When you consider counterfeiting, some of the first images that come to mind may be fake dollar bills, falsified passports, or scenes from a movie. However, Louisiana state and federal prosecutors take this offense very seriously, and more people face these allegations yearly than you might think. According to the FBI’s most recent data, over…
On August 1, 2024, a significant change to Louisiana’s Resisting an Officer law under La. R.S. 14:108 took effect. This new provision emphasizes the “obstruction of” an officer, specifically targeting drivers who refuse to provide their driver’s license upon request during a lawful stop. The updated law makes it explicitly illegal for a driver to…
When Louisiana police attempt to make a lawful arrest, individuals are legally required to comply. Any form of resistance, intentional or due to frustration or confusion, can result in serious charges. Understanding what actions constitute resisting arrest in Louisiana is essential to avoid exacerbating the situation during an encounter with law enforcement. Resisting arrest, also…
One of the most compelling reasons to seek an expungement after a criminal conviction in Louisiana is the opportunity to clear your record. A clean slate can profoundly impact your life, opening doors that might otherwise remain closed. With an expunged record, you can move forward without the shadow of past mistakes affecting your future…
A criminal record can cast a long shadow over your life, limiting your chances of career advancement, finding stable housing, and seizing new opportunities. In Louisiana, the process of expungement allows individuals to remove certain criminal convictions from their records, offering a chance at a fresh start. However, not all convictions are eligible for expungement….
Facing federal charges of any kind is terrifying. A conviction for kidnapping is one of the most severe federal offenses that, in the most aggravated of circumstances, can lead to life in jail or even the death penalty. These types of cases often begin as misunderstandings that spiral out of control. If you’re facing kidnapping…
You are at risk of a DUI or DWI if you have open containers of alcohol in a vehicle. Police officers who spot an open container of alcohol through your car’s window do have probable cause to arrest you if you’re driving the car. However, the law does not allow officers to arrest passengers with…
You’re not helpless at a Louisiana DWI checkpoint. You still have several rights that police officers cannot infringe on, such as the right to remain silent, refuse a vehicular search, and even refuse a field sobriety test. While officers may attempt to intimidate or otherwise trick you into complying, you can stand firm. If you…
Probable cause allows Louisiana police officers to search local vehicles for dangerous substances without a warrant. However, officers do not have blanket permission to break into your car and rifle through your belongings. While you have less privacy in your vehicle than you do in your home, you can still challenge an officer’s warrantless search…
It’s not easy to distinguish between a DUI and a DWI, namely because there aren’t many differences between the two terms. Louisiana state law considers “driving under the influence” and “driving while intoxicated” to describe the same crimes. As such, the state’s representatives may use these acronyms interchangeably. If you’re facing accusations of driving under…