call for consultation
Louisiana is hard on violent crime. If you’re charged, you can expect to face harsh penalties based on the nature and severity of the alleged crime. Even misdemeanors can leave you facing harsh legal consequences. That’s why it’s highly recommended that you secure legal representation from a reliabale Harahan violent crime lawyer.
If you’re located in or around the River Parishes, look no further than Marino Law Firm, LLC to help with your case. Our dedicated Harahan criminal defense lawyers bring over five decades of criminal defense experience to the table, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you. No matter the scope of the charges against you, you can count on us to see you through your case.
Violent crime is a prominent issue across the state of Louisiana. There were 23,900 violent incidents reported across the state in 2024 alone. In recent years, the state’s violent crime rate has been higher than the U.S. average. Understanding when criminal activity is highest in Louisiana can help provide context to the environment in which these charges are often brought and prosecuted.
Louisiana’s violent crime laws cover a wide range of criminal acts. Violent crimes are defined as crimes that involve the use, attempted use, or threatened use of force against a person or their property.
Common types of violent crime cases that our criminal defense attorneys have handled in the past include:
You can expect to face serious violent crime penalties for any type of charge. Louisiana prosecutes violent crimes harshly.
As of the start of 2026, there were 30,255 inmates incarcerated by the Louisiana Department of Corrections, and 14 percent were sentenced for life. The penalties you face for a violent crime ultimately hinge on the nature and severity of the act. Common violent crime penalties include fines and incarceration with or without hard labor. What factors can influence the escalation of a criminal charge, such as the use of a weapon or the identity of the victim, are elements the prosecution will use to push for maximum sentencing.
Offenders can be sentenced to life in prison in some cases. For the most serious crimes, offenders may be sentenced to death. It’s possible to have criminal charges reduced or dropped altogether, but it requires a strong defensive strategy. A Harahan violent crime attorney can open their own investigation and work with you to defend against your charges.
Louisiana’s criminal justice system can be complicated to navigate, especially if you’re trying to represent yourself. It’s highly recommended that you reach out to a local criminal defense team you can trust to help you understand your rights and legal options.
Since 1986, Marino Law Firm, LLC has been helping Louisianans through complex criminal cases. Our firm is led by a father-son team that brings over 50 years of combined experience to the table. Attorneys Mark A. Marino and Orrin Marino are proud to represent our clients in Louisiana, offering sound legal counsel and aggressive advocacy at every turn.
As a local law firm, we’re comfortable handling criminal cases for a wide array of violent crimes through the 24th Judicial District Court in Jefferson Parish. We know what to expect from prosecutors, judges, and juries, and we can use this knowledge to guide your legal strategy.
Violent crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies under Louisiana law. That said, crimes of violence are often charged as felonies, carrying prison sentences at hard labor or even death in serious cases.
Some violent criminal acts may be charged as a misdemeanor instead, but this is typically limited to certain offenses involving limited physical force or simply the threat of physical force. Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or a felony can determine the violent crime penalties you face.
Yes, you can avoid jail time for a violent crime in Harahan even if you’re convicted. That said, it can be difficult to do so, especially if you’re representing yourself. It’s recommended that you hire a violent crime lawyer to help you through your case.
It’s easier to avoid a prison sentence for first-time offenders, but even they aren’t guaranteed an alternative sentence. You can typically achieve this through specific plea deals or suspended sentences.
What defenses you can use in a violent crime case in Harahan ultimately depends on the details of the charges against you. You must form your defense based on the unique facts of your case. A Harahan violent crime attorney can help you form your strategy.
Common defenses used in violent crime cases include:
You can also challenge the legality of the arrest.
Yes, you can have a violent crime charge expunged from your record in Harahan, especially if you’re not officially convicted. Under Louisiana law, you can file to expunge criminal charges right away without a conviction.
If convicted, it can be much more difficult to have your record expunged. Violent felonies typically are not eligible for expungement. Some violent misdemeanors may be expunged, but it’s going to require work on your end.
Facing charges for a violent crime is serious. A charge alone can impact your life, and a conviction only makes things worse. While you can represent yourself in a criminal case in Louisiana, it’s highly recommended that you hire a violent crime lawyer to represent you instead. Residents in Harahan and throughout the Marino Law Firm, LLC
Our attorneys are familiar with navigating legal procedures through the 24th Judicial District Court in Jefferson Parish. No matter how far things escalate, you can count on us to be there to help you through your case. If you’re ready to learn more, come visit us at our office in Destrehan. We’re located on Campus Drive East near I-310. Contact the office to schedule an appointment with a member of our team today.
Marino Law Firm, LLC, represents clients throughout southeast Louisiana’s river parishes. During regular business hours, call our Destrehan, Louisiana, office-toll free at 985-764-1515 with any urgent matters, including updates to an existing case. Our staff is available to take messages, schedule appointments and answer question about nonlegal matters. Contact us to arrange a consultation with an experienced Destrehan family law attorney and criminal defense lawyer.
call for consultation 985-764-1515
104 Campus Drive East
Suite 101
Destrehan, LA 70047
© 2026 Marino Law Firm, LLC• All Rights Reserved. *Images are obtained under license from Canva and other third-party stock image providers, with attribution included where required. Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy. Digital Marketing By: 
