As to Criminal matters, the firm does not handle routine traffic cases. However, all other criminal cases are considered, including Felony DWI, Vehicular Homicide, Drug Cases, Capital Murder, and other felonies. If we have available time under current caseloads and the fee can be paid, we are competent to handle most Felony and Misdemeanor matters in State or Federal Courts.
The following are simply examples and we have NOT listed every kind of case we have handled:
HOMICIDE (death of a human being caused by another)
The most serious cases involve the death of another person. Today, even an accidental death can be the subject of criminal prosecution. It is critical to have the assistance of an attorney who knows the criminal law and the rules of investigation as soon as possible if you are involved in the death of another person in any way.
Many don't realize that in Louisiana when the Court imposes "LIFE", that is exactly what the sentence is. A person never regains their freedom. While the Governor retains the power to issue a "pardon", that is a power seldom used. Immediate attention to defending the case is essential. Even if one is innocent, a lawyer should be secured. After all, police and prosecutors are trained and experienced. They know the rules. A person submitting to questioning and investigation is at an extreme disadvantage
In Louisiana, homicide is graded on a scale depending on what causes the death. Penalties range from Probation to the Death Penalty, which is imposed by Lethal Injection. Even in a fight or near miss shooting, the State can charge "attempted murder", with severe penalties.
When a person is killed in an auto accident by a drunk driver, the crime is VEHICULAR HOMICIDE, and the penalty is 5 to 20 years incarceration. This crime also applies in cases where a driver is extremely reckless and a death results.
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
Other crimes committed directly against a person, including Armed Robbery, Attempted Murder, Battery, Rape and Assault comprise the next level of seriousness.
The role of your attorney is to investigate the case, study the law that applies, advise you of the facts and the law, and to represent your interests in the matter before the Court. In order to effectively do that, a lawyer has to be comfortable in the courtroom, knowledgeable regarding the rules, and practical enough to know how your case will fit into the big picture.
Mr. Marx has extensive trial experience and has a comfort level in Court that few lawyers can match. He has handled scores of homicide trials, and literally hundreds of criminal cases. His experience extends beyond the trial level to Appellate Practice. The approach he takes to defense of these cases is that he must 1) communicate with the client and keep the client informed 2) investigate the case (preferably through a professional investigator) and 3) advise the client of alternatives and suggest the most reasonable choice.
CRIMES RELATED TO OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE
Most offenses related to driving are "traffic" or "misdemeanor" and so you wouldn't find this firm would handle that. But if a person is seriously injured by a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the law imposes criminal penalties, and if its the second time for that driver, those can include serious jail time. Most serious are those cases in which the injuries cause death, and a person can face long prison terms in those cases.
It's important to get counsel quickly in such cases so that matters can be investigated and defenses explored.
SEX OFFENSES
The courts seem to be dealing with more and more morals crimes, particularly sex offenses against children, including cases in which the internet is involved: child pornography, communicating with a child to arrange a sexual encounter, or sending obscene pictures to or of a child over the internet. The law is becoming more harsh and such matters require experienced legal advice to defend against false charges and to mitigate consequences of truthful ones. Claims of sexual abuse and child sexual attacks can ruin a person's life, true or not.
DRUG OFFENSES
Fully 1/3 of the people in jail are there, locked up, because of drug charges. Possession of many drugs is a major offense, with sales, possession of large quantities and other interactions also prohibited. Marijuana is a felony on second conviction of simple possession and for possession of large quantities. The role of defense counsel in these cases is to investigate and advise the client to the best possible outcome.
337 237 2537 Fax 232 4518
G. Paul Marx, A Professional Law Corporation