Lafayette Domestic Abuse Defense Attorneys
Domestic Violence Defense Representation in Acadiana
If you’ve been charged with a domestic violence crime, you are likely already aware of what’s at stake. Even an accusation can do severe damage to your personal and professional reputation. A domestic violence allegation or conviction can also impact family law matters, including child custody.
There are always two sides to the story, and yours might involve extenuating circumstances, exaggerated charges, or even false accusations. At LeJeune & Associates, we can provide the legal advocacy you need to make sure that your side of the story is told. Our team includes a former prosecutor who understands how to effectively defend against domestic violence allegations.
Protecting your future is our priority, and we are prepared to work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome. We are experienced trial attorneys who can fiercely represent you in court.
You shouldn’t wait to get legal advice if you have been accused of any form of domestic violence. Call (337) 607-1908 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with our Lafayette domestic abuse defense lawyers today.
Understanding Domestic Abuse Laws in Louisiana
Domestic violence in Louisiana is primarily prosecuted under the "Domestic Abuse Battery" statute, Louisiana Revised Statute § 14:35.3. Unlike a simple battery charge, a domestic charge involves a specific relationship between the parties and carries much more severe, mandatory penalties.
To navigate your case, it is essential to understand the legal definitions that define these charges:
- Household Member: This includes spouses, former spouses, parents, children, stepparents, stepchildren, foster parents, and foster children.
- Dating Partner: Under § 14:34.9, a separate but similar charge exists for those in a "dating relationship," which is defined as a romantic or sexual relationship of a frequent and intimate nature.
While many people associate the term solely with physical violence, Louisiana’s legal definition covers a broad spectrum of actions.
These actions include:
- Deliberate use of violence or force
- Pushing, shoving, or grabbing
- Slapping, punching, or kicking
- Pulling hair or throwing objects at a person
- Stalking
- Controlling behavior
- Intimidation
- Sexual abuse
- Verbal abuse
A charge can be elevated from a misdemeanor to a serious felony if certain "aggravators" are present, such as strangulation, the presence of a child age 13 or younger, pregnancy of the victim, or the use of a dangerous weapon.
Penalties for Domestic Abuse in Louisiana
Penalties for domestic abuse battery in Louisiana escalate rapidly based on your history and the specific facts of the incident.
- For a first offense, the charge typically remains a misdemeanor, but it still carries significant weight: You face fines of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence ranging from 30 days to six months. Crucially, the law mandates that you serve at least 48 hours of this sentence without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension.
- A second conviction increases the mandatory minimum jail time to 14 days and raises the potential sentence to up to one year. If you face a third conviction, the charge becomes a felony, carrying a mandatory minimum of one year in prison and a potential sentence of up to five years.
Certain aggravating factors can enhance the penalties of even a first-time offense. If the incident involves strangulation, burning, or the use of a dangerous weapon, the court may impose years of additional imprisonment and hard labor. The law also mandates sentence enhancements if a child under 13 was present during the incident or if the victim was pregnant.
Beyond the basic sentencing ranges, you should also be aware of additional consequences that may apply in your case:
- Mandatory treatment programs such as batterer intervention, anger management, or substance abuse counseling that can last for months and require regular court reporting.
- Long-term protective orders that may limit your ability to return to your home, see certain family members, or possess firearms while the order is in effect.
- Collateral impacts on daily life including background check issues, housing applications, professional licensing reviews, and potential immigration problems for noncitizens.
On top of jail time and fines, a domestic abuse conviction can lead to probation conditions, mandatory counseling, and long-term protective orders that affect where you can live or who you can contact. You may also face collateral consequences such as difficulty finding housing, challenges with professional licensing, and restrictions on owning firearms under state and federal law. We walk you through how judges in Lafayette Parish and nearby jurisdictions typically approach sentencing so you can realistically assess your risks and decide how to proceed.
The severity of these potential punishments underlines the need for experienced criminal defense representation. Our attorneys are well-versed in how to approach defense strategies for violent crimes and can work relentlessly to protect your freedom and future.
How We Approach Domestic Violence Defense in Lafayette
Every domestic abuse case is different, so we begin by listening carefully to your account of what happened and reviewing the evidence the state has gathered. We look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, such as inconsistent statements, missing context in 911 calls, or violations of your constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest.
Once we understand the details, we develop a tailored strategy that takes into account your priorities, such as avoiding jail, protecting your job, or limiting the impact on your family. This may involve challenging the admissibility of certain evidence, seeking to exclude prejudicial statements, or filing motions related to bond or protective orders in the appropriate Lafayette Parish court.
If your case proceeds toward trial, we prepare thoroughly by interviewing witnesses, consulting with appropriate professionals when needed, and planning how to present your side of the story clearly to a judge or jury. Throughout the process, we keep you informed about your options and likely scenarios so you can make decisions with confidence.
At LeJeune & Associates, we don't just "manage" your case; we actively work to dismantle the prosecution's narrative. We leverage our local experience you can trust to build a defense that accounts for the specific dynamics of your situation.
- Self-Defense Claims: Many domestic incidents involve mutual combat or a defendant acting in self-defense. We gather evidence to show that you were protecting yourself from harm.
- Challenging Credibility: Allegations of domestic abuse are sometimes fabricated or exaggerated during a messy divorce or custody battle. We meticulously cross-examine witnesses to expose inconsistencies and ulterior motives.
- Vindicating Constitutional Rights: If the police entered your home without a warrant or failed to read you your rights, we move to have the evidence suppressed.
- Focus on Mitigation: We work with you to voluntarily enroll in counseling or anger management early in the process. Proactive steps can often lead to a more favorable resolution with the District Attorney.
A domestic arrest triggers a fast-moving legal clock. Contact our Lafayette domestic abuse defense attorneys today at (337) 607-1908 or reach out online to schedule your consultation. We offer the local experience you can trust when it matters most.
What Our Clients Say About Working With Us
Honest Feedback from People We’ve Helped
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"They have treated us like family."They have time and time again gone above and beyond for our case and prove that no matter what they will always give 110%!- Shelby A.
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"They really went the extra mile for me."I was recommended to Mr. Clay LeJeune Law Firm by a family member. After contacting and set up a meeting he was very willing and went out his way to help me get my legal situation taken care.- Derek C.
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"I recommend Clay LeJeune to any person who need professional service."Clay LeJeune went out of his way to provide me with the best law service, and deepest compliance to fix what was unjustly brought against me. I recommend Clay LeJeune to any person who need professional service. Thank you Clay LeJeune for all of your help and assistance.- Winnie B.
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"I would definitely recommend this law firm."So where do I begin. Attorney Clay is extremely intelligent, he knows what he is talking about for sure, gives you best advice, won't waste your time or money. He jumped on my case immediately. The whole staff is very friendly and just wonderful, Amanda is awesome. I would definitely recommend this law firm.- Rachel H.
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"Words cannot express how grateful we are for Mr. LeJeune and his staff."From day one he was on top of our case and showed us compassion. If you're looking for results Clay LeJeune is your Attorney!- Stephanie L.
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"He saved my career, livelihood, and in some ways it feels like my life."
I owe Mr. Clay so much. He saved my career, livelihood, and in some ways it feels like my life. Not to mention kept me out of prison. My family and I are so very much grateful for him and his staff. It’s tough dealing with criminal charges but I was found some relief when he said that he wasn’t worried and that I shouldn’t be until he was. Wouldn’t recommend anyone else in Acadiana.
- Gabriel M. -
"A top notch attorney."I highly recommend! Best criminal defense attorney in this area for sure. His staff is so helpful and so supportive. Always there when you need them and will protect you and your future.- Tonya C.
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"They have my business for LIFE."
Through this process they always kept me up to date on what was going on with my case and never left me wondering what was happening next.
- Shannon D.
What to Do If You Are Accused of Domestic Abuse in Lafayette
When you learn about an accusation before police formally arrest you, you have a critical window of time to protect yourself. How you handle this phase can determine the trajectory of the entire case.
We encourage you to do the following:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. Police investigators may ask for your side of the story. While they might appear friendly, understanding, or even sympathetic, their primary goal involves gathering evidence to justify an arrest. Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present. Politely decline to answer questions and state that you wish to consult with your lawyer.
- Cease all contact with the accuser. Do not call, text, email, or visit the accuser. Emotional attempts to "talk things out" or explain your side often backfire. Prosecutors can misinterpret these communications as witness tampering or intimidation. If you share a home, you may need to find another place to stay immediately to avoid any potential confrontations.
- Preserve evidence. Save text messages, call logs, GPS data, and social media interactions that might provide context or contradict false claims. Do not delete anything, as this can look like an attempt to destroy evidence.
- Retain defense representation immediately. Our team at LeJeune & Associates can intervene early. We can contact the authorities on your behalf to manage communications and, if necessary, we may be able to negotiate a controlled surrender rather than a public arrest at your workplace or home.
During this early stage, a domestic violence lawyer in Lafayette can sometimes communicate with the prosecutor’s office before charges are formally filed. We may be able to clarify misunderstandings, present mitigating information, or advocate for less severe charges, all while making sure you do not unintentionally incriminate yourself. Because these decisions often unfold quickly at places like the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office or city police departments, having counsel in place as soon as possible can make a meaningful difference in how your case begins.
What to Do If You Have Already Been Arrested and Charged
Once an arrest occurs, the legal stakes rise instantly. Louisiana takes domestic abuse battery charges seriously, and specific procedural rules apply.
Here’s what we can help you do:
- Prepare for the bail hearing. Under Louisiana’s Gwen’s Law, a judge may hold you in custody for up to five days (excluding weekends and holidays) before setting bail. The court uses this time to conduct a contradictory hearing to determine if you pose a danger to the alleged victim. We can represent you at this hearing to advocate for your release and argue for fair bond conditions.
- Strictly obey protective orders. Courts frequently issue temporary restraining orders (TROs) or protective orders immediately. You must follow every stipulation in these orders, even if you feel the terms are unfair. Violating a protective order constitutes a separate crime and can damage your defense against the original charge.
- Defend against the charges. A charge is not a conviction. We are prepared to investigate the facts, scrutinize the police report for inconsistencies, and build a strong defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
As your case moves forward, we also look at the broader consequences that a conviction or plea could have on your life in Lafayette and the surrounding Acadiana communities. This can include employment implications, firearm restrictions, and immigration consequences, as well as how the case might influence any ongoing matters in Lafayette family courts. By evaluating both the criminal and family law angles together, we help you weigh options such as plea negotiations, diversion programs, or taking your case to trial based on your long-term goals.
Why Choose LeJeune & Associates for Your Defense
When you are accused of a crime of violence, you need Lafayette domestic abuse defense attorneys who understand the local courtrooms and the people in them.
- Local Experience You Can Trust: We have spent years defending the residents of Acadiana. We know how the 15th JDC operates and what the local judges expect.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We are not afraid to go to trial. If the state’s case is weak or the allegations are false, we are prepared to fight for a "Not Guilty" verdict.
- Personalized Service: We are a firm that prioritizes communication. You will never be just a case number; we are available to answer your questions and provide the support you need during this difficult time.
- Sophisticated Legal Strategy: We stay current on the latest legislative changes in Louisiana, ensuring that your defense is built on the most up-to-date legal standards.
Put our seasoned domestic abuse lawyers in Lafayette on your side when you are facing these serious charges. Call (337) 607-1908 or contact us online today.