When police officers notice someone who might be drunk at the wheel, they typically conduct a traffic stop. Pulling someone over allows a police officer to gather evidence and more effectively analyze the situation. An officer often begins by asking questions about someone’s conduct before the traffic stop. They may then move on to field sobriety testing if someone admitted to drinking or if their responses to questions seem untruthful. Field sobriety tests in theory allow officers to gauge chemical impairment. How reliable are field sobriety tests as a means of evaluating someone’s impairment ..read more

Many drugs are either illegal or subject to strict medical oversight in Louisiana. Many of those rules align with federal law. Substances that the federal government prohibits are also illegal in Louisiana in most cases. People get arrested in Louisiana for drug crimes every day, and many people find that those charges can alter the course of their lives. The three drug crime statistics below illustrate some of the most pressing concerns driving drug-related arrests in the state right now. Louisiana has big substance abuse issues Statistically, Louisiana is one of the worst states in the count ..read more

An arrest conducted by Louisiana police officers can lead to a host of different outcomes. Sometimes, police officers arrest someone and then identify another party as the individual at fault for a criminal incident. Other times, prosecutors may determine that there isn’t enough evidence to bring any significant charges against that person. Many times, prosecutors might look at the evidence and try to bring the most severe charges possible. Sometimes, this habit involves bringing multiple different charges against someone. Other times, Louisiana prosecutors simply attempt to pursue the harshes ..read more

Child custody battles are often complex and emotionally charged, with various legal concerns influencing the final decision. In Louisiana, one factor that can significantly impact a child custody arrangement is the issuance of a protective order. A protective order is a legal directive issued by a court to safeguard an individual from harm or harassment. These orders may be sought to help ensure the safety and well-being of the child involved. Their primary purpose is to prevent contact or proximity between the parties involved in the custody dispute, especially if there are allegations of dom ..read more

Thousands of Louisiana residents every year get arrested for criminal infractions. The vast majority of those charged with criminal offenses in Louisiana decide to plead guilty instead of taking their case to trial. Those convicted at trial and those who plead guilty face numerous challenges in the future, not the least of which are the limitations generated by a criminal record. Some people with Louisiana criminal records may be eligible for an expungement. Expungement or record sealing proceedings allow those previously convicted of a criminal offense to remove the public record of their con ..read more

The reality is that the consequences of a criminal charge on your record can extend far beyond legal penalties. The repercussions of such an event can echo throughout various aspects of your life, affecting everything from your career prospects to your personal relationships. Considering the intricate ways that a criminal charge can impact your daily life can empower you to brainstorm steps you can take to mitigate its repercussions. The job search struggle One of the most immediate and profound effects of having a criminal charge on your record is the difficulty it can pose when seeking a sou ..read more

For some people, getting arrested is a powerful wake-up call. They recognize that they need to make some changes to their lifestyles if they want to benefit from a bright future. Prosecution can prompt some people to seek substance abuse treatment, enter counseling to deal with anger issues or commit to developing a better career. However, not everyone accused of criminal activity makes changes immediately after their first criminal conviction. This happens for a variety of reasons because everyone’s life experience is unique. Recidivism is a very serious issue in the criminal justice world. S ..read more

Marital relationships are intimate and private, which means that every household dynamic is unique. Couples experience a variety of different experiences that may bond them with each other or disrupt their relationship. Couples have infinite different reasons why they may get married and plenty of other reasons why they may decide to file for divorce. Of course, there are still trends in divorce filings that can help those contemplating divorce evaluate whether their situation justifies taking legal action. What are the most common reasons for people to divorce in Louisiana? Most divorces are ..read more

The idea of divorce makes many people anxious even if they feel like their marriage is no longer serving their interests. People frequently worry about what will become of their relationships and their finances if they move forward with a divorce filing. Almost everyone has heard some terrible story about an individual deprived of their most valuable resources and struggling to rebuild financially for years after a divorce. Yet, when individuals understand the Louisiana approach to property division, they may feel more confident about changing their marital status and moving on from a relation ..read more

The specific criminal charges that someone accused of a statutory violation in Louisiana might face depend on multiple variables. Prosecutors will base the charges they pursue on what they believe they can prove in court. The discretion of public officials doesn’t end there. There are certain factors that could lead to more serious criminal charges and (potentially) more significant penalties. The following concerns tend to influence how the courts handle someone’s case. Their prior criminal record One of the most important factors that can lead to the escalation of criminal charges and penalt ..read more