Lafayette Criminal Defense Attorneys

Fighting to Protect Our Clients’ Lives and Freedoms From Government Prosecution

For most people, having zero involvement with the legal system is a positive thing. If you make it through your life without having to step foot in a courtroom, you’ve undoubtedly avoided headaches that many others experienced. Of course, some legal issues are far more serious than others — and this is true for anyone facing criminal charges. If state or federal prosecutors are accusing you of illegal acts, it’s essential to understand what you’re up against. A Lafayette criminal defense attorney can assist in this endeavor.

At The Law Office of Tony Morrow, our dedicated team of legal professionals is focused on helping our clients navigate the criminal justice system. We know how scary it can be when prosecutors levy a serious charge against you. Whether you’re accused of simple drug possession or facing felony charges for murder, a criminal conviction can have effects that last a lifetime. If authorities are targeting you or a loved one, the most important thing you can do is seek legal counsel. Our law firm will fight to get your case dismissed. If this isn’t possible, we’ll strive for another positive outcome.

What Does the Criminal System Legal Process Look Like?

Not everyone who faces criminal charges will have the same experience. For instance, one person may accept a plea deal — while another spends weeks or months at trial. When you have dedicated representation on your side, your attorney will do their best to simplify the process while securing a favorable outcome on your behalf. Still, it’s important to understand the legal process you may have to go through:

Arrest
Initial detention
Charges filed
Arraignment
Pretrial process (e.g., discovery, motions, plea bargaining)
Trial
Verdict
Sentencing (if found guilty)
Post-conviction (incarceration, appeals, parole/probation)

Remember that having a strong defense can stop this process in its tracks. If your attorneys can immediately cast doubt on the prosecutor’s case, you may have charges dismissed before showing up for any court appearances. However, you’ll want an attorney with overwhelming experience if you’re hoping to convince prosecutors, the judge, or a jury. The Law Office of Tony Morrow has been serving our area for 30 years, so that experience is precisely what you’ll find at our law firm. Contact us today to learn more.

Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer for “Minor Charges”?

It’s important to understand that there’s no such thing as a “minor charge” in Louisiana. Yes, some forms of criminal activity are viewed as less severe than others. However, a conviction can result in a life-long criminal record — and that’s true for both misdemeanor and felony cases. Whether you’re charged with disorderly conduct or murder, you’ll go through the same court system and have your freedom placed in jeopardy.

It’s certainly more important for someone facing felony charges to have legal representation, but even misdemeanor offenses can seriously disrupt a person’s life. A conviction can result in expensive fines, jail time, hard labor, immigration issues, loss of civil rights, and even difficulty finding employment, housing, and education. It’s also common for criminal convictions to come up during family law cases. This means a conviction might even affect child custody.

For both non-violent and violent crimes, seeking experienced legal services is in your best interest. Contact our Lafayette criminal defense law firm today.

What Are Common Criminal Cases Seen in Lafayette, LA?

The legal industry is broad and varied. Even when two law firms have the same practice areas, they may not handle the same types of cases. For instance, one law office may only represent clients with DUI charges — but a nearby criminal defense attorney might take any criminal case. Our law firm understands that there’s significant overlap in the system, and that’s why we handle a variety of cases. If you’re facing charges related to any of the following criminal allegations, reach out to us today to see if we can help.

Assault
Battery
Theft
Stalking
Fraud, money laundering, and other white-collar crimes
Drug manufacturing
Human trafficking
Driving under the influence
Domestic violence
Identity theft
Sex crimes (e.g., rape, molestation, incest)
Armed robbery
Burglary
False imprisonment
Kidnapping
Manslaughter, homicide, murder, etc.

This list is just a small sample of potential criminal charges in Louisiana. In many of these cases, aggravating factors could lead to more severe charges (e.g., aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, etc.). If you’re facing such charges, the best outcome is to have all charges dropped. Unfortunately, our state authorities have been known to push forward — even when there’s evidence that suggests a defendant’s innocence. This uncertainty is why you should discuss your legal case with an experienced Lafayette criminal defense attorney.

At The Law Office of Tony Morrow, we’ll review the facts during your initial consultation and discuss how to achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today. Even if we don’t handle cases similar to yours, we can point you toward an experienced legal professional who can help.

Can You Make a Plea Deal Without Criminal Defense Lawyers?

Did you know that most criminal charges are resolved without a trial? In addition to the cases that get dismissed, some cases conclude when the defendant accepts a plea deal. In fact, that’s how the overwhelming majority of cases conclude under criminal law. While you can make a plea deal without an attorney, it’s essential to understand that the prosecution will always try to get the strictest sentence possible. In some cases, they’ll even overcharge defendants to scare them into accepting a deal. This legal travesty results in an untold number of wrongful convictions.

While accepting a plea deal is a common outcome, it’s crucial for you to work with a trial lawyer. If prosecutors know you’re likely to accept a plea deal, they might hesitate to make a fair offer. Even worse, they might push for a deal even though they know a jury would likely exonerate you. If you have a trial lawyer on your side — like those at our criminal defense law firm — you’ll know that your attorney isn’t just “phoning it in” to get your case over quickly. At The Law Office of Tony Morrow, we offer aggressive representation because that’s what our clients deserve.

Contact a Lafayette Criminal Defense Attorney Today

From Bossier City to Lafayette Parish, living in Louisiana offers much to enjoy. Unfortunately, our state also has a dismal track record regarding our criminal justice system. It’s not uncommon to be wrongly accused of serious crimes in our state. In fact, we have more prisoners exonerated per capita than any other state besides Illinois. This means a significant percentage of those accused of crimes in our state are innocent, but without an aggressive defense, it’s easy for them to face unconstitutional outcomes that can change their lives forever.

At The Law Office of Tony Morrow, every attorney at our law firm defends clients because we truly believe in justice. If prosecuting attorneys cannot prove their criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt, then our system demands that the accused go free. Unfortunately, many defendants who represent themselves, use public defenders, or agree to plea deals end up facing unexpected consequences. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney in Lafayette who will tirelessly advocate on your behalf. Don’t let the system take advantage of you.

Contact us at (337) 201-9222 to schedule your case review and learn how we can help you fight against government-sanctioned attacks on your freedom.