A gavel, handcuffs, and glasses arranged on a wooden table, symbolizing the work of a criminal law attorney.

Criminal Law Attorney: What Are the Factors to Consider?

Facing criminal law charges can be an overwhelming and distressing experience. Having a seasoned criminal law attorney by your side is essential during such challenging times. Hiring the right criminal law lawyer can make a significant difference in the result of your case. It’s crucial, therefore, to carefully weigh your options and choose someone qualified and with whom you feel comfortable.

armed robbery attorney baton rouge la

Armed Robbery Attorney Baton Rouge LA

In Louisiana, a person is guilty of armed robbery if they possess or use a deadly weapon while forcibly stealing property or immediately fleeing the scene of the theft. Armed robbery falls under the broader category of first-degree robbery, which is a class B felony and carries a maximum 25-year prison sentence. While these charges are severe, our experienced Baton Rouge criminal defense attorneys are prepared to help you understand and defend against them.

These are examples of “deadly weapons:”

Switchblades, daggers, blackjacks, plastic or metal knuckles, any type of gravity, pilum ballistic, metal knuckle knife; loaded weapons from which a shot can cause serious injury or death.

The use of a deadly weapon during a robbery imposes a mandatory minimum of five years in state prison upon conviction. Because the charges and potential sentence upon conviction are severe, contact our experienced Baton Rouge criminal defense attorneys immediately for assistance in obtaining the best possible outcome for your case.

Keep in mind that no actual injury must occur during the robbery for these charges to be brought; it is sufficient that the robber possesses one of the above-mentioned weapons. Even if the weapon was never used, for example, if the robber held an unsheathed switchblade but never used it for anything, not even to threaten anyone, they could still be charged with armed robbery. Note that even if no weapon was used during the robbery itself, a person can still be charged with armed robbery if they are armed or become armed as they leave the area where the robbery took place.

However, you still have options if you have been charged with attempted robbery. Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys may be able to apply certain defenses to these charges, such as filing a motion to dismiss the charges or having the evidence suppressed, despite the gravity of the allegations. Additionally, the evidence must demonstrate that the weapon was present during or during the process of fleeing the crime scene.

Previous cases have demonstrated that the presence of a note suggesting or stating that the robber is armed is insufficient evidence to convict a person of armed robbery. In this argument, it is asserted that more extensive evidence of the existence of a weapon is required, such as a witness having seen the weapon or video or photographic evidence of the weapon’s existence during or after the robbery.

If you have been charged with armed robbery, contact our team of seasoned Baton Rouge criminal defense attorneys immediately to discuss possible defense strategies. Our team is prepared to collaborate with you to determine the optimal course of action for achieving the best possible outcome in your case.

Armed robbery is a serious offense that can result in significant prison time if convicted. If you have been charged with armed robbery, it is essential to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. David E. Stanley is a criminal justice attorney in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who has extensive experience handling armed robbery cases. He will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and work tirelessly to develop a strong defense strategy. Additionally, he will make sure that you understand all of your legal options so that you can make informed decisions about your case. Contact David E. Stanley today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.


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A man arrested at the police station

10 Ways Federal Offenses Can Affect Your Life

Getting convicted of a crime has a lot of adverse effects. First, the state could hold you in custody for some time. You will be required to settle the fines and court costs. Moreover, a criminal record will haunt you for the rest of your life.

When it comes to federal offenses, the consequences of a conviction can be exceptionally severe and challenging to overcome. Your criminal record will follow you around like a shadow. Only conviction and arrest records from within the state will be available to police in some states. Police in Ohio may be unaware of a prior offense in Alaska. On the other hand, a federal criminal record can follow you everywhere you go and may even limit your possibilities when you travel abroad in some situations.

If you have been convicted of a federal offense, you must seek legal advice as soon as possible. Attorney David E. Stanley has years of experience and the necessary knowledge to explain the ramifications of federal offenses to you. Contact him today for a no-obligation consultation!

Getting Back to Society After A Federal Offense?
Call David E. Stanley for Legal Advice
at 225-926-0200 Today!

10 Various Outcomes of a Criminal Record

It’s critical to do everything you can to lessen your risk of being prosecuted for a crime, not just to safeguard your freedom now but also to limit how a criminal record can come back to haunt you.

Yes, even a single criminal charge has the power to do so. So what are some implications of a federal criminal conviction after you’ve paid your obligation to society?

1. Job Opportunities

Even if you are acquitted, a criminal charge on your record can make it difficult to find a good job and limit your earning potential. In addition, in most situations, prospective employers have the legal right to do a background check on you and may refuse to hire you based on the results.

Employers may ask you directly if you’ve ever been charged with or convicted of a crime, including misdemeanors and felonies. It would be best to answer honestly, but you are not required to reveal arrests that resulted in no conviction or offenses later expunged from your record.

A hand dividing the mother and child's wooden figures into the father's wooden figure

2. Custody of a Child

A criminal record may limit your child custody rights, especially if the accusation includes domestic abuse or other violent activities. Even a misdemeanor might result in losing custody of your children, mainly if the crime involves family members.

3. Children Adoption

If you were convicted of a misdemeanor with a family member, you wouldn’t be able to adopt a child. You will also be unable to adopt if you have committed an alcohol-related crime.

4. Driving Privileges and Other Benefits

Depending on the gravity of the offense, anyone with a criminal record may lose their ability to drive. A criminal history involving alcohol or other drugs can result in a 180-day suspension of your driver’s license and require you to complete a 15-hour drug education course before regaining your driving privileges.

5. Weapons

You may lose your right to carry a handgun if you are convicted of a crime. This is likely if you have a felony or a Class A misdemeanor on your record. You will not be allowed a license to carry a firearm in such circumstances.

6. Immigration

A criminal record may prevent you from obtaining a green card, changing your immigrant status, or becoming a naturalized U.S citizen if you are a foreign national. In addition, you could lose your job and be deported even if the offense is minor.

7. Consequences of the Offense

Suppose you are charged with a new offense and already have a criminal record. In that case, your previous criminal history may result in more severe penalties if you are convicted and sentenced for the current crime.

8. Admission to a College

A criminal record with a minor offense might make it challenging to get into college or graduate school. This is determined by the policies of each institution or university. In addition, having a sexual or drug-related crime on your record can make it difficult to receive financial aid for college.

A group of new graduates gathers their diploma

9. Medical Licenses

Even if you have a misdemeanor conviction, you may be unable to obtain a healthcare license, such as a nurse’s license, if you have a criminal record.

10. Renting and Leasing

If you have a criminal on your record that occurred within a specified number of years, a landlord may refuse to rent his property to you. The elapsed period won’t matter if you’ve been convicted of a sex offense. The landlord can deny you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will I Ever Get a Job with a Criminal Record?

Yes, it is possible to get a job with a criminal record. Many employers hire people with criminal records. It depends on why you have a criminal record and what kind of job you seek if it makes a difference. However, getting a job unrelated to your previous conviction would be better.

Does a Criminal Record Affect Car Insurance?

Yes, having a criminal record can affect car insurance. A criminal record will raise the cost of your vehicle insurance, whether or not your conviction is related to driving. This is because insurers will think you are at a higher risk if you have a criminal record. This is because your insurance considers all convictions, including robbery and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

How Is A Person’s Life Changed When Charged with a Crime?

A person charged with a crime may be psychologically affected. While the short-term consequences of crime might be devastating, most people do not experience long-term effects. However, people occasionally suffer long-term issues like depression or anxiety-related disorders. In addition, a small percentage of people experience a severe, long-lasting reaction to a crime, known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Criminal Defense Attorney Available

Having a reliable criminal defense attorney on your side is critical if you want to keep the charge off your record. Contact David E. Stanley, APLC, today if you live in Baton Rouge, LA. Mr. Stanley is an accomplished defense lawyer ready to assist you with your legal issues. For a free consultation, give us a call right now.

Looking for a Criminal Defense Attorney?
Call David E. Stanley
at 225-926-0200
Today!

David E. Stanley, APLC
1055 Laurel Street Suite 2
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225-926-0200

Police search the vehicle after traffic stops and checks the driver

What You Should Know About Car Searches After Traffic Stops

There are federal rules in place to safeguard citizens from police misbehavior. In addition, the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution also protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures and protection frequently invoked in criminal cases. If you are facing criminal accusations, regardless of whether they result from a car search, consult David E. Stanley, an experienced criminal defense attorney.

When is it illegal to conduct a traffic stop or a car search? Unfortunately, police officers are frequently willing to break the rules regarding handling people, particularly when they suspect a narcotics crime. A cop may be eager to stop you for questionable reasons or inspect your vehicle without having the legal authority to do so. When would you be able to object to a traffic stop or a police search of your car?

For law enforcement, there are numerous motivations, not the least of which is civil asset forfeiture, which might provide their department with additional incentives. That is why it is necessary to employ the services of an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable on traffic stop legal advice if your car was detained at a stop and then searched. The best lawyer for that is David E. Stanley, APLC. Contact him today for a free consultation.

Need Traffic Stop Legal Advice?
Call David E. Stanley
at 225-926-0200 Now!

4 Legalities of Car Searches After Traffic Stops

1. The Police Must Justify a Traffic Stop

You have the right to question why an officer pulled you over as soon as they did. If they don’t have a compelling basis for stopping you, it’s a red flag that they’ve likely infringed on your rights.

A traffic stop usually results in a citation, and the irritated motorist drives away. However, an officer may extend a traffic stop and search the driver’s vehicle.

An officer who has stopped a car may have legal grounds to search it in specific cases. However, sometimes that just isn’t available. For example, suppose an officer doesn’t see any apparent traffic violations or has any other objective reason for pulling a car over in the first place. In that case, any evidence uncovered during a car search will undoubtedly be inadmissible in court.

Police search the vehicle after traffic stops

Officers may profile you if they see you leaving a particular company or if you have a particular bumper sticker on your vehicle. In addition, a police officer may profile you and pull you over without probable cause based on the year and condition of your vehicle or your looks.

A traffic stop without probable grounds to suspect a major traffic offense is illegal, and the courts may exclude any evidence discovered during that traffic stop.

2. Car Searches Conducted Following a Simple Detention

Even if a traffic stop is legal, an officer who issues you a citation cannot search you or your vehicle unless there is a reasonable suspicion that you are armed and dangerous or involved in criminal conduct (other than the minor traffic violation).

The notion that the police can’t inspect a car just because they’ve stopped it. In the case of rental cars, the practical rule is that police may not inspect a rental car following a traffic stop solely because the driver is not listed on the rental agreement. By not being on the rental agreement, someone who has the authorization to use an automobile from the person who rented the car does not lose all of their Fourth Amendment rights.

3. A Car is Searched Following an Arrest

Despite the above rule, officers can inspect cars they’ve stopped in various situations. For example, many states have laws that allow police officers to arrest drivers for minor traffic violations like speeding or not wearing a seatbelt. The facts determine the legality of a later search in these and other arrest scenarios.

Police may check the passenger compartment of a car after detaining an occupant if it appears that the arrestee might get access to the vehicle during the search or if the vehicle contains:

  • Weapons
  • Objects illegally possessed, such as contraband or burglary tools
  • Evidence linked to a traffic stop
  • Ways of eluding detection

The following search must be limited to locations where the searching officer expects to discover the objects they are looking for.

4. Must Have Probable Reason to Search Your Vehicle

You may be arrested if a police officer discovers even tiny amounts of illegal narcotics in your vehicle. For example, a marijuana seed left by a former owner or a small amount of cocaine left by a passenger could be enough for the cops to arrest and charge you with a crime.

To search your vehicle, they usually need probable cause or a warrant. You should inspect your vehicle when you pull down the window and see drug paraphernalia or smell something. What an officer finds when they search your car without probable cause or your permission may not hold up in court. Knowing when police have the authority to stop you and search your vehicle can help you defend yourself against drug allegations.

Knowing when police have the authority to stop you and search your vehicle can help you defend yourself against drug allegations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a Traffic Stop?

A traffic stop is a seizure and detention of a vehicle’s occupants violating the Fourth Amendment. A standard traffic stop is justified if a police officer rightfully suspects that the occupant is driving without a license or that the car is unregistered.

What is the Automobile Exception to the 4th Amendment?

The automobile exception to the 4th Amendment is a legal rule in the United States that reduces standard probable cause requirements and, in some circumstances, permits a police officer to search a motor vehicle without a search warrant.

When Can Police Seize a Vehicle?

Police can sequester a vehicle if they believe it is being utilized in a way that causes alarm, harassment, or distress, such as careless or inconsiderate driving. They can also take a car if they suspect someone is operating it without a valid license or insurance.

A man arrested by police

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

David Stanley is a proactive defense lawyer with over 35 years of experience in criminal defense. He is the founder and principal of David E. Stanley, APLC. Mr. Stanley is a successful trial lawyer who devotes his practice to defending people accused of significant or complex federal or state felony crimes. In addition, he is determined to protect those who want to appeal their conviction or sentence to a federal or state appellate court.

Call David E. Stanley, APLC Now
at 225-926-0200
For a Consultation!

David E. Stanley, APLC
1055 Laurel Street Suite 2
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225-926-0200