Lake Charles Criminal Defense Lawyer

Lake Charles Criminal Defense Attorney

A criminal arrest or charge can feel hopeless, but there are options, and an arrest does not mean you will be convicted. You don’t have to face this stressful situation alone. When you work with a fierce and compassionate Lake Charles criminal defense lawyer, you can protect your rights and obtain the optimal outcome for your case.

The right Lake Charles criminal defense attorney can help you mitigate or even eliminate the criminal penalties you face, possibly avoiding jail time and substantial fines.

McHale Law Firm: Empathetic and Effective Criminal Defense

Michael McHale has over 30 years of experience helping people in Southwest Louisiana communities. McHale Law Firm has spent more than 60 years helping families and individuals in their legal cases. Our firm is well-versed in criminal defense law and provides an aggressive and diligent defense for those accused of crimes.

At McHale Law Firm, we focus on involving you in the criminal defense process, so that you always know what is going on with your case and what to expect. We help you remain fully informed about your future. Our firm understands the stress of navigating the criminal justice system, and we provide you with vigorous defense and decades of experience to fight for the most beneficial outcome.

Our Criminal Law Case Experience

At McHale Law Firm, we defend you against misdemeanor or felony charges and have represented clients in both state and federal courts. Our firm has experience in some of the following criminal defense cases:

• The severity of the charges for a theft offense depends on the value of the stolen property. When the theft is of $1,000 or less, penalties include up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. When the theft is $25,000 or more, penalties can include up to 20 years in prison and up to $50,000 in fines. However, these penalties may vary in different jurisdictions. Theft of certain items or property can bring different charges, like theft of a firearm or theft of a motor vehicle. Theft offenses also include burglary.

• Drug offenses. Drug offenses include drug possession, distribution, possession with intent to distribute, and trafficking. You can be charged with trafficking if you have possession of a significant amount of a controlled substance. Most drug offenses are harshly penalized as felonies. An arrest does not mean conviction, and our attorneys can fight in your defense.

• Drunk driving. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) offenses can have very serious penalties, even for a first offense. This includes jail or prison time, significant fines, the loss of your license, and other serious limitations. Thirty-one percent of crashes were alcohol-related in the state in 2022. These cases have both criminal and administrative proceedings, and it is important you work with our firm for tireless and dedicated support.

• White-collar crimes. These financial crimes include bribery, extortion, money laundering, embezzlement, and many types of fraud. In addition to significant criminal consequences, these offenses can also include civil claims for damages. Legal support is crucial, especially since many white-collar crimes are filed in federal courts.

• Violent offenses. The violent crime rate in Lake Charles is 1 per 1,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 164 in the city, which is higher than the 1 in 182 chance in the state. Violent crimes include assault and aggravated assault, battery and aggravated battery, kidnapping, armed robbery, and homicide. You need a fierce legal advocate who will fight against these offenses.

• Federal crimes. Offenses charged in federal courts are different than those charged in state courts. Federal prosecutors have more resources, and the consequences of conviction can be much harsher. It is important that you work with a defense attorney who has experience in federal courts, as these cases are more complex.

At McHale Law Firm, we aggressively protect your interests throughout the entire case.

Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish are served by the 14th Judicial District Court (JDC), which handles civil and criminal matters in the parish. The 14th JDC Courthouse is located at 1001 Lakeshore Drive.

FAQs

Q: When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: You should hire a criminal defense lawyer if you are being charged with a criminal offense, have been arrested, or believe you are being investigated for an offense. If you are questioned or interviewed by law enforcement, you may be under investigation and should get a criminal defense lawyer. You should hire the attorney sooner rather than later, as it gives your attorney more time to investigate and craft your defense.

Q: How Do I Talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

A: When talking to a criminal defense lawyer, you want to be straightforward and detailed in your discussion of the offense you are being charged with, the facts of your arrest, or other specifics. When you work with a criminal defense lawyer, it is important that you hire an attorney you feel comfortable with and feel that you can discuss your entire case with. Your lawyer can also help you understand how much they need to know to defend your rights.

Q: What Is the Optimal Defense in a Criminal Case?

A: There is no one optimal defense for a criminal case, because the ideal defense will depend on the charges you face, the circumstances of your arrest, the evidence against you, and other factors. A defense could include self-defense, failure to meet the burden of proof, or an alibi and innocence defense. Discussing with a knowledgeable defense attorney helps determine the right defense for your case.

Schedule a Consultation With McHale Law Firm

You deserve effective and experienced legal representation for your criminal defense case in Lake Charles. With decades of experience handling cases with care and dedication, McHale Law Firm can help you protect your future. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can fiercely defend you. Let us help you today to protect your tomorrow