Legal Question in Criminal Law in Louisiana

First time offender

Im a first time offender and got charged with Unlawful entry into an inhabited dwelling. I had no criminal intent. I havent gone to an arraignment yet. And further more i havent even been given a court date. Or a dolly with my charges formally written down.

What kind of punishment can i expect


Asked on 6/08/08, 1:44 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Andrew Casanave Andrew M. Casanave

Re: First time offender

First, you need a lawyer. If you cannot afford one the court will appoint one for you.

If you are a true first-offender you might be offered a plea with sentencing under Article 893 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This would be probation which, if you successfully complete, you can ask the court to remove the conviction from your record.

Another possibility would be allowing you to plead to a misdemeanor, like Trespassing.

A third possibility, available in some jurisdictions, is pre-trial diversion. This would be a pre-conviction "probation". If successfully completed the charges can be dismissed.

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Answered on 6/08/08, 10:28 am
Nick Pizzolatto, Jr. Pizzolatto Law Office

Re: First time offender

Depending on where you are, I would suspect a plea to a misdemeanor and sentencing under Article 894 of the code of criminal procedure....or Article 893 if you plea to a felony.

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Answered on 6/08/08, 10:32 am


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