If you have been charged with a felony and have committed crimes in the past, you might be interested to learn how prior convictions influence your Louisiana felony charge. You should keep in mind that even if prior convictions do not play a negative part in determining whether you are guilty or deserving of a penalty, prior convictions on your record will certainly not help you in the process. Keep reading to learn more about how prior convictions influence your Louisiana felony charge.
What Is the Definition of a Felony Charge in Louisiana?
A felony is understood to be a more serious charge than a misdemeanor in Louisiana. This means that although a misdemeanor carries a fine of less than $1,000 and a punishment of less than a year in a county or local jail, a felony has a more serious punishment. Being convicted of a felony will often result in at least one year in a state jail and usually comes with a fine of more than $1,000.
Felony charges can include many offenses, such as:
- Armed robbery,
- Burglary,
- Manslaughter,
- Drug trafficking,
- Theft over $500,
- A third DUI conviction, or
- Aggravated assault.
In general, you can think of felonies as crimes that are committed against another individual.
The Affect of Prior Convictions
If you want to know how you will be treated in court because of prior convictions, know that you will probably be facing a higher penalty and more jail time. If you can, try getting your prior cases expunged from your records, whether they are paper or electronic files. Ask a lawyer for help with this matter, which is covered in Louisiana Law under LSA-R.S. 44:9.
Getting Help
The first thing you should do when you are convicted of a felony is to try to find an experienced criminal attorney. You don’t want to go this route alone, especially if you have prior convictions on your criminal record. Your attorney will be able to help you consider whether you can work around prior charges and prove that there is not a pattern of disrespectful and criminal behavior. They will also guide you to more information and help you build a case that is fair and just. By working with an attorney, you will learn how prior convictions influence your Louisiana felony charge, will get sound advice, and if you find an attorney soon enough, you might face lower penalties and milder punishments if your attorney can arrange a deal or prove your innocence.
