Louisiana criminal defense

Louisiana Criminal Defense

Facing a Louisiana criminal defense case is serious — and the outcome depends heavily on who’s in your corner. At Ambeau Law Firm, we combine compassion for our clients with an aggressive posture against the State or Government. Our attorneys are well-versed in criminal law including DUI, drug offenses, and violent crimes. We listen carefully, tailor our strategy to your facts, and use our deep knowledge of Louisiana laws and court rules to fight for the best possible result.

A team led by our seasoned trial attorney and owner, Mr. Jarrett P. Ambeau. The team is supported by experienced attorneys. These include Ryan Volo, our partner. The attorneys also include Kylon Brown. Additionally, we have Adam Verret (of counsel to the firm), who leads our family law department.

Our law firm brings experienced and aggressive representation. We offer both in-person and online appointments for your Louisiana criminal defense and family law needs — because access to quality legal help should never be limited by location or circumstance.

Our team is known for its:

  • Extensive courtroom experience
  • Personalized client-focused strategies
  • Deep understanding of Louisiana’s criminal defense laws and procedures
  • Aggressive trial advocacy and skilled negotiation

Types of Cases We Handle in Louisiana

Louisiana’s judicial system is notoriously unforgiving, particularly regarding criminal prosecution. Without help from a skilled legal team, you could face serious, life-changing results. You may even face time in prison. At The Ambeau Law Firm, we offer defense services for a wide range of criminal cases. From serious felony defense—murder, sex crimes, assault, fraud, internet crimes, theft, and white collar crime—nothing is too hard.We fight for you.From misdemeanor DWI defense to student infractions and disciplinary action, nothing is too small.We defend your future.

Why Choose the Ambeau Law Firm as Your Attorney in Louisiana?

If you are facing criminal charges, the outcome of your case can affect every part of your future — your freedom, your reputation, your family, and your career. In those moments, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a trial attorney who is aggressive in court, prepared for battle, and grounded in a deep understanding of Louisiana’s criminal statutes (Title 14) and forensic evidence.

At The Ambeau Law Firm, we believe every case deserves a strategic defense built on preparation, investigation, and relentless advocacy. Prosecutors build cases to win convictions. Our job is to challenge the evidence, expose weaknesses, and fight for the best possible outcome for our clients.

An experienced defense attorney can shape how your case is presented to the judge and jury. The right strategy, the right cross-examination, and the right command of the facts can change the direction of a case — and, in many situations, change a person’s life.

Here are just a few reasons clients across Louisiana choose The Ambeau Law Firm. When you are ready, schedule a consultation with our Baton Rouge criminal defense team.

  • We have a combined 40 years of criminal justice experience and have been defending clients since 2009.
  • The Ambeau Law Firm is regularly recognized among the top rated criminal defense law firms in the state of Louisiana
  • We like to dive into the cases that are represented by our team. We are known for our in-depth case analysis and tireless advocacy
  • We established our reputation by taking difficult cases and achieving reasonable outcomes with hard work and determination
  • We give you personalized legal strategies tailored to the unique facts of your case

Frequently Asked Questions

Criminal Defense in Louisiana

Facing a criminal charge in Louisiana is frightening, and the questions come fast. Below are straight answers to what people ask us most. Every case is different, so treat these as a starting point — not legal advice for your specific situation.

I was arrested. What should I do first?
Stay calm and say as little as possible. You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer — use both. Politely decline to answer questions about what happened until you have an attorney present, and do not try to “explain your way out of it.” Police are allowed to mislead you during questioning, and well-meaning statements often do more harm than the original charge. Do not consent to searches, do not post about your case on social media, and call a defense attorney as soon as you are able. The earlier a lawyer is involved, the more options you tend to have.
What’s the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the dividing line is the possible punishment. A felony is any offense that can be punished by death or imprisonment at hard labor. A misdemeanor is anything else — typically punishable by a fine, by jail time without hard labor, or both. The distinction matters well beyond the sentence. Felony convictions carry long-term consequences for voting, firearm rights, professional licensing, and employment. That is why even a “lesser” felony charge deserves serious defense attention from the start.
Do all jurors have to agree to convict me?
Yes. For serious felony cases tried before a jury, the verdict must be unanimous. The U.S. Supreme Court confirmed this in Ramos v. Louisiana (2020), ending Louisiana’s old practice of allowing split 10–2 or 11–1 convictions. Offenses where punishment is necessarily confinement at hard labor are tried before a twelve-person jury, and all twelve must agree to convict. Certain lesser offenses are tried before a six-person jury, where again all six must agree. A single juror’s reasonable doubt can prevent a conviction.
Should I just take the plea deal the prosecutor is offering?
Not without advice. A plea offer can sometimes be the right outcome — but it is the prosecutor’s opening position, made before your lawyer has tested the State’s evidence. Plea offers frequently improve once the defense investigates, files motions, and exposes weaknesses in the case. A guilty plea is a conviction with lasting consequences. Before you accept anything, have a defense attorney review the evidence, the strength of the charges, and the collateral effects on your record, your job, and your rights.
Can the police search my car, home, or phone without a warrant?
Usually they need a warrant or your consent — but there are exceptions, and the rules are technical. Officers may search in certain situations such as a lawful arrest, plain view of contraband, or genuine emergencies. Vehicles have somewhat looser rules than homes, and phones generally receive strong protection. If a search was unlawful, the evidence it produced may be suppressed — kept out of your case entirely. Whether that applies to you depends on the specific facts, which is exactly the kind of issue a defense attorney examines early.
How has parole changed in Louisiana recently?
Significantly. Under reforms enacted in 2024, parole eligibility was eliminated for most adult offenders for crimes committed on or after August 1, 2024. The amount of sentence that can be reduced through “good time” credit was also sharply limited, meaning many people now serve a much larger share of their sentence. Because the rules depend heavily on the offense and the date it occurred, the consequences of a conviction today can be very different from a few years ago. An attorney can explain how the current law applies to your particular charge.
What happens at an arraignment?
An arraignment is an early court appearance where you are formally told the charges against you and asked to enter a plea — typically “not guilty” at this stage. It is not a trial, and it is not the moment to argue your case. Entering “not guilty” preserves all of your rights and gives your defense team time to obtain discovery, investigate, and build your strategy. Having counsel at or before arraignment helps ensure deadlines and bond issues are handled correctly from day one.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?
It depends on the seriousness of the charge, the complexity of the facts, and how far the case is likely to go. A misdemeanor resolved early costs far less than a felony that proceeds to trial with expert witnesses. What matters most is value, not just price: skilled early representation can mean reduced or dismissed charges, avoided jail time, and a protected record — outcomes that are worth far more than the fee. We discuss fees openly and clearly at the consultation so there are no surprises.
Will a conviction stay on my record forever? Can it be expunged?
Some Louisiana records can be expunged or sealed, but eligibility depends on the offense, the outcome, and how much time has passed. Certain dismissals and arrests that did not lead to conviction may be eligible sooner, while some serious offenses cannot be expunged at all. Because the waiting periods and eligibility rules are specific, the best approach is to have an attorney review your record and tell you precisely what relief, if any, is available to you.
Do I really need a lawyer for a “minor” charge like a first DWI?
Yes — “minor” is misleading. Even a first-offense DWI in Louisiana can carry fines, license suspension, mandatory programs, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for jobs and insurance. Charges that feel small at the courthouse can have outsized effects on your life. An attorney can challenge the traffic stop, the testing procedures, and the evidence, and may be able to reduce or resolve the charge in ways that protect your record and your driving privileges.
What makes The Ambeau Law Firm different?
We are trial lawyers first. Our lead attorney has tried more than sixty felony jury trials to verdict and brings a graduate-level background in forensic DNA and serology to cases where the science actually matters. Prosecutors negotiate differently when they know a firm is genuinely prepared to go to trial. We defend clients throughout Baton Rouge and across Louisiana, and we treat every case as if it is headed for a jury — because the best plea outcomes come from the cases you are ready to try.

Have a question that isn’t answered here? Talk to us directly. Schedule a confidential consultation →

The information above is general and for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Louisiana criminal law changes, and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney.

Service Across Louisiana

We represent clients throughout the state. Explore all the Louisiana parishes and locations we serve.

Ascension, Assumption, and St James Parishes

The 23rd Judicial District Court is the Ambeau Law Firm’s home turf. We have tried more than 40 jury trials there. We have the experience here to make a difference.

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Baton Rouge

The 19th Judicial District Court is familiar territory for Ryan Volo and Kylon Brown. Both previously worked as prosecutors in the DA’s office in Baton Rouge. We are the right attorneys to handle your Baton Rouge Criminal Defense case.

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Livingston, Tangipahoa, St. Helena Parishes

The 21st Judicial District Court has been another area near Baton Rouge where we have practiced for many years. We are familiar with the Courts, Law Enforcement and the DA’s in this district, and will bring the fight as necessary.

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West Baton Rouge, Iberville, and Pointe Coupee Parishes

The 18th Judicial District Court sits across the river from Baton Rouge. It has unique demographics that shape jury selection and case strategy. We have extensive experience here to assist you in navigating this unique criminal defense terrain.

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West Feliciana and East Feliciana Parishes

The 20th Judicial District Court is rural and quiet. This area needs a different kind of representation to get great results. Hire someone who knows the landscape and the people here. The Ambeau Law Firm is ready to fight for you in the Felicianas.

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South Louisiana

Acadiana and the river parishes are among the areas that we regularly practice in and around. Hard working people and rural thinking dominate these areas South and West of Baton Rouge. We understand Louisiana and her people, and we bring extensive trial and forensic science experience to the table.

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