Violent Crimes

A violent crime is a serious accusation, and can carry the full weight of years behind bars, thousands of dollars in fines, or even stricter punishments. If you or a loved one have been accused of a violent crime, you could lose everything that matters to you, from your reputation to your job and your very freedom.

In Louisiana, such crimes are called “crimes of violence,” and the criminal code defines it as:

an offense that has, as an element, the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, and that, by its very nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense or an offense that involves the possession or use of a dangerous weapon. (LA RS 14:2)

If such an accusation has happened to you, you need an attorney to come to your defense and help you present your side of the facts. Here at Rozas, we believe that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and will fight for your rights in court. We can help you with most violent crime charges, but we specialize in the following.

The difference between murder and manslaughter, in essence, boils down to intent. While murder typically includes malice aforethought, manslaughter is defined as a homicide that would be a murder under the previous two statutes, but that’s committed “in sudden passion or heat of blood immediately caused by provocation sufficient to deprive an average person of his self-control and cool reflection,” or if a homicide is committed without any “intent to cause death or great bodily harm” (LA RS 14:31). Additionally, if a crime is being committed, and someone is killed on accident, their death will most likely be defined as manslaughter, since it wouldn't have happened if the crime had not been committed.

No matter the level, a homicide charge can be a permanent stain on your record, making it harder for you to get and keep work, own a firearm, and more. If you’re convicted, the penalties can range from jail time to the death penalty.

Don’t fight a homicide charge alone. Our attorneys at Rozas are experienced defense attorneys in all sorts of Louisiana homicide trials, and we’ll help the jury see your side of the story.