a conviction can impact the rest of your life. A Shreveport criminal defense lawyer can help you build a case and fight for a fair outcome.
Those who have been charged in Caddo Parish don’t have to look any further than Kinley Law Firm for the legal representation they deserve. Our Shreveport assault attorneys have been navigating assault cases for years, and we’re ready to put that experience to work to help you with your defense.
Assault Cases in Shreveport
Shreveport is home to over 176,000 people and recorded 9.7 million visits from tourists in a single year. Shreveport and its neighbor, Bossier City, make up the largest metro area in northern Louisiana. The area is considered a cultural hub for the region, known for its lively music scene, riverfront casinos, and Southern soul food.
Unfortunately, it’s also well known for some less enticing reasons. Shreveport is among the most dangerous areas in Louisiana, as far as assault crime rates are concerned. The city ranks in the fifth percentile for safety from assault crimes, which means it’s considered less safe than 95 percent of other cities.
Assault is a serious crime that is prosecuted harshly under Louisiana law. If you’re charged, it’s imperative that you have a basic understanding of state assault laws and how they apply to your charges so you can build a strong defense and protect yourself.
Assault is defined as an attempt to commit battery. This means that you can be charged with assault simply for threatening to harm someone. Battery, on the other hand, involves actual physical contact. The terms often go hand-in-hand, with “assault and battery” being a common charge. In Louisiana, you can be charged with either simple assault or aggravated assault. As the names suggest, simple assault is less serious than aggravated assault.
Both charges start as misdemeanors, but it’s not uncommon for aggravated assault charges to be escalated to a felony. It’s wise to work with an assault attorney in Shreveport to ensure you understand the nature of your charges and how to build an effective defense against them.
About Our Local Shreveport Assault Lawyer
Kinley Law Firm is proud to be your hometown advocate through complex legal matters. We are a dedicated firm that exclusively practices criminal defense and family law in Louisiana, giving us in-depth knowledge and experience navigating cases of this nature. Our business was founded on an intimate understanding of the Louisiana justice system, and we take the time to stay up to date on laws and cases pertaining to our practice.
When you work with a Shreveport assault lawyer from Kinley Law Firm, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re getting honest counsel and relentless advocacy. We develop results-driven strategies based on every client’s unique needs to help them through their case.
FAQs About Shreveport, LA Assault Laws
What Is Considered Assault in Louisiana?
It is considered assault in Louisiana to attempt or threaten to harm another person. This can be any number of actions, including a verbal threat, a threatening gesture such as raising your fist, pushing, or spitting on another person. Attempts to harm, like throwing something at or punching someone else, are also considered assault. When a deadly weapon like a knife or gun is involved, charges can be raised to aggravated assault.
What Is the Minimum Sentence for Assault in Louisiana?
The minimum sentence for assault in Louisiana is for simple assault. If you’re charged with simple assault, you can still face up to 90 days in prison as well as hefty fines and other potential penalties based on the details of your case. It’s possible to avoid jail time with the right legal defense. It’s wise to hire an assault lawyer to help with your defense so you can work toward a reduced sentence or dismissed charges altogether.
What Are Legal Defenses Against Assault in Shreveport?
There are many legal defenses against assault in Shreveport. The right defense is going to depend on the details of your case. That said, there are common defenses that your Shreveport assault attorney is likely to discuss with you.
Common legal defenses against assault charges include entrapment, lack of evidence, lack of intent, mistake of fact, mistaken identity, self-defense, or defense of others. Your lawyer may also investigate the prosecution’s evidence to challenge their claims against you.
Do I Have to Hire an Assault Lawyer if I’m Facing Charges in Shreveport?
You do not have to hire an assault lawyer if you’re facing charges in Shreveport. While you’re allowed to represent yourself in these types of criminal cases, it’s highly recommended that you seek legal representation. A Shreveport assault attorney can help you fully understand your charges and build a solid defense against them. They can also negotiate plea bargains and provide the aggressive representation you need in court.
Hire an Assault Lawyer to Help With Your Case in Shreveport, LA
If you’re facing assault charges in Shreveport, Louisiana, it’s important that you understand assault laws enough to protect yourself as you navigate the legal processes that follow your arrest. This can be a lot for any one person to take on, which is why it’s recommended to hire an assault lawyer to represent you.
Our team at Kinley Law Firm has years of experience navigating violent crime cases from both sides of the courtroom. Our founding attorney, Bryce Kinley, is a former prosecutor who has first-chaired many jury trials and has handled hundreds of complex criminal cases.
You can count on us to use our knowledge and past experience to form your defense. If you’re ready to talk about your case in more detail, contact the office to schedule a meeting with a member of our team today.
