Carl Barkemeyer, Criminal Defense Attorney

Feel free to call us at (225) 964-6720 if you or someone you know needs a criminal defense attorney. Once I am hired, we will start developing a plan for a strong defense. I will let you know what the attorney fees are and the legal process ahead. Every case is different and needs a different strategy.

That is something we should be able to help with. Feel free to give us a call to discuss.

Raymond, it was good talking to you just now. I look forward to helping you on your case.

The cost can vary depending on the circumstances. Representation for felony DWI (DWI third and fourth offense) is more expensive. We charge around $2500-3500 for DWI first offense in Baton Rouge. This does not include any fines, fees, classes, ignition interlock, etc. We defend clients with DWI charges in all areas of Louisiana.

Arraignment is the court hearing in a criminal case when the defendant is informed of the charge against him. The judge may read the charge to the defendant or the reading may be waived. Usually, if the defendant has hired a criminal defense attorney, the lawyer will waive a reading of the bill or waive formal arraignment. The defendant must then enter a plea of not guilty, not guilty be reason of insanity, or guilty. The case may then be set for another court date or series of court dates after a not guilty plea is entered. That plea may change at a subsequent court date.

DWI first and second offense are misdemeanors. DWI third offense and fourth and subsequent offenses are felony charges.

Nobody can tell you who the best criminal defense attorney is for your case except you. It is important to feel like you have a good line of communication between you and your attorney because the whole purpose of hiring a lawyer is to get legal advice on how to deal with a case. If you feel like it is too difficult to go through the receptionist, secretary, and law clerk to finally speak with your criminal attorney that is too busy to care about your issue, then what’s the point?

A crime is a felony if it is punishable at hard labor. If a crime is only punishable by imprisonment in a parish jail, it will be a misdemeanor. Felony charges typically have longer sentences as well. Misdemeanors usually carry sentences of up to six months in jail.

It depends on the individual case. All criminal cases in Louisiana are different. They vary in seriousness, complexity, and knowledge required to defend. Most defense attorneys charge flat fees which is a single fee for representation. They may also include additional flat fees for certain situations. We inform our clients before representation exactly what the fees are.

It is always a possibility that a judge or prosecutor could ask that you be drug tested when you come to court. The judge may have required as a condition of your bond that you remain drug and/or alcohol free. If it is determined that you have been using drugs illegally, he may revoke your bond and put you in jail. It is best to be clean while you have a criminal charge and be prepared for a drug test.

The first court date in criminal court is called an Arraignment. The purpose is for the court to inform the defendant of the charges against him. The defendant usually enters a not guilty plea and the matter is then assigned for further proceedings.

Theft charges are based on the value of the alleged stolen items. If the value is less than $1000, the charge will be a misdemeanor, unless the defendant has prior theft convictions. Theft is a felony in Louisiana if the value of the alleged stolen item is $1000 or more.

You should have received either a summons or an appearance bond which will show the court your case will go to. If you can’t find it, here are some tips. If you received a traffic ticket or misdemeanor summons by a Baton Rouge City Police officer, your case will go to Baton Rouge City Court. All other cases will go to District Court on North Boulevard, including tickets by State Police and Sheriff, and felonies in East Baton Rouge Parish.

No. You should hire a lawyer immediately after your arrest or summons so he can start developing a strategy for defense. Depending on your case, there may be things we could do now that will help your case or even lead to the prosecution being avoided. We believe in taking a proactive approach to criminal defense.