1. David E. Stanley, APLC
Practice Focus: Federal and state felony criminal defense, criminal appeals, sex crimes, white collar crimes, drug conspiracy cases
Case Types Handled: Felonies, federal crimes, sex crimes, domestic terrorism, fraud (credit/debit card fraud, check fraud, money laundering), child abandonment, criminal appeals
Legal Services: Trial defense in federal and state courts, criminal appeals, post-conviction relief, sentencing advocacy, federal court representation
Background: Attorney David Stanley is the founder and principal of David E. Stanley, APLC. Since 1983, he has practiced law from his office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is a distinguished trial lawyer dedicated to representing individuals accused of committing serious or complex federal or state felony crimes, as well as those seeking to appeal their federal or state court convictions or sentences. In 2018, Stanley became a Lifetime Charter Member of Best Attorneys in America. From 2015 to present, he has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers. Stanley earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville. He maintains memberships in the American Bar Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Contact: https://www.dstanleylaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available
2. The Ambeau Law Firm
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI, drug crimes, sex offenses, violent crimes, white collar crimes, federal criminal defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug offenses, sex crimes, violent crimes, theft, fraud, federal crimes, forensic DNA litigation
Legal Services: Trial defense in state and federal courts, pre-trial investigation, motion practice, plea negotiations, forensic DNA analysis and litigation
Background: The Ambeau Law Firm serves clients in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Prairieville, Livingston Parish, Ascension Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish, Zachary, and surrounding areas. Founding attorney Jarrett Ambeau is highly skilled in forensic DNA interpretation and assists clients in complex forensic DNA litigation. The firm’s attorneys work to guide clients through each stage of the legal process, providing honest answers and trustworthy legal counsel. The firm handles both serious felony charges and misdemeanor offenses, with experience in Louisiana’s criminal justice system and federal criminal proceedings.
Location: Baton Rouge, LA (serving East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding parishes)
Contact: (225) 330-7009 | https://www.ambeaulaw.com
Consultation: Free and confidential case evaluation available
3. Ward Law (Samuel C. “Chuck” Ward)
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, drug crimes, sex crimes, homicide and murder defense, felony and misdemeanor defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, drug crimes, sex crimes, homicide, murder, second-degree murder, illegal possession of a firearm, battery, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense including jury trials, plea negotiations, pre-arrest consultation, motion practice, case investigation
Background: Attorney Samuel C. “Chuck” Ward of Ward Law defends people in Baton Rouge charged with misdemeanors and serious felonies in Louisiana state and federal courts. Ward has handled numerous jury trials as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, including winning unanimous jury verdicts in cases ranging from battery and illegal possession of a firearm to second-degree murder. The firm emphasizes the importance of early attorney involvement, advising clients to call before speaking with law enforcement, bail bondsmen, or other arrestees.
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Contact: (225) 330-6677 or (866) 928-3047 | https://www.samuelcward.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Manasseh, Gill, Knipe and Belanger (André Bélanger)
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, homicide defense, drug conspiracy cases, fraud cases, federal criminal defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, homicide, large drug conspiracies, fraud, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense at pre-trial and trial stages, federal court representation, plea negotiations, case investigation
Background: Attorney André Bélanger is a graduate of Loyola University and serves as a criminal defense attorney at Manasseh, Gill, Knipe and Belanger, one of Baton Rouge’s law firms serving the Baton Rouge, Ascension Parish, and New Orleans areas. In his 15 years of practicing law, Bélanger has handled thousands of criminal cases at both the pre-trial and trial stages, including approximately 200 trials. His trial experience includes homicide defense and prosecution, large drug conspiracies, and fraud cases. He is among the few attorneys in the region capable of handling large, complex federal cases.
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Contact: https://www.mgkblaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available
5. Rozas and Associates (David Joseph Rozas)
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, federal criminal defense, medical/health care fraud, criminal forfeiture, white collar crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, medical/health care fraud, criminal forfeiture, criminal copyright infringement, criminal trespass
Legal Services: Trial defense in state and federal courts, federal investigation representation, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy
Background: Attorney David Joseph Rozas provides criminal defense representation for clients throughout Louisiana. He graduated from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University. Rozas is a recipient of the National Trial Lawyers – Top 100 Trial Lawyers recognition and maintains membership in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the American Bar Association. The firm handles both state and federal criminal matters, with particular experience in medical fraud and white collar crime defense.
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Contact: https://www.rozaslaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Louisiana
Louisiana requires all attorneys to be admitted to the Louisiana State Bar Association to practice law in the state. Admission requires passing the Louisiana Bar Examination and demonstrating good moral character. Louisiana is unique in the United States as a mixed civil law jurisdiction, incorporating elements of French civil law tradition alongside common law principles.
Louisiana does not operate a formal board certification program for criminal law specialists administered by the state bar. Attorneys may indicate their practice areas but cannot claim state-certified specialist status. The Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers provides professional development and networking for criminal defense practitioners.
Louisiana provides indigent defense through a combination of public defender offices and court-appointed private attorneys. The Louisiana Public Defender Board oversees the statewide indigent defense system. Each judicial district has a public defender office funded through state appropriations and local revenue, including traffic ticket fees. Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need and the potential for incarceration.
Louisiana Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requires attorneys to complete 12.5 hours of CLE annually, including 1 hour of ethics and 1 hour of professionalism.
Louisiana classifies felonies by the specific offense rather than using a class system. Sentences are specified within individual criminal statutes. Crimes are generally categorized as felonies (punishable by imprisonment at hard labor) or misdemeanors (punishable by imprisonment in parish jail for not more than six months, a fine, or both).
Capital offenses in Louisiana include first-degree murder. Louisiana maintains the death penalty, though executions have been on hold due to legal challenges and lack of lethal injection drugs.
Life imprisonment without parole applies to certain offenses including first-degree murder when the death penalty is not imposed, second-degree murder, aggravated rape, and third or subsequent violent felony convictions under the habitual offender law.
Louisiana’s habitual offender law significantly enhances sentences for repeat felony offenders. A second felony conviction may result in the maximum sentence being twice that of the underlying offense. Third felony convictions may result in life imprisonment for certain violent offenses. Fourth felony convictions carry mandatory sentences of 20 years to life.
Louisiana law provides for expungement of certain criminal records. Arrests that did not result in conviction may be expunged after specified waiting periods. Certain felony convictions may be set aside and expunged after completion of the sentence and waiting periods, depending on the offense. First-offender pardons are available for certain non-violent offenses after completion of sentence.
Louisiana courts use a pre-trial release system that considers factors including the nature of the offense, criminal history, ties to the community, and risk of flight. Bail schedules provide guideline amounts for common offenses. Defendants may seek reduction of bail through motion to the court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where will my criminal case be heard in Baton Rouge?
A: Criminal cases in Baton Rouge are heard in the 19th Judicial District Court, which serves East Baton Rouge Parish. The courthouse is located at 222 St. Louis Street in downtown Baton Rouge. Misdemeanor cases and initial proceedings for felonies may be heard in Baton Rouge City Court, located at 233 St. Louis Street. City Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor violations of state law and city ordinances occurring within Baton Rouge city limits. Felony cases proceed through preliminary examination in the district court, followed by grand jury indictment or waiver, arraignment, and trial. East Baton Rouge Parish Prison is located at 2867 Brigadier General Isaac Smith Avenue.
Q: What are the penalties for a first-offense DWI in Louisiana?
A: A first-offense DWI in Louisiana is a misdemeanor carrying potential penalties of 10 days to 6 months in jail (48 hours minimum if BAC was 0.20 percent or higher), a fine of $300 to $1,000, license suspension for 90 days (hardship license may be available after 30 days), completion of a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment, a court-approved driver improvement program, and possible ignition interlock device installation. First offenders may be eligible for pre-trial diversion programs that result in dismissal upon successful completion. Louisiana also imposes additional penalties for DWI with a child passenger under 12 years old.
Q: How does the grand jury process work in Louisiana?
A: In Louisiana, felony prosecutions generally require grand jury indictment, though defendants may waive this right. The grand jury consists of 12 citizens who review evidence presented by the prosecutor to determine whether probable cause exists to charge the defendant. Grand jury proceedings are secret, and defendants do not have the right to be present or present evidence. If at least 9 of 12 grand jurors find probable cause, a true bill of indictment is returned. If insufficient evidence exists, the grand jury returns a no true bill. For capital cases (punishable by death or life imprisonment), at least 9 of 12 grand jurors must concur for indictment.
Q: Does Louisiana offer diversion programs for criminal defendants?
A: Louisiana offers several diversion and alternative sentencing programs. Pre-trial intervention programs may be available for first-time offenders charged with non-violent offenses, typically requiring community service, restitution, and counseling in exchange for charge dismissal. Drug Court programs provide treatment-focused alternatives for defendants with substance abuse issues. Veterans Treatment Court serves eligible veterans. Louisiana’s Article 893 allows courts to defer adjudication for certain first-time offenders, resulting in dismissal after successful completion of probation. Successful completion of these programs may allow the defendant to avoid a conviction and seek expungement of the arrest record.
Q: Can I get my criminal record expunged in Louisiana?
A: Louisiana law allows expungement of certain criminal records. Arrests that did not result in prosecution or that were dismissed may be expunged without a waiting period. Misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement after completion of the sentence and waiting periods ranging from 2 to 5 years depending on the offense. Certain felony convictions may be set aside and expunged under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 893 after completion of probation, typically requiring a 10-year waiting period after completion of sentence for most felonies. Violent crimes, sex offenses, and crimes against minors are generally not eligible for expungement. The process requires filing a motion with the court and may require notification to the district attorney. Louisiana also provides for certificates of compliance that restore certain civil rights for convicted individuals.