One of the most common questions I hear is: "Didn't the State dismiss my case?" Sometimes the answer is yes. The follow-up question is usually: "Then why am I being charged again?" Believe it or not, those two things are not always inconsistent. In Louisiana, a criminal case can sometimes be dismissed and later refiled. Whether that can happen depends on several factors. What Does It Mean When a Case Is Dismissed? Not all dismissals are created...
If you've ever had a family member sitting in jail for weeks or months without being formally charged, you've probably heard someone mention "the 701 rule." The problem is that a lot of people misunderstand what Article 701 actually does. I get calls all the time from people asking, "My son hasn't been billed yet. Doesn't that mean they have to let him go?" The answer is: sometimes, yes. But it does not necessarily mean the case is over. What...
As a woman practicing criminal defense, I've become accustomed to a certain question. It often arises in social settings, sometimes with a tone of disbelief, other times with genuine curiosity: "How can you defend those people?" The question, though common, always gives me pause, not because I don't have an answer, but because the answer is so fundamental to the very fabric of our justice system, and perhaps, to a perspective I bring as a woman...
Facing criminal charges can feel like navigating a Category 5 hurricane. The winds of uncertainty howl, the waves of potential consequences crash down, and it's easy to feel lost and overwhelmed. In these turbulent times, an experienced criminal defense attorney isn't just a life raft; they're your seasoned captain, guiding you through the storm and fighting for the best possible outcome. Choosing Your Captain: What to Look for in a Criminal...
