If you have been charged with a serious felony crime in Louisiana, you probably want to hire a highly experienced and knowledgeable criminal law firm based in Louisiana. With so many options, it can take time to identify the right firm for your particular case. But when you are charged with murder, manslaughter, homicide, sex crimes, firearms or weapons charges, or any other serious violent crime, contact David E. Stanley, APLC, a trusted and reputable law firm with a proven track record, as soon as possible.
Are You Looking for a Highly Experienced and
Knowledgeable Criminal Law Firm in Baton Rouge, LA?
Contact David E Stanley, APLC, at (225) 926-0200 Today
Tips for Finding a Highly Experienced and Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Law Firm
Here are some of the important factors to consider when you are searching for a highly experienced and knowledgeable criminal law firm in Louisiana capable of handling the most serious and complex felony criminal cases in any federal or state court in Louisiana.
1. Level of Experience with Similar Cases
Since criminal law is a complicated field that constantly changes, most defense lawyers who practice this area of law will have a particular area of focus and experience. Selecting a highly experienced and knowledgeable criminal law firm that handles cases like yours is crucial if you want the best representation.
For example, if you are facing a charge of murder, manslaughter, a serious felony sex crime, or manufacturing or distribution of narcotics or other controlled dangerous substances, you probably want to be represented by a lawyer whose practice focuses on those types of serious and complex felony crimes rather than one that focuses on DWI, DUI or other driving offenses. It’s critical to choose a criminal law firm with a high level of knowledge, experience, and proven track record handling those types of serious crime when selecting your attorney. An attorney experienced with similar cases can increase your chances of a successful outcome.
2. Check for Referrals Past Clients and Endorsements From Other Lawyers
A well-experienced criminal law firm will have a track record of accomplishments demonstrated by strong client review, recommendations, and favorable evaluations. Ask your civil, family, estate planning, or other personal attorney about each of the criminal law firms you are considering or ask them to refer you to trusted and reputable criminal defense law firms or to specific criminal defense lawyers. To find a suitable criminal law firm or lawyer for you, research the law firm and lawyer you are considering by going to their website. Read attorney reviews, attorney ratings, and endorsements by other attorneys on websites like Avvo to get a sense of how the attorney you are considering is regarded by existing clients and other attorneys. Look to see if the attorney you are considering is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbel and whether the law firm and the lawyer is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
3. Schedule a Consultation
Above all, you want your criminal defense lawyer to be someone you feel comfortable trusting and that is a good fit for you and your particular case. By setting up a consultation. you can learn more about the lawyer you are considering and discuss your concerns, expectations and the benefits of working with them on your criminal case. The result of your criminal case could be negatively impacted by choosing a criminal law defense lawyer that does not communicate well, does not promptly return your telephone calls, or who lacks your complete trust. He should be able to answer your questions, explain the legal process and court proceedings to you, discuss the options available to you, and clearly explain a defense strategy for your particular case. So, consult with a criminal defense attorney to discuss your case and gauge if the lawyer is someone you can trust and communicate with openly. Trust and open communication are critical to a successful criminal case defense.
4. Trust Your Gut
Choose a firm you trust to defend your rights and act in your best interests. A strong partnership with your attorney can significantly increase your chances of achieving a successful resolution of your criminal charges. Your ultimate choice should be founded on your trust that the experienced criminal law defense lawyer you hire will provide sound legal advice, always act in your best interests, and protect your legal rights. If you and your lawyer work together in the decision making process, your chances of success will increase tremendously.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Should I Do if I am Charged with a Crime in Baton Rouge, LA?
If you are under investigation, have been arrested, or you are charged with a serious or complex felony crime in any federal or state court in Louisiana, you should immediately contact an experienced and highly skilled criminal defense attorney to schedule a consultation at his office. Time is of the essence and you need trustworthy and competent legal advice concerning your specific criminal charges, the penalties for those crimes, the options available to you, and a defense strategy that puts you in the best position to achieve a favorable resolution of your charges. You discuss and decide whether it is in your best interests to attempt to get your charges dismissed, or to file pretrial motions to quash your charges or suppress evidence, or negotiate a favorable plea agreement, or proceed to trial.
You need a trustworthy, experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer who is a skilled legal advocate that will protect your legal rights. Contact David E. Stanley, APLC, as soon as possible if you are under investigation, receive a grand jury target letter, if the police try to question you regarding a criminal investigation, or if you are arrested. Remember, you have the right to counsel of your choice and the right to remain silent and refuse to answer police questions without your lawyer present with you. If law enforcement officers want you to answer their questions, you should exercise your rights by declining to answer their questions until you consult with a lawyer. LIkewise, to not voluntarily consent to allow them to search your person, home, vehicle, computer, cell phone, or any of your other personal property unless they have obtained and present you with a valid search warrant.
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Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Get My Criminal Charges Dropped, Dismissed, or Reduced?
Yes, a criminal defense attorney may be able to help you get your criminal charges dropped, dismissed, or reduced. He may also be able to help mitigate your sentence so that you receive a less severe punishment but there are no guarantees.
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When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in Louisiana?
The best practice is to consult with, and hire, an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as you can after you become aware that you are under investigation by law enforcement; a search warrant is served on you authorizing law enforcement officer to search your home, vehicle, computer, cell phone or other personal property; you are the target of a grand jury; an warrant has been issued for your arrest; or you have been arrested. Remember, the sooner you retain your lawyer, the more time he has to work on your defense. Don’t waste time that could be better used to prepare the best possible defense for you.
What Not to Do When Selecting a
Criminal Defense Lawyer
1. Wait Until The Day Before Your Court Date to Contact a Lawyer
Highly experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys are constantly in court, meeting with clients or other lawyers, preparing pleadings, and are busy practicing law. Their calendars fill up weeks or months in advance with court dates. It is unrealistic to wait until a day or two before your court date to try to meet with, or retain, an experienced criminal defense attorney. As soon as you learn you are being investigated for a crime, or that you are a target of a grand jury, or you are arrested, you should immediately start doing your homework to find the right lawyer for you and schedule a consultation with the lawyer you are interested in retaining. Sometimes, however, emergencies occur or unexpected situations arise, which require you to act quickly. David E. Stanley, APLC understands and will work with you to schedule a same day appointment, or as soon as possible, even if it is after normal business hours, on a weekend, or a holiday.
2. Do Not Come to Your Consultation Unprepared.
Once you have scheduled a consultation with the attorney you would like to retain, prepare for the consultation ahead of time. Think about and write down a list of the questions you would like to ask the lawyer. Bring any court notices, police reports, search warrants, arrest warrants, bail bond paperwork, and all other documents pertaining to your case to the consultation. Prepare a list of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all co-defendants, co-conspirators, eyewitnesses, and character witnesses for your case. Make a list of documents and other evidence you believe will be helpful to your case and give it to your attorney. Finally, consider your financial situation, your budget for the case, and start making financial arrangements before the consultation so that you will be able to pay your attorney if you decide to retain his services.
3. Do Not Be Untruthful or Withhold Information From Your Attorney.
During your consultation with your attorney, tell him the whole truth, even if you believe the information makes you look guilty or hurts your case. Also, do not withhold important or relevant information from your attorney or mislead him in any way. Give truthful and complete answers to all of his questions. In order to give you the best possible advice in your case, your lawyer needs the whole truth so that he can fully understand what happened and your current situations.
4. Do Not Make a Decision Based Solely On The Lowest Price.
A highly experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is an investment in yourself, your future, and your reputation. If you are charged with a misdemeanor or other minor crime, there are a lot of lawyers capable of handling your case. However, if you are facing serious or complex felony criminal charges that put you at risk of imprisonment for life, or imprisonment at hard labor for ten, thirty, fifty or more years, or large fines, or both, you need to hire the most knowledgeable, experienced, and highly skilled lawyer that you are able to afford. In this situation, you should view this as a once in a lifetime expense and be prepared to spend whatever is necessary to protect yourself, your family, and your future. You should make the necessary financial arrangements to be sure that you have the funds necessary to defend yourself. You want to retain a lawyer with a proven track record and a history of success in these types of cases, not someone just getting started or whose practice is focused on other areas of the law.
Highly Experienced and Knowledgeable Lawyer
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Are you seeking a highly experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer in Louisiana? Look no further than David E. Stanley, APLC. David E. Stanley, APLC is a criminal defense law firm with an office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. You can talk about your criminal charges, or those of a family member or loved one, by contacting criminal defense lawyer David Stanley. Call him now to schedule a criminal defense strategy session for your felony criminal case. Start getting your life back today!!
Call David E. Stanley, APLC Now at (225) 926-0200
David E. Stanley, APLC
1055 Laurel Street, Suite 2
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 926-0200
David Stanley is the founder and principal of David E. Stanley APLC. Since 1983, Mr. Stanley has successfully practiced law from his office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.