VIOLENT CRIMES

SHREVEPORT VIOLENT CRIMES ATTORNEY

Prosecutors in Louisiana are aggressive when it comes to pursuing violent crime charges. Being charged (let alone convicted) of a violent crime can bring about harsh consequences and the ability to ruin someone’s career, reputation, and entire future. That’s why, if you’ve been charged with a violent crime in Louisiana, it is absolutely imperative that you seek the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney to help mitigate the consequences you face.

Shreveport/Bossier City criminal defense attorney Michael J. Vergis has handled a number of violent crime cases in his career and knows what it takes to aggressively defend and protect his clients. He is well-known in the legal community for his tenacious defense of clients facing serious felony charges and his impressive track record of victories in court. With Mr. Vergis on your side, you are guaranteed to receive individualized attention and accessibility while he helps you navigate the stressful and often confusing world of the Louisiana criminal justice system. 

Charged with a violent crime? Speak with the attorneys at the Law Office of Michael J. Vergis today for a free consultation regarding your case. To get in touch, give our law firm a call at (318) 698-3724 or complete our online intake form here.

Shreveport Violent Crimes Attorney

Types of Violent Crimes We Handle

A violent crime is a type of criminal offense in which a person uses, attempts, or threatens to use force or violence against another individual or their property. While many violent crimes do include the use of a deadly or dangerous weapon, such as a gun, this element is not required to be considered a violent crime. As such, there are a variety of crimes that fall under the umbrella of violent crimes in Louisiana, including but not limited to kidnapping, aggravated arson, sexual battery, armed robbery, and even stalking.

At the Law Office of Michael J. Vergis, we handle violent criminal charges of all kinds. The following offenses are just some of the cases we are prepared to take.

Assault and Battery

In Louisiana, assault is defined as the intent or effort to inflict bodily harm on another person, while battery is considered the deliberate use of force or aggression against a person. A purposeful act or a credible threat of an action that causes a reasonable fear of imminent injury qualifies as an assault. For instance, when a person makes threats to harm or hit someone else and appears to have the ability to follow through on those threats, assault charges may be brought against them. 

When an attacker makes unwelcome physical contact with the alleged victim, including actual physical injury or other inappropriate physical contact, this is known as battery. Consider it this way: assault is the legitimate threat of physical harm, whereas battery calls for the action to be taken. The potential penalties for Louisiana assault and battery charges vary depending on a number of factors, but if found guilty, offenders can anticipate jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Domestic Violence

Battery against a household member can result in domestic violence charges in Louisiana. A person of the opposite sex with whom the offender lives or lived with at any point in the five years prior to the offense is referred to as a household member. Likewise, a child with whom the offender lives or lived with in the five years prior to the offense is also referred to as a household member, as well as any child of the offender regardless of whether he or she actually resides with them.

Manslaughter

In Louisiana, manslaughter occurs when the offender takes the life of another either in the heat of passion or without the intent to cause death or bodily injury. “Heat of passion” refers to a moment wherein the offense is provoked by something suddenly and acts out of that immediate provocation without a chance to cool down or reflect on the situation. An example of this may be when a husband finds his wife cheating on him and in the heat of the moment, kills the man she is cheating with. Another example of manslaughter may be vehicular manslaughter, wherein a reckless driver causes the death of another person not by intention but by negligent or careless actions. 

Homicide

Under Louisiana Revised Statute 14:29, there are five grades of homicide: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter (as seen above), negligent homicide, and vehicular homicide. As you can imagine, homicide is one of the most serious violent crimes a person can commit, which means the penalties for this crime are just as serious. You could be looking at years–if not life–in prison for this crime. That’s why choosing an experienced Louisiana homicide defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you could ever make. With Attorney Michael J. Vergis on your side, you can rest assured knowing that you will receive the most thorough and aggressive defense possible. 

Sex Crimes

Not all sex offenses are considered to be violent crimes, but certain offenses, such as sexual assault and rape, are in fact violent. This is because these crimes require the element of force or the threat of force if the victim resists. Criminal consequences for sex crime convictions are severe and include a lifelong criminal record as well as sex offender registry. They also disqualify you from certain employment opportunities and make it difficult for you to stay in touch with loved ones. To minimize the effects of these kinds of criminal accusations, it is important to reach out to an experienced sex crime attorney immediately. Bossier City sex crime attorney Michael J. Vergis will work tirelessly to defend your legal rights and protect your future when you face sex crime allegations. 

Bossier City Violent Crimes Attorney

Penalties for Violent Crime Charges in Louisiana

The penalties for violent crime charges vary depending on the type and severity of the crime committed. However, as most violent offenses are classified as felony charges, a conviction often brings lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines, as well as the possibility of Louisiana probation, hard labor, and community service. In severe cases, a defendant may also face the death penalty in Louisiana. 

Outside of criminal penalties, those who have been convicted of a violent crime may also face personal hardships such as difficulty finding a job, housing, and even limitations on educational opportunities. What’s more, violent crimes result in a permanent criminal record that cannot be expunged, which will likely get in the way of personal and professional relationships down the road. 

As you can see, the penalties for a violent crime conviction in Louisiana can be severe, which means you need strong legal representation on your side from the very beginning to set yourself up for the best outcome possible. Attorney Michael J. Vergis knows what it takes to put up a strong defense against these charges and the potential penalties they may bring. 

Why You Need a Shreveport Criminal Defense Attorney 

Violent crime charges are not to be taken lightly in the state of Louisiana. These are criminal cases that require a strong defense from an experienced attorney to fight. That is why you need legal help from someone who is well-versed in Louisiana criminal law and is capable of creating a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. 

When you hire a Shreveport criminal defense attorney like Michael J. Vergis, you ensure that your rights remain protected and enforced throughout the duration of your criminal case. Mr. Vergis will inform you of your legal options and work with you to achieve the most favorable outcome possible, whether that’s negotiating a plea bargain, reducing your charges, or working to obtain an innocent verdict in a jury trial. He will thoroughly analyze all evidence and the events leading up to the alleged crime and use his vast legal knowledge to create a strategic and compelling defense on your behalf. 

Shreveport-Bossier City Violent Crimes Attorney

Call Shreveport Lawyer Michael J. Vergis Today if You’re Facing Violent Crime Charges 

A criminal charge of any kind can carry significant ramifications, let alone a violent criminal charge. If you are facing criminal charges for a violent crime in Shreveport, Bossier City, or the surrounding North Louisiana areas, the criminal defense lawyers at the Law Office of Michael J. Vergis are here to help. Attorney Vergis has been defending clients accused of violent crimes for over 25 years now, so you know he has the experience it takes to handle your case. 

For an initial consultation, call Bossier City/Shreveport criminal defense attorney Michael J. Vergis at (318) 698-3724 today. Your freedom and future may depend on it.

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