Misdemeanors

In Louisiana, misdemeanors are crimes that are punishable by up to one year in parish or local jail, carry a fine up to one thousand dollars, or both. Misdemeanors are any crime other than a felony. In other words, a misdemeanor crime in Louisiana is any crime that does not carry a sentence of hard labor, death, jail time for one-year or longer, or a fine of $1,000 or more. Some of those crimes include:

Possession of Drug paraphernalia
Possession of Marijuana (simple) DWI / DUI (first and second offense)
Disturbing the peace by appearing in public in an intoxicated condition
Disturbing the Peace by fighting
Underage Drinking
Resisting Arrest
Open Container
Assault Simple
Battery
Battery of a law enforcement officer
Resisting an Officer with force
Simple criminal damage to property
Theft and attempted theft, theft of goods
Traffic charges

Although misdemeanor charges seem minor, the penalties of up to one (1) year in the parish jail and up to a $1000 fine can be significant, and the personal and professional consequences can be severe. A conviction for a misdemeanor means that you have a criminal record, which will appear on every background check performed by a potential employer or landlord. The conviction becomes public record that anyone can search and see. You need an experienced attorney that will focus on fighting the charges and making sure it impacts your life in the smallest way possible.

Call Janet M. Perrodin for a free evaluation.