IkerdLaw Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Defense Attorney Who Gets Results

If you are facing criminal charges in Lafayette and Acadiana, it is crucial to have skilled and experienced legal representation to protect your rights and help you get
your life back on track.

We understand that it is the prosecutor’s job to bring charges against you, but it is our job to provide you with the strong legal defense you need to fight those
charges and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Having handled over 1,000 cases in the last decade, we pride ourselves on working hard, fast, and being thorough. Engaging with our office, or any criminal defense
firm, EARLY is crucial. Sometimes there are misunderstandings or things that can be done to mitigate criminal liability or prevent charges from being filed.

Whether you are dealing with a misdemeanor or a felony, our team is here to help you navigate the legal process and achieve the best possible
resolution for your case.

Do not hesitate to contact us for the dedicated and compassionate legal representation you need.

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Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor charges are typically less serious offenses that are punishable by a maximum of six months in jail, although there are a few that may carry more time.

Examples of misdemeanors include simple battery, theft under $1,000, and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) first and second offenses.

Even though misdemeanors are considered less severe, they can have serious implications down the road. They may affect your ability to get a job, or the same criminal activity may be “enhanced” later to elevate the crime to a felony offense. Make sure you have an attorney who can explain these risks to you and fight the misdemeanor today, so it does not become a felony tomorrow.

Felonies

Felony charges, on the other hand, are more serious offenses that are punishable by imprisonment with or without hard labor. Examples of felonies include murder, rape, armed robbery, and most gun charges.

Felony charges can carry significant legal consequences and may have a long-lasting impact on an individual’s life. Felony convictions can impact your job prospects, military service, and eligibility for public services, and carry a negative social stigma.

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Why You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney?

A good criminal defense lawyer should be able to provide you with strong representation and help you navigate the criminal justice system.

Here are some specific things you can expect from a good criminal defense lawyer:

01. Intimate Knowledge of Criminal Law in Louisiana

Your attorney should possess deep familiarity with Louisiana’s criminal laws to craft effective defense strategies tailored to the state’s legal nuances.

02. Strong Communication Skills

Effective communication is key in legal proceedings. Your lawyer must communicate clearly with you and persuasively present arguments in court.

03. Creative Problem-Solving Skills and Outside the Box Tactics

A resourceful attorney will think creatively to find innovative solutions to legal challenges, exploring unconventional strategies for your defense.

04. Aggressive Representation

Your attorney should be fiercely committed to protecting your rights, challenging the prosecution’s case, and pursuing the best possible outcome with determination.

05. Compassion and Understanding

Facing criminal charges is emotionally difficult. Your attorney should offer empathetic support, listen to your concerns, and guide you through the process with sensitivity and respect.

What to Expect

The anatomy of a criminal case typically involves several steps, which may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific facts of the case.

Below is a general overview of the process and what to expect if arrested and charged in Lafayette:

Arrest: If a person is suspected of committing a crime, they may be arrested by law enforcement. The arrest may be made by a police officer, or a warrant may be issued for the person’s arrest.
Initial appearance: After an arrest, the accused will typically have an initial appearance before a judge, where they will be informed of the charges against them and their rights.
Bail: During the initial appearance, the judge may set bail, which includes conditions to be met or a sum of money that the accused must pay in order to be released from custody while they await trial.
Arraignment: In most felony cases (not capital charges or charges that carry potential life sentences), the State will have 60 days to file formal charges, if the accused cannot bond out. Afterward, the accused will typically have an arraignment, which is a formal reading of the charges against them in court. At the arraignment, the accused will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
Pretrial proceedings: If the accused pleads not guilty, the case will proceed to pretrial proceedings. Different districts, judges, and parishes call these hearings different things: pretrial date, status hearing, motions date, etc. During this stage, the prosecution and defense will exchange evidence, conduct motion hearings, or may engage in plea negotiations.
Trial: If the case does not settle during pretrial proceedings, it will go to trial. Trials may be either bench trials, where a judge makes the final decision, or jury trials, where a panel of jurors decides the outcome.
Verdict: At the end of a trial, the judge or jury will issue a verdict of guilty as charged, guilty of a lesser included offense, or not guilty.
Sentencing: If the accused is found guilty, the judge will determine their sentence, which may include fines, probation, or imprisonment.
Appeal: If the accused is dissatisfied with the outcome of their case, they may have the option to appeal the decision to a higher court.

It is important to note that this is a general overview of the criminal case process, and the specific steps and procedures may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific facts of your case.

Get the Representation You Deserve

Our team has the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively defend clients facing both misdemeanors and felonies.

We understand the severity of these charges and the impact they can have on our clients’ lives, and we are committed to providing strong and aggressive representation to help them achieve the best possible outcome in their case.

Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony, you can count on us to provide the dedicated and compassionate legal representation you need.

Call or send us a message today for a no-cost initial consultation and to see if we are a good fit for your case.

GET A FREE CONSULTATION Call us Today!

Assault and Battery

Auto Theft

Bond Hearings

Burglary

Cocaine Crimes

Crimes in a Drug-Free Zone

Domestic Violence

Drug Charges

Drug Distribution

Drug Possession

Misdemeanors

Murder or Homicide

Probation Violations

Robbery

White-Collar Crime

Theft

Drunk Driving – OWI/DUI/DWI

Felonies

Fraud

Hate Crimes

Hit and Run

Illegal Gun Possession

Manslaughter

Marijuana Crimes

Drug-related Offenses

Sex Crimes

Shoplifting

Stalking

Misdemeanors

Felonies