Forceful Louisiana Defense Attorney Fights to Get the Best Outcomes for Criminal Defendants

Lake Charles law firm aggressively advocates for clients accused of misdemeanor and felony offenses

As a former senior felony prosecutor in Louisiana, I have intricate knowledge of how the state’s criminal justice system operates. At Hawkins Legal, I put that experience to work, striving to make sure that defendants arrested for a variety of crimes are treated fairly and justly throughout the legal process. Depending on the circumstances of your case, I’ll fight hard to get your charges dismissed, your case tried to acquittal or your sentence reduced. My law firm represents clients throughout the Lake Charles metro area and Southwest Louisiana.

Skilled lawyer stands up for individuals in cases involving alcohol and drugs

If you’re convicted of a DUI/DWI, which Louisiana statutes call an OWI for “operating while intoxicated,” you can face anywhere from a few days in jail to five years in prison, depending on your blood alcohol level, your prior OWI arrest history and other circumstances. For cases involving drug crimes, the penalties in the state are also severe. Offenders convicted on possession charges may spend from six months in jail to 20-plus years in prison depending on the category of drug involved, the amount of the drug, previous convictions and additional factors. I will advise you about defense options and stand up for your rights with prosecutors.

Effective counselor advises clients in theft cases

Louisiana determines theft punishments based on the value of the property that was stolen. For example, theft of property worth less than $1,000, which is considered a misdemeanor (unless the defendant has two or more prior convictions), carries a penalty of up to six months in jail. All other levels of theft are charged as felonies. For felony theft, you can spend as much as 20 years in prison if the stolen property was worth $25,000 or more. When you’ve been accused of theft, I will help you understand the charges and possible defenses, such as you having ownership of the item.  

Diligent litigator defends people accused of violent crimes

Crimes of violence in Louisiana include assault and battery, sex crimes, domestic violence crimes, homicide and others. Convictions for these crimes involve serious penalties, with the most severe being for homicide. There are five levels of homicide ranging from first-degree to negligent homicide. A person convicted of negligent homicide could face a sentence of two to five years. Don’t wait to get legal help if you’ve been arrested for a crime of violence. Once I examine your case, I will explain your options and work tirelessly to have your case dismissed or your charges reduced. If trial is inevitable, I will argue aggressively on your behalf and work to negotiate a favorable plea bargain. It’s also important to note that violent crimes cannot be expunged from your criminal record.

Contact a dedicated Louisiana criminal lawyer who will not back down when defending you

At Hawkins Legal in Lake Charles, I strongly advocate for individuals in Southwest Louisiana who have been arrested for serious crimes. To schedule a consultation, call my firm at 337-312-4109 or contact me online.