Shreveport Misdemeanor Defense Attorney

Many people make the mistake of assuming a misdemeanor charge is not serious enough to warrant hiring an attorney. That assumption can be costly. While misdemeanors carry lighter penalties than felonies, a misdemeanor conviction still creates a permanent criminal record that will appear on background checks, affect your employment prospects, and follow you for years — sometimes for the rest of your life. In some cases, a misdemeanor conviction can also be the stepping stone to a felony if you face future charges.

If you are facing misdemeanor charges in Shreveport, Bossier City, or anywhere in Northwest Louisiana, I encourage you to take the charge seriously and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney before making any decisions about how to proceed.

Common Misdemeanor Charges In Louisiana

Most misdemeanors in Louisiana are crimes punishable by up to six months in a parish jail. There are other Louisiana misdemeanors that carry more than six months. Common misdemeanor charges I defend clients against in Shreveport and Bossier City include:

• Simple battery and simple assault
• First offense DWI
• Simple possession of marijuana or other controlled substances
• Petty theft and shoplifting under $1,000
• Criminal trespass
• Simple criminal damage to property
• Disturbing the peace
• Illegal carrying of a weapon — first offense in some circumstances
• Resisting an officer
• Harassment and cyberstalking

Even at the misdemeanor level, these charges carry real consequences including jail time, fines, community service, probation, and a permanent mark on your record.

Penalties For Misdemeanor Convictions In Louisiana

Louisiana misdemeanor penalties vary depending on the specific charge and any prior criminal history. In general:

• Fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 or more depending on the offense
• Jail time up to six months for simple misdemeanors and up to two years for more serious misdemeanor offenses
• Probation in lieu of or in addition to jail time
• Community service requirements
• Mandatory classes such as substance abuse treatment or anger management
• A permanent criminal record that appears on background checks

For certain misdemeanors, particularly those involving domestic violence or weapons, a conviction can also affect your right to own a firearm. And if you are facing a second or subsequent offense misdemeanor of the same type, prosecutors may seek to enhance the charge to a felony. This is particularly common in DWI cases, where a second offense carries significantly increased penalties.

Why You Should Never Plead Guilty To A Misdemeanor Without An Attorney

One of the most common mistakes I see is people pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges without consulting an attorney first — often because they believe the charge is minor or they just want the situation to go away quickly and with minimal cost. The problem is that a guilty plea creates a permanent conviction on your record that cannot easily be undone. In many misdemeanor cases, an experienced attorney can negotiate a reduction in charges, a dismissal, or an alternative resolution that avoids a conviction entirely. You will never know what options are available to you unless you speak with an attorney first.

How I Defend Misdemeanor Charges

I approach every misdemeanor case with the same thoroughness and commitment I bring to felony defense. I review the evidence, examine whether proper procedures were followed, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. In many cases I am able to negotiate with prosecutors to have charges reduced or dismissed, particularly for first-time offenders. When a case goes to trial, I am a skilled and experienced courtroom litigator who knows how to fight for my clients.

Your Future Deserves a Powerful Defense

Speak With Us Today 318-990-1089

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Serving Shreveport, Bossier City, And Northwest Louisiana

I represent clients facing misdemeanor charges throughout Caddo Parish, Bossier Parish, Lincoln Parish, Webster Parish, Jackson Parish, Vernon Parish, and Natchitoches Parish. Whether your case is being heard in Shreveport, Bossier City, or a surrounding parish court, I am ready to help.

Contact A.J. Hodges, IV About Your Misdemeanor Charge

Call 318-990-1089 to reach my Shreveport office. You can also contact me online. Even if you think the charge is minor, speak with me before making any decisions.