Criminal Defense Lawyer in Shreveport: What to Do If You’re Charged in Louisiana

If you’re facing criminal charges in Louisiana, the steps you take right now matter. Whether it’s a DUI, a misdemeanor arrest, or a traffic violation that’s spiraled into something more serious, the decisions you make in the first few hours and days can shape the outcome of your entire case.

At Ford Injury Firm, we defend clients throughout Shreveport and northwest Louisiana against misdemeanor charges, DUI/DWI offenses, and traffic-related criminal matters. We also handle personal injury cases — which means if you were hurt in an accident and now face criminal charges from the same incident, we can handle both sides of your situation under one roof.

This guide explains what to do after being charged, how Louisiana classifies criminal offenses, and how working with a criminal defense lawyer in Shreveport can protect your rights and your future.

Understanding Criminal Charges in Louisiana

Louisiana divides criminal offenses into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 933, a felony is any offense punishable by death or imprisonment at hard labor. A misdemeanor is any criminal offense that is not a felony.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies, but they still carry real consequences — including jail time, fines, probation, and a criminal record that can affect your job, housing, and reputation. Common misdemeanor charges in Louisiana include:

• DUI/DWI (RS 14:98) — first and second offenses
• Drug possession — small amounts for personal use (RS 40:966)
• Theft under $1,000 (RS 14:67)
• Simple assault (RS 14:38) and simple battery (RS 14:35)
• Domestic violence battery (RS 14:35.3) — first offense
• Trespassing (RS 14:63)
• Disturbing the peace / disorderly conduct (RS 14:103)
• Reckless operation of a vehicle (RS 14:99)

Many people underestimate the long-term impact of a misdemeanor conviction. Even a “minor” charge can show up on background checks and affect your ability to get hired, rent an apartment, or maintain professional licenses. That’s why working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer matters — even for charges that seem small.

What About Felonies?

Felonies are more serious offenses — crimes punishable by imprisonment at hard labor or death. Examples include armed robbery, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. A felony conviction can carry lengthy prison sentences, loss of voting rights during incarceration and parole (La. Stat. § 18:102), firearm restrictions, and significant barriers to employment. If you’re facing any criminal charge in Louisiana, getting legal help early is critical.

How Louisiana Classifies Theft Charges

Theft is one of the most common criminal charges, and in Louisiana the severity depends entirely on the value of what was taken (RS 14:67):

• Under $1,000 — Misdemeanor: up to 6 months in jail and/or $1,000 fine
• $1,000 to $5,000 — Up to 5 years imprisonment, with or without hard labor
• $5,000 to $25,000 — Up to 10 years imprisonment
• $25,000 and above — Up to 20 years at hard labor

A shoplifting charge under $1,000 is a misdemeanor that we regularly defend. But the line between misdemeanor and felony theft is specific — if you’re unsure where your charge falls, reach out to us.

What to Do Immediately After Being Charged

The actions you take right after an arrest can significantly affect your case. Here’s what we tell every client:

Stay Calm and Avoid Self-Incrimination

It’s natural to feel anxious, frustrated, or defensive during an arrest. But reacting emotionally — arguing with officers or trying to explain yourself — can lead to statements that are used against you later. Law enforcement officers are trained to gather information, and even casual remarks can become part of the official record.

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

You have a constitutional right to remain silent, and you should use it. Politely tell the officers that you’d like to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions. Many people believe that fully cooperating will help their case, but that’s not always true. Without legal guidance, you may unintentionally say something that weakens your defense.

Contact a Lawyer Immediately

The sooner you have a lawyer involved, the better your chances of a strong outcome. Early legal intervention helps preserve evidence, identify procedural issues with your arrest, and prevent mistakes that could hurt your case down the road.

At Ford Injury Firm, we offer free consultations so you can discuss your situation and understand your options right away. Call us as soon as possible after an arrest — timing matters.

Document Everything

As soon as you can, write down the details of your arrest: the time, location, names of officers, what was said, and how you were treated. These details may help your attorney identify inconsistencies or procedural errors that could strengthen your defense.

Why Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer Matters

Facing criminal charges can be one of the most stressful experiences in a person’s life. The outcome of your case can affect your freedom, finances, employment opportunities, and future. Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer ensures that your rights are protected from the very beginning. They can explain the legal process, evaluate the evidence against you, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation.

Knowledge of Louisiana Law

Louisiana’s legal system has unique features — including its civil law tradition and specific statutory definitions that differ from other states. A criminal defense lawyer in Shreveport who knows Louisiana law can analyze the evidence against you, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and build a defense strategy tailored to your specific charge and circumstances.

Protecting Your Rights

Your constitutional rights don’t stop at the moment of arrest. We make sure law enforcement and prosecutors followed proper procedures — and if they didn’t (unlawful searches, improper questioning, Miranda violations), we challenge that evidence in court. These procedural defenses can sometimes lead to charges being reduced or dismissed entirely.

Negotiation and Court Representation

Many misdemeanor cases are resolved through negotiation rather than trial. We negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, secure alternative sentencing (like community service or diversion programs), or achieve dismissal when possible. If your case does go to trial, we represent you in court and advocate for the best possible outcome.

Can My Record Be Expunged?

One question we hear frequently: “Will this follow me forever?” The answer in Louisiana is — not necessarily. Under RS 44:9, Louisiana allows expungement of certain misdemeanor arrest and conviction records. If your case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or you completed your sentence and meet certain conditions, you may be eligible to have the record cleared.

Expungement can make a real difference for employment, housing, and moving forward with your life. We can evaluate whether you qualify and guide you through the process.

Take the Next Step

Being charged with a crime in Louisiana is serious — but it doesn’t have to define your future. The right legal representation can mean the difference between a conviction on your record and a reduced charge, a dismissal, or an expungement.

At Ford Injury Firm, we defend clients across Shreveport and northwest Louisiana against misdemeanor charges, DUI/DWI, and traffic-related criminal matters. And because we also handle personal injury, we’re uniquely positioned to help if your criminal charge stems from an accident.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Call (318) 550-4918 or visit fordinjuryfirm.com to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do immediately after being charged?
Stay calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Avoid making statements to law enforcement without legal counsel present.

2. Can a lawyer help reduce my charges?
Yes. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, secure alternative sentencing, or seek dismissal. The outcome depends on the specifics of your case and the available evidence.

3. How long does a criminal case take in Louisiana?
It varies. Simple misdemeanor cases may resolve in weeks, while more complex matters can take several months. Factors include court schedules, the strength of the evidence, and whether the case goes to trial.

4. Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge?
Absolutely. Even misdemeanor convictions can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record that affects employment and housing. Legal representation helps protect your rights and fight for the best outcome.

5. Can a misdemeanor be expunged from my record in Louisiana?
In many cases, yes. Louisiana law (RS 44:9) allows expungement of certain misdemeanor records if your case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or you meet specific post-conviction conditions. We can help determine if you’re eligible.