Harahan Assault Defense Lawyer

Best Assault Defense Attorney in Harahan, LA

Key Takeaways:

• Understand how assault can be prosecuted in Louisiana.
• The difference between assault, aggravated assault, and battery.
• Your Constitutional rights when you are arrested and charged with assault.
• Why you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer representing you.

“Assault” is a widely misunderstood criminal offense that can be prosecuted in various ways. If you are charged with any form of assault, it is important to remember that you could face severe penalties even if you never made physical contact with the alleged victim. An assault conviction of any kind can be extremely damaging to your future in several ways, and it’s vital that you speak with a Harahan assault defense lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

Focused on
Results That
Matter

Schedule a Consultation

Experienced Assault Defense Counsel in Harahan, LA 

The father-son team of Mark Marino and Orrin Marino at Marino Law Firm, LLC has more than 50 combined years of experience defending clients in Harahan and throughout Jefferson Parish from a wide range of criminal charges, including the various forms of assault. An arrest can be life-changing in many ways, and it is crucial that you remember your rights and the value of experienced criminal defense counsel in this situation. 

Louisiana has a relatively high crime rate. In 2024, there were 520 violent crimes per 100,000 people and 2,296 property crimes per 100,000 people. Compared to the national average in 2024, Louisiana’s violent crime rate was 44.8% higher. Assault is one of the most commonly prosecuted violent crimes in the state, and this crime can be prosecuted in various ways: 

• Simple assault occurs when one person threatens another person with imminent harm. For their behavior to qualify as assault, they must present an immediate threat and cause the alleged victim to fear for their safety.
  
• Aggravated assault occurs when one person threatens someone else with imminent harm while they are in possession of a deadly weapon.
  
• An aggravated assault charge may incur harsher penalties if the defendant used a firearm to threaten the victim and/or discharged a firearm out of a moving vehicle (commonly known as a drive-by shooting).

Assault charges may also be escalated when the defendant commits any type of assault within their family or household, which can lead to domestic violence charges, or assault against a peace officer or other government employee. It is important to remember that assault does not require physical contact. Once a defendant makes physical contact, the offense qualifies as “battery,” and penalties typically depend on the extent of the harm done to the victim. 

Building a Defense Against Assault Charges in Harahan

In every criminal case, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant committed the offense in question and is guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt”. This is a very high standard of proof, and it is your Harahan assault defense lawyer’s job to prevent the prosecution from meeting it. Remember, when you are arrested, remain silent until you can speak with an attorney. Hire an assault defense lawyer right away so they can start working on your case immediately. 

Marino Law Firm, LLC has the skills and experience you want on your side when you have been charged with any type of assault offense in Harahan. We are confident we can help you prove your innocence if you have been wrongfully accused, and if you did commit an assault, we may be able to help you secure a lighter penalty. Reach out to our team as soon as possible to learn how a Harahan assault defense attorney can help. 

FAQs

What Are the Penalties for Assault in Harahan?

The penalties for assault in Harahan depend on whether the defendant is charged at the misdemeanor or felony level and whether there are any aggravating factors present in the case. For example, the penalties for simple assault could include fines and jail time at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, while the penalties for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon could include much harsher fines and prison time with hard labor at Louisiana State Penitentiary. 

How Do You Prove an Assault Charge Is Wrongful? 

To prove that an assault charge is wrongful, your attorney will need to prove that your actions did not meet the legal definition of an assault, that you took the actions in question out of a legitimate need to defend yourself, or that you have simply been falsely accused of a crime you did not commit. A Harahan assault defense lawyer will know what evidence you will need to prove your innocence when facing these charges. 

What Is Plea Bargaining in an Assault Case? 

In an assault case, plea bargaining could be an avenue for the defendant to avoid harsh penalties, but it is not always offered by the prosecution. A prosecutor could offer a plea bargain if they are unsure whether they can secure a conviction, if they are certain they can secure a conviction but wish to conserve court resources, or if the defendant is facing their first charge and the court is considering leniency. Your attorney can explain what this means for your case. 

Why Should I Hire an Assault Defense Lawyer in Harahan? 

You should hire an assault defense lawyer in Harahan to have a better chance of avoiding the harshest penalties if you committed the offense, or to have a better chance of proving your innocence if you have been falsely accused of an assault you did not commit. As soon as you are able to make your phone calls after your arrest, reach out to a Harahan assault defense lawyer to discuss your case. 

What Does it Cost to Hire an Assault Defense Lawyer in Harahan? 

The cost to hire an assault defense lawyer in Harahan largely depends on how much time your attorney must spend working on your case. Most criminal defense lawyers charge hourly rates and track how much time they spend working on each case. Make sure you fully understand your attorney’s billing policy so you know what to expect with your legal fees. 

The team at Marino Law Firm, LLC has years of proven experience defending clients in Harahan and surrounding communities of Jefferson Parish from all types of criminal charges, including the many forms of assault. If you are charged with any type of assault offense, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with an experienced Harahan assault defense lawyer.