The Most Common Criminal Defense Cases

When you are facing criminal charges—no matter how minor or serious—the stakes are real. Your freedom, your future, and your reputation are on the line. That’s where criminal justice defense lawyers come in to help.

At its core, criminal defense is the legal process of protecting the rights of individuals accused of crimes, ensuring that justice is upheld and that the government meets its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Criminal defense attorneys work to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate plea deals, secure dismissals, and fight for acquittals at trial.

These legal professionals handle a wide array of cases—from simple misdemeanors like shoplifting to high-stakes felonies like homicide or white-collar crimes involving millions of dollars.

The Ikerd Law Firm believes that every person deserves a fair trial and aggressive legal representation, no matter the charge.

If you’re facing criminal allegations, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone.

Contact us today for a confidential case review and start building your defense with experienced professionals by your side.

Understanding Common Criminal Defense Cases

In the event that you find yourself facing criminal charges or under investigation, it is essential to understand the nature of the case at hand.

Different charges involve distinct risks, penalties, and legal approaches. Being well-informed enables you to make decisions that safeguard your rights and secure your future.

Whether it’s a minor infraction or a life-changing felony, having a basic understanding of common criminal defense cases helps you:

• Recognize what you’re up against
• Understand potential penalties
• Know how an attorney can help
• Make informed choices about plea deals, diversion programs, or going to trial

1. Misdemeanors: A Common Category of Criminal Defense

   What is a Misdemeanor?

   Misdemeanors are less serious offenses compared to felonies, but they can still have significant consequences. These charges generally involve penalties like fines, community service, probation, or jail time of less than a year.

   In Louisiana, misdemeanors usually mean the offense carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail (with some exceptions). It’s important to note that most misdemeanors do not allow for a jury trial, and a judge may decide your case exclusively.

   Common Misdemeanor Cases Handled by Criminal Defense Lawyers

   • DUI/DWI Charges: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most common misdemeanors. Even a first-time offense can result in fines, license suspension, and mandatory classes.
   • Petty Theft: Typically involves theft of property valued under $1,000. Don’t let the term “petty” fool you—a conviction still results in a criminal record.
   • Disorderly Conduct: Includes disruptive behavior in public, such as fighting, public intoxication, or loud arguments. These cases often hinge on witness statements and video evidence.
   • Simple Battery: Involves physical contact or minor altercations without a weapon. Defendants may argue self-defense, lack of intent, or mistaken identity.
   • Domestic Abuse Battery: This can come in many forms, but most are a “simple battery” with the added element that the parties involved are household or former household members.  In Louisiana, a first and second offense of domestic abuse is a misdemeanor, but a third conviction is enhanced to a felony.

   Why Defendants Need Defense Lawyers for Misdemeanors

   Misdemeanors might seem minor, but the impact can be long-term. A conviction can affect various aspects of your life, such as employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships.

   A criminal defense lawyer can help by:

   • Negotiating plea bargains
   • Reducing charges
   • Securing dismissals through diversion programs
   • Avoiding jail time altogether

2. Felony Cases: More Serious Criminal Charges

   What is a Felony?

   Felonies are the most serious types of criminal offenses.

   They carry long-term penalties, such as:

   • State or federal prison sentences
   • Substantial fines
   • Loss of voting rights or firearm privileges
   • Lifetime registration requirements (in some cases, such as sex crimes)

   Common Felony Cases Handled by Criminal Defense Lawyers

   • Drug Possession and Distribution: Depending on the substance and amount, drug charges can range from minor possession to trafficking or intent to distribute, especially if scales, baggies, or large sums of cash are found.
   • Sexual Assault and Battery: These cases are grave and emotionally charged. Convictions can result in prison time, sex offender registration, and permanent damage to reputation—even for false accusations.
   • Armed Robbery: Involves the use of a weapon or threat of violence while committing theft. These charges are aggressively prosecuted and often come with mandatory minimums.
   • Homicide/Murder: The most severe charge anyone can face. A murder conviction can result in life imprisonment or the death penalty, depending on the state and circumstances.
   • Domestic Violence (Felony Level): A domestic incident may be charged as a felony if it involves serious injury, weapons, or repeated behavior.

   Defense Strategies in Felony Cases

   The stakes in felony cases are incredibly high, and a solid defense can be the difference between freedom and decades in prison.

   Common defense strategies include:

   • Challenging illegal search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment
   • Disputing the credibility of witnesses
   • Establishing alibis or lack of intent
   • Raising constitutional violations or due process issues
   • Asserting affirmative defenses like self-defense or necessity

3. White-Collar Crimes: Financial and Business Offenses

   What Are White-Collar Crimes?

   White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses typically involving fraud, deception, or financial misconduct. Federal agencies like the FBI or IRS heavily prosecute these charges, despite the absence of physical violence.

   Common White-Collar Crimes Defended by Lawyers

   • Fraud (Credit Card, Insurance, Tax): Any attempt to deceive for financial gain. Even clerical errors can sometimes lead to fraud allegations.
   • Embezzlement: Misappropriating funds that were entrusted to you—often occurs in workplace settings.
   • Money Laundering: Making “dirty” money appear legitimate through a series of financial transactions.
   • Bribery and Corruption: Involves public officials or business executives accused of unethical or illegal actions in exchange for favors or kickbacks.

   Defense Strategies for White-Collar Crimes

   Defending white-collar charges often involves:

   • Challenging intent – showing there was no willful attempt to defraud
   • Asserting a mistake of fact – a misunderstanding of regulations or permissions
   • Demonstrating entrapment – law enforcement induced the crime
   • Using forensic accountants and financial experts to dissect complex transactions

   These cases often take months (or years) to resolve and require extensive document analysis, negotiations with prosecutors, and sometimes federal litigation.

4. Juvenile Defense Cases: Protecting the Rights of Minors

   What Are Juvenile Crimes?

   Juvenile offenses involve individuals under the age of 18 and are usually adjudicated in juvenile or family court, where the focus is more on rehabilitation than punishment.

   Common Juvenile Crimes Defended by Criminal Lawyers

   • Underage Drinking or Drug Use: These are common among teens and can lead to court-mandated programs or driver’s license suspension.
   • Theft or Vandalism: Includes shoplifting, graffiti, or destruction of property—offenses often tied to peer pressure or immaturity.
   • School Violence: Fights or threats made in school settings can lead to expulsion and criminal charges, even when no real harm was done.

   Importance of Juvenile Defense Lawyers

   A criminal conviction—even in juvenile court—can affect college admissions, limit future employment, or stay on a person’s record longer than expected.

   An experienced juvenile defense lawyer will fight for alternatives such as:

   • Diversion programs
   • Counseling and rehabilitation
   • Community service
   • Record expungement

5. Domestic Violence and Family-Related Offenses

   What Are Domestic Violence Crimes?

   Domestic violence involves alleged harm between intimate partners, family members, or household occupants. These are sensitive cases that can lead to both criminal and civil consequences, such as restraining orders or child custody battles.

   Common Domestic Violence Cases Defended by Criminal Lawyers

   • Physical Abuse: Any form of physical altercation, often leading to serious charges if injuries are involved.
   • Emotional Abuse: Accusations involving threats, manipulation, or controlling behavior—can be harder to prove but still carry legal weight.
   • Violation of Protective Orders: If someone breaks the conditions of a restraining order—even unintentionally—it can lead to criminal contempt charges.

   Defense Strategies for Domestic Violence Cases

   • Self-defense: Especially if the accused was trying to protect themselves from harm.
   • False accusations: These are common in contentious breakups or custody disputes.
   • Lack of evidence: Prosecutors must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt, and many domestic cases have minimal corroborating evidence.

6. Driving Offenses and Traffic Violations

   What are Driving Offenses and Traffic Violations?

   Driving offenses and traffic violations constitute either criminal or civil infractions that develop when an individual operating a motor vehicle contravenes established traffic laws or engages in conduct that is considered unsafe or unlawful.

   The range of offenses includes minor infractions, including but not limited to speeding or running a red light, as well as more severe criminal charges, such as DUI/DWI, reckless driving, or vehicular homicide.

   In many instances, even what may appear to be minor infractions can lead to significant repercussions.

   These can involve points being added to your driving record, monetary penalties, increased insurance costs, potential suspension of your driving privileges, or even incarceration—particularly in cases of recidivism or when the violation results in harm.

   Common Driving-Related Crimes

   • DUI/DWI: Driving under the influence is both dangerous and highly penalized. Even a first offense can cost thousands in fines and cause license suspension.
   • Reckless Driving: Involves dangerous behaviors like excessive speeding or ignoring traffic laws.
   • Hit-and-Run: Leaving the scene of an accident without stopping or calling the police.
   • Driving with a Suspended License: A repeat offense that often leads to enhanced penalties or even jail time.

   Legal Defenses for Driving Offenses

   • Challenging Field Sobriety Tests or Breathalyzer Results: These can be flawed or improperly administered.
   • Questioning the Validity of the Traffic Stop: If police didn’t have probable cause to stop your vehicle, the entire case may be dismissed.
   • Medical conditions or improper calibration of devices: These factors can create false positives on BAC tests.

Know Your Rights—Defend Your Future

Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor, felony, white-collar charge, or juvenile offense, the criminal justice system is not something you want to navigate alone. The consequences of a conviction can be devastating, even for what might seem like a “minor” charge.

We fight for our clients with compassion, skill, and relentless advocacy. We understand that every case is different, and we build custom legal strategies that prioritize your freedom and your future.

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Louisiana, don’t wait. The sooner you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Call the Ikerd Law Firm today to schedule your free, confidential consultation. Let us help you protect your rights and begin building your strongest possible defense.