Facing charges for a violent crime in Lake Charles, Louisiana, represents the most severe legal
challenge one can encounter. The penalties for these offenses are among the harshest in the state,
often involving mandatory minimum prison sentences, life imprisonment, and substantial fines.
If you or a loved one has been accused of a violent crime, you need an exceptionally skilled and
aggressive legal defense immediately.
At The Colonna Law Firm, LLC, our dedicated Lake Charles Criminal Defense Attorney,
Jacob Colonna, understands the immense stakes involved in violent crime cases. We are
committed to building a powerful defense, protecting your constitutional rights, and fighting
relentlessly for your freedom and future. Your freedom is our paramount concern.
What are “Crimes of Violence” in Louisiana?
Louisiana law specifically defines a “Crime of Violence” (La. R.S. 14:2(B)) as an offense that
involves the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against a person or property,
and that, by its very nature, poses a substantial risk that such force may be used. These crimes
carry severe implications, impacting eligibility for probation, parole, and the ability to have
convictions expunged.
The list of “Crimes of Violence” in Louisiana is extensive and includes, but is not limited to, the
following categories we defend against:
Types of Violent Crimes We Defend in Lake Charles, LA
Our Lake Charles violent crimes lawyers have extensive experience defending clients against a
wide range of serious charges:
Homicide Offenses (Murder & Manslaughter)
Being accused of taking a human life is the most serious charge you can face in Louisiana,
carrying the highest penalties.
First Degree Murder (La. R.S. 14:30):
o Definition: Killing with specific intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm when an
aggravating circumstance exists (e.g., victim is a police officer, multiple victims,
committed during another felony like aggravated kidnapping, armed robbery, or
rape).
o Penalties: Death or life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole,
probation, or suspension of sentence.
Second Degree Murder (La. R.S. 14:30.1):
o Definition: Killing with specific intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm, but
without the aggravating circumstances of first degree murder; or killing during the
commission of certain enumerated felonies (e.g., aggravated kidnapping, armed
robbery, aggravated arson, first-degree rape), even without specific intent to kill.
o Penalties: Life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation,
or suspension of sentence.
Manslaughter (La. R.S. 14:31):
o Definition: A homicide that would be murder but is committed in “sudden
passion or heat of blood” immediately caused by provocation (where an average
person would lose self-control); OR a homicide committed without intent to kill
while engaged in certain non-enumerated felonies or intentional misdemeanors
directly affecting a person.
o Penalties: Imprisonment at hard labor for not more than 40 years. If the victim
was under 10 years of age, not less than 10 nor more than 40 years without benefit
of probation or suspension.
Robbery Charges
Robbery involves taking something of value from another person through force or intimidation.
Penalties vary drastically based on the presence of a weapon or the infliction of injury.
Simple Robbery (La. R.S. 14:65):
o Definition: Taking anything of value from another by use of force or
intimidation, but not armed with a dangerous weapon.
o Penalties: Fined not more than $3,000, imprisoned with or without hard labor for
not more than 7 years, or both.
Armed Robbery (La. R.S. 14:64):
o Definition: Taking anything of value from another by force or intimidation, while
armed with a dangerous weapon.
o Penalties: Imprisonment at hard labor for not less than 10 years and not more
than 99 years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
First Degree Robbery (La. R.S. 14:64.1):
o Definition: Taking anything of value from another by force or intimidation,
where the offender leads the victim to reasonably believe they are armed with
a dangerous weapon, even if they are not.
o Penalties: Imprisonment at hard labor for not less than 3 years and not more than
40 years, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
Battery & Assault Offenses
While covered in more detail on a dedicated page, it’s critical to note that Aggravated Battery,
Second Degree Battery, and Aggravated Second Degree Battery are all classified as Crimes
of Violence in Louisiana due to their severe nature and potential for serious bodily harm.
Aggravated Battery (La. R.S. 14:34): Battery with a dangerous weapon (up to 10 years
hard labor).
Second Degree Battery (La. R.S. 14:34.1): Intentionally inflicting “serious bodily
injury” (up to 8 years hard labor).
Aggravated Second Degree Battery (La. R.S. 14:34.7): Battery with a dangerous
weapon that intentionally inflicts “serious bodily injury” (up to 15 years hard labor).
Sex Crimes (Rape)
Sex crime allegations are among the most damaging and severely punished. In 2015, Louisiana
changed the names of its rape statutes:
First Degree Rape (formerly Aggravated Rape): This includes rape where the victim’s
resistance is overcome by force/threats, the offender is armed, the victim is under 13 or
over 65, or incapacitated.
o Penalties: Life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation,
or suspension of sentence. Death penalty may be sought if the victim was under
13.
Second Degree Rape (formerly Forcible Rape): Rape where resistance is prevented by
force or threats, or the victim is drugged/incapacitated by the offender.
o Penalties: Imprisonment at hard labor for not less than 5 years nor more than 40
years.
Third Degree Rape (formerly Simple Rape): Rape where the victim is incapacitated
(e.g., intoxicated) and the offender knew or should have known.
o Penalties: Imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for not more than 25 years,
without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping charges involve unlawfully taking or confining a person. The severity depends on
the circumstances (e.g., ransom, use of a weapon, injury to the victim).
Simple Kidnapping (La. R.S. 14:45): Fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned with or
without hard labor for not more than 5 years, or both.
Aggravated Kidnapping (La. R.S. 14:44): When the victim is physically injured,
sexually abused, held for ransom, or committed while armed.
o Penalties: Life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation,
or suspension of sentence.
Aggravated Kidnapping of a Child (La. R.S. 14:44.2): Unauthorized taking of a child
under 13 with intent to secret from parent/guardian.
o Penalties: Life imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole, probation,
or suspension of sentence. If the child is returned uninjured/unabused, penalties
align with Second Degree Kidnapping.
Carjacking (La. R.S. 14:64.2)
Definition: The intentional taking of a motor vehicle from the person of another, or from
the immediate control of another, by use of force or intimidation.
Penalties: Imprisonment at hard labor for not less than 5 years nor more than 20 years,
without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence.
Other Serious Violent Crimes:
Aggravated Arson (La. R.S. 14:51): Intentionally damaging property by fire or
explosion that creates a foreseeable danger to life or property.
Aggravated Burglary (La. R.S. 14:60): Unauthorized entry into a dwelling with intent
to commit a felony or theft, where the offender is armed or commits a battery on an
occupant.
Terrorism: Committing certain violent acts with the intent to intimidate or coerce a
civilian population or influence government.
Home Invasion: Unauthorized entry into a dwelling where an occupant is present, and
the offender commits certain violent acts.
Why You Need an Experienced Lake Charles Violent Crimes Attorney
Accusations of violent crimes are met with intense scrutiny by law enforcement and prosecutors.
The state has vast resources, and they will use every tool available to secure a conviction. You
need a dedicated legal defense team to level the playing field. At The Colonna Law Firm, LLC,
our Lake Charles Violent Crimes Lawyer, Jacob Colonna, provides:
Immediate Response: Time is critical. We act quickly to protect your rights from the
moment of arrest or investigation.
Thorough Investigation: We conduct an independent and exhaustive investigation,
meticulously reviewing evidence, police reports, witness statements, forensic data, and
any surveillance footage.
Strategic Defense Development: We identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case,
explore all possible defenses (such as self-defense, mistaken identity, alibi, or
constitutional violations), and build a tailored strategy.
Aggressive Courtroom Advocacy: We are seasoned litigators fully prepared to take
your case to trial and fiercely advocate for your innocence or challenge the prosecution’s
claims before a judge and jury.
Negotiation Skills: While ready for trial, we also engage in skilled negotiations with
prosecutors to pursue plea bargains, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing options
when it’s in your best interest.
Protection of Rights: We ensure your constitutional rights are upheld at every stage,
from arrest to trial.
If you or a loved one has been accused of a violent crime in Lake Charles, LA, or Calcasieu
Parish, your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake. Do not hesitate.
Contact The Colonna Law Firm, LLC immediately for a free and confidential consultation.
Let us provide the strategic and aggressive defense you need to fight for your rights.