If you have been arrested or think you are under investigation, call (318) 746-5997 before you answer questions. What happens in the first days after an arrest, including what you say, can shape the entire case.
Attorney Jacqueline Scott has practiced law in Louisiana for more than 35 years. Before law school she was the youngest probation and parole officer hired in Shreveport, and she later clerked for two District Court judges. She knows how cases move through the system because she has seen them from more than one side. Read more about Attorney Scott.
Criminal charges we defend
Drug charges
Possession, possession with intent to distribute, distribution, and paraphernalia charges. Penalties in Louisiana depend heavily on the type and amount of the substance and on prior convictions. How the drugs were found matters too: a search that violated your rights can affect what evidence the State may use.
DWI and DUI
In Louisiana, drunk or impaired driving is charged as Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI), commonly called DWI. A DWI arrest can lead to a criminal case in court and a separate administrative action against your driver’s license, and the deadline to request a license hearing is short. Breath tests, field sobriety tests, and the traffic stop itself can all be examined.
Assault and battery
Charges range from simple assault to aggravated and second degree battery, and may include domestic abuse battery. The facts that matter often include who started the confrontation, whether self-defense applies, injuries, and what witnesses and video actually show.
Theft, burglary, and robbery
Theft charges are graded largely by the value of the property. Burglary involves unauthorized entry with intent to commit a felony or theft, and robbery involves taking property by force or intimidation. These charges carry very different penalties, so the exact charge filed is important.
Shoplifting
A shoplifting accusation can be charged as theft of goods. Even a first offense can leave a criminal record that shows up on background checks. Store video, loss-prevention statements, and how the stop was handled can all affect the case.
Juvenile crimes
When a child is accused of a crime, the case usually proceeds in juvenile court, where the process and the goals are different from adult court. Some serious charges can be transferred to adult court. Protecting a young person’s future, schooling, and record is a central concern.
Probation and parole violations
An alleged violation can mean a revocation hearing and the possibility of serving time that was previously suspended. Attorney Scott began her career as a probation and parole officer in Shreveport, so she understands how violations are reported and how those hearings work from the inside.
Other misdemeanors and felonies
We also defend people facing other misdemeanor and felony charges in state and municipal courts. If you are not sure whether we handle your type of case, call and ask.
What to do if you are arrested
- Stay calm and do not resist. Even if you believe the arrest is wrong, resisting can lead to additional charges.
- Use your right to remain silent. Say that you want a lawyer, then stop talking about the case.
- Do not consent to searches. You can say you do not consent. Do not physically interfere.
- Do not discuss your case on jail phones, by text, or on social media. Those communications are often recorded or saved.
- Write down what happened as soon as you can, including names, times, and witnesses.
- Call a defense lawyer before any court date or interview.
How we approach a criminal case
Every case starts with the facts. We review the police report, video, lab results, and witness statements, look at whether the stop, search, or arrest followed the law, and talk with you about your goals. From there we explain your options, which may include challenging the evidence, negotiating with the prosecutor, pursuing a diversion program where available, or taking the case to trial.
Frequently asked questions
Should I talk to the police if I am being investigated?
You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You can politely say that you will not answer questions without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used as evidence, even statements you believe will help.
What happens after an arrest in Louisiana?
Generally, a person who is arrested is booked and brought before a judge, and bail may be set. The district attorney then decides what charges to file. Each step can affect the outcome, which is why speaking with a defense lawyer early matters.
Can a criminal charge be reduced or dismissed?
Sometimes. Depending on the evidence, how it was obtained, and your history, options may include challenging the evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, diversion programs, or trial. No lawyer can promise a particular result.
Do you handle cases outside Shreveport and Bossier City?
Yes. Our offices are in Shreveport and Bossier City, and we represent clients in courts throughout Louisiana.
Can I clear my record later?
Louisiana allows expungement of some arrests and convictions if certain requirements are met. Whether you qualify depends on the charge, the outcome, and how much time has passed.
Serving Shreveport, Bossier City, and all of Louisiana
We meet clients at our offices at 1115 Pierremont Rd in Shreveport and 401 Hamilton Rd, Suite 110 in Bossier City, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We represent clients in state and municipal courts throughout Louisiana. See the parishes we serve.
Injured in an accident instead? Jacqueline Scott & Associates is also a personal injury firm. Learn about our injury practice.
The information on this page is general and is not legal advice. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.