Criminal Defense

Baton Rouge Criminal Defense Lawyers

The principle of the right to a fair trial and to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise are both enshrined in the United States Constitution.

In the real world though, there’s a big difference between the defendant protected by a lawyer that’s experienced, aggressive and tough and another whose attorney may just go through the motions or lack the needed experience.

A defendant’s reputation and their very freedom are all on the line, and they need Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyers who understand the stakes and fight accordingly.

Beall & Thies has been together as a firm for over 20 years and our attorneys have collective experience that exceeds 100 years. We fight hard and we know how to contest a prosecutor’s case. Call today at (225) 577-6223 or contact us online to set up a consultation.

Our Legal Focus Types of Cases We Handle

WE FIGHT FOR THE BEST RESULT

Client Stories

"Never expected to be in a predicament where I would need to hire an attorney but, I wouldn’t recommend anyone but, B&T. They helped my father in his predicament and they’ve helped me in mine. Continuous support throughout the entire process"
Den'a Wells
"They are professional and go above and beyond customer satisfaction. I was informed every step of the way on updates and case progress. I highly recommend this firm for all your legal needs!! I am thankful for all they have done for me!!"
Barb Nemerovsky
"Beall & Thies was very welcoming. I would definitely recommend them. My attorney, Aaron Humphrey didn’t only make sure I didn’t have to worry about my case, but also treated me like I mattered. Thanks for everything you guys did for me and "
Chrystal Woods Graham

Criminal Defense FAQs

Can I represent myself?

Yes, you can. But even allowing that we have a professional bias, that’s still a serious mistake. Legal issues are often filled with nuance, and small details can make a big difference.

A Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyer that deals with these cases day in and day out will be more intimately familiar with how to approach everything from plea bargaining to jury selection to witness questioning.

Will my case go to trial?

Statistics tell us that most cases do not go to trial. Sometimes prosecutors are unable to gather sufficient evidence. Other situations see prosecutors and defense lawyers reach a plea agreement. Whether your case goes to trial depends on the circumstances of your specific case.

How are misdemeanors and felonies different?

A felony is the more serious charge and all levels of felonies come with at least the possibility of prison time. Misdemeanors can still see jail time for as long as a year, although the sentences are often a fine.

Just as important as the differences though, is what felonies and misdemeanors have in common—they both go on someone’s permanent record, with all of the implications that has for employment, housing, and in the event of any future convictions.

What is an arraignment?

The arraignment is the defendant’s initial court appearance where the state will read the charges and the defendant will file their plea—either “guilty” or “not guilty.”

What is bail?

Bail is money a defendant puts up to gain their release from jail while the legal proceedings and trial are ongoing. Bail is not a “payment” per se, because it can be recouped so long as the defendant appears for trial.

The amount of the bail payment can vary based on the severity of the crime and whether the defendant is considered a “flight risk,” who might attempt to escape. Judges may choose not to allow bail in these, and other circumstances.

Do I need an attorney if I’m innocent?

Your innocence should not, under any circumstances, impact your decision to get a criminal defense attorney. A harsh reality is that innocent people are unjustly convicted or manipulated into guilty pleas on a regular basis. As noted above, no one has to hire a lawyer.

But no one should be deceived into thinking their innocence will be automatically apparent to law enforcement or a jury. An experienced lawyer ought to be the one who makes the case.

What is the best possible outcome for my case?

The ideal solution in any criminal case is either the dropping of charges or a not guilty verdict from the jury. In cases where the evidence against the defendant appears too strong, there can be hope for a plea bargain, wherein one agrees to plead guilty to a lesser crime—thereby getting a lighter sentence, while saving the state the expense of a trial.

The best outcome in any individual situation will depend on all the varying factors unique to that case.

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The Value of an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

Not everyone charged with a crime is guilty. Those for whom the evidence is stacked against still deserve fair treatment, and a criminal defense attorney who will fight to see that they get a second chance. Every step in the criminal justice process is an opportunity for the attorney to advocate for their client.

Here are just a few of the ways in which we can help you:

Plea deals: A defendant is offered a lesser charge, with the implication that if they refuse the offer, they will certainly be convicted of a more serious offense at trial. Is that true? An experienced Baton Rouge criminal defense lawyer will understand how strong the evidence is and what the likelihood of success is at trial. The final decision is always the defendants, but good advice based on years of trial experience goes a long way in making good decisions.
Evidence: Law enforcement may not have followed proper protocols in gathering the evidence necessary to secure a conviction at trial. This is no mere “technicality.” The protection against unlawful search and seizure is a part of the Bill of Rights and it protects everyone. Experienced Baton Rouge criminal defense attorneys can hold police accountable. If evidence is shown to have been illegally obtained, it cannot be presented before a jury. If the prosecution is stripped of illicitly acquired evidence, their case can be weakened, if not eliminated altogether.
Jury: We all have the right to be judged by a jury of our peers. But an attorney who has been through numerous trials and jury selections has a better chance of helping construct a panel that will at least by sympathetic to the case made by the defendant. Defense lawyers share in the responsibility of jury selection, along with the prosecutors and the judge. Experienced defense counsel makes the most of that opportunity.

These are critical issues where a criminal defense attorney that’s been through the legal battles can be an important asset to their client—and we haven’t even gotten to the actual trial, where experienced counsel might be better suited to handle cross-examination of witnesses, favorable presentations to the jury and to adjust to unexpected developments.

What to Do if You’ve Been Arrested

The most important thing is to know what not to do—don’t panic. Law enforcement officers may seek to maneuver someone into a quick confession, on the grounds that it’s their only chance to plead guilty to a lesser charge.

No one should plead guilty—or say anything at all—until their attorney is present. Anyone arrested has a constitutional right to have a lawyer present. That right should be invoked without hesitation.

Beall & Thies fights hard for defendants and their rights. Our criminal defense services include the following:

Don’t settle for anything less than legal counsel who has been through their share of tough legal battles, knows how to get in the trenches and understands how to challenge prosecutors and their evidence every single step of the way.

Call Beall & Thies today. We have over 100 years of combined legal experience among our lawyers, and we leverage every bit of that for the best interests of our clients.

We can be reached at (225) 577-6223 or by filling out our online contact form.

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Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (225) 577-6223.

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