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Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense

Eye Witness Identification

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Eye Witness Identification Eyewitness testimony is an essential piece of evidence in a criminal case. In some instances, such evidence can weigh so much in convicting or acquitting the accused person. Therefore, eyewitness evidence must be challenged to ensure its credibility. In efforts to ensure that eyewitness testimonies are credible, the defendant must challenge eyewitness accounts effectively. Thus, it is vital to seek the representation of an experienced and qualified criminal lawyer skilled to test and present evidence ensuring the defendant’s rights and the integrity of the case by challenging eyewitness testimony. What Is Eye-Witness Testimony? Eye Witness Testimony is a piece of testimonial evidence given by a witness based on their firsthand account of the crime. This testimony must be solely based on what they had personally observed and relevant and valuable to the investigation or proceeding. Under this rule, witnesses in a criminal case offer firsthand account testimony and identification based on their memory of the event. Who Can Give Eye-Witness Testimony In A Criminal Case? Generally, an eyewitness has a firsthand account of observing an event and can give their firsthand description of what they saw. The Louisiana Code Criminal Procedure Article 744 defines a “witness” as “a person whose testimony is relevant and material and desired in any proceeding or investigation by a grand jury or in a criminal action, prosecution, or proceeding.” Thus, an eyewitness who can testify in a criminal case has personally observed an event that is relevant to the case. This could mean someone who saw or heard the crime as it is happened or has first hand knowledge of some fact which is relevant to the case. Are Defendants Allowed To Challenge Eye-Witness Testimony For The State? Absolutely! Every criminal case affords defendants rights to present a case under the fundamental protection of due process of law, which includes challenging the eyewitness account by presenting evidence supporting their innocence or discredit the eye witness credibility or the eye witness testimony. The need for contesting eyewitness testimony is especially true if the State’s case is primarily based on circumstantial evidence. As ruled by the Supreme Court of Louisiana in the State of Louisiana v. Michael Young, “assuming every fact to be proved that the evidence tends to prove, to convict, [the circumstantial evidence] must exclude every reasonable hypothesis of innocence” when the State’s case is based on circumstantial evidence. This ruling imposed that the State is required to negate any reasonable probability of misidentification, including the defendant presenting proof that refutes the eyewitness account. Given that eyewitness accounts tend to have substantial weight in a criminal case, especially in cases that rely on circumstantial evidence, it is detrimental to the justice system if such testimony is not credible. Thus, eyewitness accounts must be tested and disputed by the defense to deem them reliable. What Are Possible Defenses To Eye-Witness Testimony In Criminal Cases? Although eyewitness accounts are given weight in a criminal case, they are not necessarily 100% credible and reliable at all times. Thus, the defendant has the following defense strategies to challenge an eye witness testimony: Witness Bias The defense can challenge the witness for bias, whether it pertains personally to the defendant or the quality of the defendant. Such quality may include gender, race, looks, or other factors contributing to a possible reason for the witness to discriminate against the defendant or any other ulterior motive. Vision Challenge Eyewitness account could exclusively rely on what the witness has seen. However, barriers to perception could affect what the eyewitness saw or think they saw. Such obstacles may include lighting, obstructions to the vision, minimal time of witnessing the event to form a proper identification, distance from the event, or even the witness’ vision issues. These factors could significantly affect the quality of eyewitness testimony. Hearing Challenge Similar to the visual challenge, an eyewitness account may rely heavily on what they heard. Thus, the witness’ hearing should be challenged to expose any possibility that there are discrepancies in what they heard and testifying. Lapse In Memory Typically, there is a significant period between the crime and the actual trial when the testimony is given. This time-lapse may affect the eyewitness’ memory of what they had witnessed and what they are testifying. Another issue that may affect the memory of a witness is outside influences. Such external influences may be other people discussing the case to the witness or around the witness, whether it be their personal opinion or account of the events and news coverage. Moreover, the emotion of the witness could also affect the accuracy of their account of the events, especially if they were under heightened emotional State or stress during the crime. In addition, possible memory issues or head trauma should be explored as these could detrimentally affect a witness’s testimony. Even if the witness repeats their account to the grand jury hearing, their previous version may not necessarily be entirely correct or credible. Identification To prevent wrongful identifications that may lead to wrongful convictions, Governor John Bel Edwards signed House Bill 38 on May 23, 2018. This law requires Louisiana police agencies to implement eyewitness procedures based on best practices to curb wrongful convictions. Some of these best practices include blind administration of photo lineups, proper instructions to eyewitnesses, the adequate composition of lineups such that all lineup members match the description of the perpetrator provided by the eyewitness, video or audio recordings of identification processes, or obtaining statements of confidence from the eyewitness at the time of the identification. Nonetheless, eyewitness identification can still be unreliable and has the potential for intentional and unintentional errors. As noted above, numerous factors can affect the reliability of eyewitness identification. Thus, eyewitness testimonies should be challenged by the defense for credibility. Expert Witness Testimony On Eye Witness Identification On June 5, 2019, Governor John Bel Edwards signed House Bill 226, which allowed Louisiana to permit expert testimony on eyewitness identification in efforts to prevent wrongful convictions based on

Criminal Defense

Are Domestic Violence Charges Felony or Misdemeanor in Louisiana?

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Felony and Misdemeanor Domestic Violence Charges. Domestic violence is a serious offense that is not taken lightly in Louisiana. Law enforcement takes active steps to ensure that victims are protected from such violence at their homes. Due to the nature of the alleged crime, law enforcement officials often arrest an accused even before a proper investigation is done. Click here to download our free guide to the Nine Steps in a Louisiana Criminal Case. If you’ve been accused of a domestic violence charge, you know you are dealing with a serious situation. Having a lawyer on your side can help you present the best defense and protect your rights. Given the penalties and implications of being charged and possibly convicted of a domestic abuse battery offense, it is essential for an accused to have a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense attorney to ensure that their rights are protected. What is Domestic Abuse Battery? Louisiana Revised Statute 14:35.3 defines domestic abuse battery as “an intentional use of force or violence committed by one household member or family member upon the person of another household member or a family member.” Simply put, the law recognizes domestic abuse battery if someone intentionally commits any force or violence towards their family or household member. Who is Considered Family Members or Household Members in Louisiana? Under the Louisiana Statute, family members include: spouses, whether they be present or former; child, whether they are biological, a stepchild, or a foster child; and parents, whether they are biological, stepparent, or foster parents. Whereas household members are defined as any individual that is: presently or formerly living in the same residence as the offender, and who is either involved or been involved with the offender in an intimate or sexual relationship; or A child of the offender, regardless if they live or do not live with the offender. How are Domestic Abuse Battery Charges Classified? Under Louisiana laws, domestic abuse battery charges are placed in two different categories – misdemeanor and felony charges. Generally, first and second domestic abuse battery offenses are classified as misdemeanors. However, specific allegations can enhance the charge from a misdemeanor to a felony charge. Moreover, multiple convictions for domestic abuse battery elevates the misdemeanor charge to a felony charge. What Circumstances Can Elevate a Misdemeanor Charge to a Felony? Specific circumstances of a domestic abuse incident can add heavier penalties to the offender. Such circumstances include: If the victim is pregnant and the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy; If the victim is burned or strangled; If a child was present during the attack. What Are the Possible Penalties in a Domestic Abuse Battery Misdemeanor Conviction? The first and second conviction of a domestic abuse battery is classified as a misdemeanor. However, the penalties for the first and second convictions are not necessarily the same, even though they are categorized as misdemeanors. The first conviction for a domestic abuse battery offense is punishable by: Imposing a fine of $300 or up to $1,000; and Imprisonment of 30 days or up to six months, of which at least 48 hours must be served without parole, probation, or suspension. Moreover, the remainder of the sentence cannot be suspended unless the offender is: placed on probation with a minimum of four-day jail time and complete a court-mandated domestic abuse intervention program, and the offender would not own or possess any firearm during the entirety of the sentence; or Placed on probation with a minimum condition that they perform an 8-hour workday for eight days for court-approved community service activities and complete a court-mandated domestic abuse program, and that the offender would not own or possess any firearm during the entirety of the sentence. While the second conviction for a domestic abuse battery offense is punishable by: Imposing a fine of $750 or up to $1,000; and Imprisonment of at least 60 days or up to one year. In addition to the state penalties listed above, federal law imposes that individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic abuse battery would be prohibited from possessing firearms even after their sentence has been completed. Moreover, they may be subject to deportation or inadmissibility to the United States. What Are the Possible Penalties in a Domestic Abuse Battery Felony Conviction? A third domestic abuse battery conviction or elevated first or second domestic abuse battery conviction is classified as a felony. Felony convictions for domestic abuse battery are punished with a mandatory sentence of at least one and can be up to five years. In addition to the state penalties listed above, federal law imposes that individuals convicted of felony domestic abuse battery would be prohibited from possessing firearms even after completing their sentence. Moreover, immigrants may be subject to deportation or inadmissibility to the United States. Are There Any Defenses Against Domestic Abuse Battery Charges? Yes, there are defenses available to the accused against domestic abuse battery charges. Some of these defenses may include self-defense, the accused did not commit the crime or false allegation. For self-defense, the accused may reason that their infliction of force or violence is an act to defend themselves, another family, or household member from the same violence and force from the accuser. It is also possible that the accuser has fabricated the allegations made against the accused. Thus, the accuser may use this as a defense against the charge. Moreover, since the prosecutor has the burden to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, it might be the case that the prosecutor has a weak case, where their investigation cannot prove that the accused had committed the crime. If you or a loved one has been involved in a domestic abuse situation in Louisiana, you should speak with a good criminal defense attorney. Our experienced criminal attorneys have extensive knowledge in handling domestic abuse situations and can fully represent your interest in this matter. Please feel free to give us a call at (225) 963-9638, or you can click here to contauct us about scheduling

Criminal Defense

Is DUI/DWI a Felony or Misdemeanor in Louisiana?

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Driving under the influence (DUI) or while intoxicated (DWI) are serious offenses in Louisiana. Certain factors, including the driver’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and the number of previous DUI/DWI offenses, can affect a charged person’s penalties. Given the severity of a DWI/DUI charge and the implications of the penalties, it is vital to have the proper representation of a dedicated criminal attorney to represent your case. What is Considered Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in the State of Louisiana? Under Louisiana driving laws, Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limits in operating a vehicle are as follow: All drivers must have a BAC of no more than 0.08%; Commercial drivers must have a BAC of no more than 0.04%; and Minor drivers, which are those under the age of 21, must have a BAC of no more than 0.02% Any BAC over the limits listed above is a DUI/DWI violation and is subject to criminal prosecution. Are DUI Offenses Considered a Misdemeanor or Felony Charge in Louisiana? In Louisiana, DUI/DWI offenses are categorized between felony and misdemeanor. First and second DUI/DWI offenses are classified as misdemeanor charges, while a third or more DUI/DWIs are charged as a felony. What are the Penalties for a Misdemeanor First DUI/DWI Offense in Louisiana? A person’s first DUI/DWI offense is classified as a misdemeanor in the state of Louisiana, and the court can impose the following penalties: A fine of $300 up to $1,000; Jail sentence from 10 days for up to 6 months; Suspension of driver’s license for 12 months; Restricted driver’s license, which can be immediately done at the time of arrest; and Mandatory installation of an IID (Ignition Interlock Device) on the driver’s automobile for the entire suspension period. However, the court can raise the sentence to the following if the driver’s BAC (or blood alcohol content) is higher than 0.20%: A fine of $750 for up to $1,000 Suspension of driver’s license for up to two years Other possible penalties that the court can impose includes: A minimum of 32 hours of community service; Mandatory attendance to a court-approved substance abuse program and driver improvement program What are the Penalties for a Misdemeanor Second DUI/DWI Offense in Louisiana? As stated above, a second DUI/DWI offense is still considered a misdemeanor in the state of Louisiana. The court can impose the following sentence for this offense: A $750 for up to $1,000 fine; Jail sentence from 30 days to up to 6 months; A probation period of up to 6 months, of which 48 hours must be served in jail; Mandatory community service of at least 240 hours; and Mandatory attendance to court-approved substance abuse and driver improvement programs. The following special penalty requirements are also imposed on second-time DUI/DWI offenders: An offender with at least a .15 BAC must serve at least 96 hours of their jail sentence; An offender with at least a .20 BAC must serve a mandatory 96 hours of their jail sentence, must pay a $1,000 fine, required to install an IID on their vehicle for at least three years, and their driver’s license is suspended for five years. What are the Penalties for a Felony Third DUI/DWI Offense in Louisiana? In the state of Louisiana, a third DUI/DWI offense is classified as a felony, and the court can impose the following sentence for such offense: A $2,000 fine; Imprisonment for one year and for up to 5 years, of which at least one year must be served without the suspension of sentence; A probation period of up to 5 years, of which one year must be served in jail; Mandatory community service of at least 240 hours; Mandatory attendance to court-approved substance abuse and driver improvement programs; Required substance abuse evaluation to determine the nature and extent of the offender’s addictive disorder, along with the mandatory inpatient substance abuse treatment for four weeks, in addition to the outpatient treatment of up to 12 months; and Mandatory installation of IID on all vehicles driven by the offender. What are the Penalties for a Felony Fourth or Succeeding DUI/DWI Offense in Louisiana? Similar to a third-time DUI/DWI offense, the fourth or any subsequent DUI/DWI offense is classified as a felony in the state of Louisiana. However, these type of offenses carries harsher penalties than the third offense and includes: A $5,000 fine; A prison sentence of at least ten years and up to a maximum of 30 years; Probation sentence of up to 5 years; 320 mandatory community service; A mandatory substance abuse evaluation to determine the nature and extent of the offender’s addictive disorder; and A required substance abuse inpatient treatment for four weeks, plus up to 12 months of outpatient therapy. Are My DUI/DW Offenses from Another State Within Ten (10) Years Counted in Determining the Severity of My DUI/DWI Charge in Louisiana? Yes, other DUI/DWI violations committed in other states are considered in classifying the current DUI/DWI charge committed in Louisiana. For example, suppose you are convicted of two other DUI/DWI offenses in another state. In that case, the previous charges are considered, and you will be charged with a felony third DUI/DWI offense even if this is your first DUI/DWI charge in Louisiana. Thus, committing a DUI/DWI is an offense that has profound implications and penalties. Moreover, other factors including but not limited to previous DUI/DWI offenses in other states can negatively impact a DUI/DWI charge and penalties. Therefore, you must have the proper representation of an experienced criminal attorney to advocate for your interest in a DUI/DWI case. If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI/DWI offense in Louisiana, you should speak with us. Our firm has extensive knowledge and experience in DUI/DWI charges, and our attorneys can represent you on your DUI/DWI charges. Please feel free to give us a call at (225) 963-9638, or you can go to our website at  www.messerfirm.com to contact us and schedule a consultation.

Criminal Defense

Robbery Charges in Louisiana

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Robbery Charges In Louisiana Attorney Rusty Messer coming to you today from Baton Rouge Louisiana. Today we are going to talk about the four types of robbery in Louisiana. What Is A Robbery Charge In The State Of Louisiana? All Robbery Charges in Louisiana are crimes of violence and that is very important because being convicted of a crime of violence affects how you get good time credit and it also affects where you actually do your time. There Are Four Types Of Robbery Charges The First Type Is Simple Robbery Simple Robbery is the taking of something of value from another with the use of force or violence. The sentence for Simple Robbery is 0 to 7 years. The Second Type Is 1st Degree Robbery First Degree Robbery involves the taking of something from another with the use of force or violence when the person believes that you were armed with a dangerous weapon. You don’t have to actually be armed with a dangerous weapon. It matters if the person reasonably believes you are armed with the dangerous weapon. The sentence for First Degree Robbery is 3 to 40 years. The Next Is 2nd Degree Robbery Second Degree Robbery involves taking something from another when there is serious bodily injury to the victim. The sentence for Second Degree Robbery is also 3 to 40 years. The Last Type Is Armed Robbery Armed Robbery is the taking of something of value from another with the use of force or violence when you are armed with a dangerous weapon. Armed Robbery in Louisiana carries the sentence of 10 to 99 years but there is also an enhancement on Armed Robbery, if the weapon is a firearm, there is an additional 5 years sentence added to the sentence. If you or a loved one are accused of any robbery offense in Louisiana you should speak with an experienced criminal attorney. Please feel free to give us a call (225) 963-9638 or you can go to our website at www.messerfirm.com

Criminal Defense

Bench Warrants and Failure to Appear

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Bench Warrants And Failure To Appear If you’re arrested in Louisiana, you will most likely be entitled to have bail set in your case. You can be released from jail by posting a bond to secure the bail. In addition to posting a bond, you will need to provide an address that you can be served with court notices at. The address you provide when you bond out is presumed to be your address for service for all future court notices unless you change your address in writing with the court. If you’ve been given a traffic ticket or some other summons to appear at court, you also have to keep your address current with the court. If you miss your criminal court appearance in Louisiana, the court will likely issue a warrant for your arrest. This is commonly called a bench warrant because it’s issued by the judge while sitting at his desk in the courtroom, which is also known as the “bench”.  Missing court may also be called a “failure to appear” or “FTA” for short. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen someone in jail on a bench warrant whose reason for not coming to court was that he or she did not get notice because he or she moved. But under Louisiana law changing your address is not an excuse for missing court. The law requires that you also let the court know about your new address. You can update your address by filing a written declaration with the clerk of court for the parish your charges are pending in. Most clerks of court have a form for you to fill out to update your address. Another common reason I see people in jail for bench warrants is that they lost their notice and forgot the date. If you are present in court when the judge tells you about your next court date, the court does not have to give you any additional notice. Some courts will give you a written notice that day with your next court date and some will just tell you what the next date is. Either way, it is your job to remember what your next court date is and to be present on that date. If a court issues a bench warrant for you, there are a couple of different ways that the warrant can be cleared up. Only the judge that issued the warrant can recall the warrant. You or your attorney can contact the court to request that the warrant be recalled. Oftentimes, you will need to physically go to court to pay a warrant recall fee and get notice of your new court date. The court may waive the fee if you can show a good reason you were not in court. For example, if you missed court because you were sick, you should bring medical records with you to show that you actually were sick. Unfortunately, warrants are often cleared up by an arrest and serving time in jail. If you moved and did not update your address with the court, the notice of the warrant also went to the old address so you likely don’t even know about the warrant. It come as quite a shock to be out of town and get pulled over for a minor traffic violation only to be arrested and transported back to the parish where your case is pending. Failing to appear in court can also result in new criminal charges. Louisiana law defines jumping bail as the intentional failure to appear at the date, time, and place as ordered by the court before which the defendant’s case is pending. Under the law, the district attorney only needs to prove that you received notice of the court date, either at your address of record or in open court. If your original charge was a felony, then a charge for jumping bail would also be a felony. Dealing with bench warrants can be a hassle and can cost both time and money. You can avoid that hassle by keeping your address updated with the court, writing down and keeping track of your court dates, and appearing to court when you are scheduled to be there. If you need help getting a bench warrant recalled, or if you have other questions about a criminal case, call Big River Trial Attorneys at (225) 963-9638 for an appointment. An experienced criminal defense attorney will discuss your case with you to help you decide the best way to handle your situation.

Criminal Defense

Louisiana Criminal Case Deadlines

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Contact Us Louisiana Criminal Case Deadlines If you’re dealing with a criminal charge, you may be wondering why your case is taking so long and if there is anything that can be done to speed it up. If you’ve been charged with a crime in Louisiana, the law provides certain deadlines for your case. Local jails and District Attorneys often fail to comply with these deadlines which can unnecessarily delay your criminal case and can result in prolonged detention. While the law places the burden on the State to meet these deadlines, the defendant will usually need to be the one to let the court know if the State has missed one. Determination Of Cause For Arrest If you were arrested without a warrant, the arresting agency has 48 hours to bring you before a judge for an initial determination as to whether there was probable cause for your arrest. This is usually done by a judge or magistrate reviewing the initial arrest report. If the arresting agency fails to do this, you are supposed to be released on your own recognizance, commonly called a sign-out bond.  The State can still prosecute you on the charges. The court almost always finds that there was probable cause for your arrest. If you are charged with a felony, your attorney may be able to have a second hearing to see if there was probable cause to arrest you through what is known as a preliminary examination. In the rare occasion a court finds there was not probable cause for your arrest, the State can still come back and re-arrest you and submit additional evidence. Determination Of Attorney After you are arrested, you have to be brought before a judge within 72 hours for the purpose of determining if you are eligible for a court appointed attorney. The 72-hour period does not include Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays. In most parishes this is done over video and you are not actually brought into court. The court can also set or review your bail at this hearing. If the law enforcement agency holding you fails to bring you before a judge within 72 hours, you are supposed to be released on a sign-out bond. This does not mean your charges will be dismissed and does not affect the State’s ability to prosecute you. The 48-hour probable cause hearing and the 72-hour appointment of counsel hearing are often done at the same time. Setting Bail Everyone arrested in Louisiana is entitled to bail unless he or she is charged with certain domestic violence or family-based offenses and a court determines after a hearing that he or she is not entitled to bail. The amount of bail is in the discretion of the judge and can vary greatly. The judge is supposed to set bail based on your flight risk and whether you pose a danger to the community. The judge will usually consider the evidence against you based on the initial police report, any prior criminal history, and your ties to the community. You can still come back later and request a bond reduction but it usually requires filing a written motion in court. Beginning Formal Prosecution If you are arrested the police officer will list the crime he or she thinks you have committed, but what you formally get charged with will be determined by either the District Attorney or a Grand Jury, depending on the allegations. If you arrested for a misdemeanor and unable to post bond, the State has 45 days to formally charge you with a crime.  The State has 60 days to formally charge you with a felony unless the crime is punishable by death or life in prison without parole. Then, the state has 120 days to formally charge you. If you have bonded out, the State has 90 days to charge you with a misdemeanor and 150 days to charge you with a felony. If the State fails to comply with these timelines it does not mean that your charges will be dismissed. However, you may be able to have a hearing and get your bond obligation either cancelled or reduced. Arraignment Once the State formally charges you with a crime, it has 30 days to set you for an arraignment. You do not have to be arraigned within 30 days, but your arraignment has to be set. An arraignment is where the defendant will go to court and be advised of the charges against him or her and usually enter a plea of “not guilty” to the charges. Setting The Case For Trial Once you are arraigned on your charges, you are entitled to a speedy trial. The state has to bring you to trial with 120 days if you are accused of a felony and 30 days if you are accused of a misdemeanor and are still being held in custody. If you have bonded out, the State has 180 days to bring you to trial on a felony charge and 60 days to bring you to trial on a misdemeanor charge. The right to a speedy trial is not automatic and you have to file for a motion requesting a speedy trial. The motion has to be accompanied by an affidavit signed by you, and your attorney if you have one, stating you are ready to go to trial. If the State fails to bring you to trial within the required time it does not result in your charges being dismissed. It should result in you being relieved of any bail obligations. Formally Being Charged With A Crime Formal prosecution for a crime is began by the filing of a bill of information by a prosecutor or an indictment by a grand jury. If you are charged with a misdemeanor that is punishable by only a fine, the State has six months to begin prosecution of a crime. The State has two years to begin prosecution if you are charge with a misdemeanor that is

Criminal Defense

Steps in a Louisiana Criminal Case

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Steps In A Louisiana Criminal Case Being arrested and accused of a crime can be a scary and confusing experience. According to the Law Offices of Lonny Fish in Philadelphia, a Louisiana criminal court case can have multiple parts and it can be difficult to know what is happening at each stage of the case. While each case in unique, there are several common steps that you can expect in your case. Some criminal cases resolve very quickly and some drag on for months or even years. Some cases may have only one or two court appearances and other cases may require several court appearances. How long your case will take to resolve can depend on several things, such as the complexity of your case, the weight of the evidence against you, the availability of witnesses, and whether your case ends in a plea agreement or goes to trial. There can be strategic reasons to push a case to trial or to delay a case, and an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you decide which strategy is best for your case. This article will discuss the most common steps in a criminal case in a Louisiana state court and what to expect at each. ARREST A criminal proceeding usually begins with an arrest. When a police offer arrests you, the officer will charge you with the crime that he or she thinks you’ve committed. What you are formally accused with is up to the District Attorney for the parish that you are arrested in. Your actual criminal charges can be different from what you were arrested for. BAIL BOND Most people arrested in Louisiana are entitled to a have bail set. Bail is an amount of money or property the court will accept in order to allow someone to be released from jail while a case is pending. After a person is arrested, he or she has to be brought before a judge within 72 hours to determine if a public defender will be appointed. The court can also set a bail amount at the hearing. These hearings are often done from the jail through a video conference. Judges will often set bail before the video hearing by looking at what a person is charged with and his or her criminal background. BILL OF INFORMATION OR INDICTMENT Criminal prosecutions start in one of two ways – either by an indictment from a grand jury or by a bill of information filed by a prosecutor. If you’re charged with a crime punishable by death or life imprisonment, the charges have to be brought before a grand jury. A grand jury is a group of twelve people that the prosecutor presents evidence to and then asks them to charge someone with a crime. Other criminal prosecution can be brought by a bill of information, which is simply a piece of paper signed by a prosecutor. For most crimes, when a person is arrested and is unable to bond out of jail, an indictment or bill of information has to be filed within 45 days if he or she is charged with a misdemeanor and within 60 days if he or she is charged with a felony. The State has 120 days to get an indictment if the defendant is charged with a crime punishable by death or life imprisonment. If a person has posted a bond and is no longer in jail, the State has 90 days to charge him or her with a misdemeanor and 150 days to charge him or her with a felony. ARRAIGNMENT Once the indictment or bill of information is filed, the defendant should be arraigned within 30 days. At arraignment the defendant will be told what he or she is being charged with and will enter a plea to the charge. The defendant’s initial plea will almost always be “not guilty.” MOTIONS HEARING Once the initial plea is entered, the court will give the defendant fifteen days to file what are called pre-trial motions. There are several common pre-trial motions, and an attorney will be able to determine which ones need to be filed. The court will also set a date for those motions to be heard, which is usually 30 to 60 days after the arraignment date. It is not uncommon to have more than one date for motions in a criminal proceeding. STATUS CONFERENCES OR PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES At a status conference the court will meet with both sides to see how the case is moving along. Pre-trial conferences usually happen much closer to trial for the court and the parties to discuss any issues that need to be resolved before the case is ready for trial. These conferences often happen in court but sometimes will happen in the judge’s conference room. When they happen in the conference room, only the attorneys will be allowed to go back. GUILTY PLEA CUTOFF Some courts set a hearing for the defendant to come to court and either formally accept or reject any offer made by the State. After this date, any offer made by the State may no longer be available. TRIAL If the case does not get worked out in any of the earlier hearings, it will get set for a trial. Misdemeanors are tried before a judge in what is called a bench trial. If you are charged with a felony, you are entitled to a jury trial. The jury will consist of six or twelve people depending what you are charged with. APPEAL An appeal is a request to a higher court to review the judgment of a trial court. Anyone convicted of a felony has a right to an appeal. The appellate court will not reconsider all of the facts of the case but will review the proceedings at the trial court level to determine if everything was done properly. There is no right to appeal a misdemeanor conviction in Louisiana but a higher court will have discretion to review the

Criminal Defense

When Do Police Have to Turn Over Body Camera Footage?

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When Do Police Have To Turn Over Body Camera Footage? More and more police officers in Louisiana are wearing body cameras. While body cameras do a great job of assisting the police by capturing evidence of people up to no good, they also occasionally capture the actions of police officers abusing their power and violating the rights of others. While one might think that the information gathered by the police in an investigation would be public information, records of prosecutive, investigative, and enforcement agencies in Louisiana are largely exempt from disclosure. Louisiana Revised Statue 44:3 states what law enforcement officers can withhold and permits police to withhold production of records pertaining to pending criminal litigation or any criminal investigation that can reasonably be anticipated. Among the things that have to be made available are: (1) the initial report of the officer or officers investigating a complaint, (2) records of the booking of a person, (3) records of the issuance of a summons or citation, and (4) records of the filing of a bill of information. The statute also provides that video or audio recordings generated by law enforcement officer body-worn cameras have to be produced unless they are found by the agency in custody of the video to violate an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy. If any agency in custody of the video refuses to produce the audio or video information based on what it claims is a violation of someone’s privacy, the party seeking production of the video can file a motion in court for a judge to determine if the audio or video files should be produced. A party that successfully obtains the information after filing a motion in court may also be able to recover its costs, attorney fees, and any other damages he or she can prove. If you believe the police may have video evidence important to your case, call us today at (225) 963-9638 to schedule a consultation.

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