Criminal Defense

Lake Charles Criminal Defense Lawyer

With Years of Criminal Defense Experience in Southwest Louisiana Criminal Law

As one would expect in criminal defense matters, our clients in Lake Charles often come to our law firm anxious and confused about the unknown in the face of governmental criminal charges, investigation, and intrusion into their personal and professional lives.

Far too often our culture and even our criminal justice system is all too eager to presume someone guilty until proven innocent. This perversion of our legal system is dangerous and requires those charged to seek the help of experienced and talented legal advocates for their criminal case.

What is a Defense Attorney?

A defense attorney is a legal professional who works to represent individuals or organizations who have been accused or charged with committing a crime. 

Their primary role is to defend their clients against the charges brought by the prosecution and to ensure their client's rights are protected during the legal process. 

Criminal defense lawyers are responsible for acting in their client's best interests and effectively representing them. They may also negotiate plea deals, challenge and review the evidence, and present arguments in court on their client's behalf to secure a favorable outcome for their case. 

At our law firm in Lake Charles, Louisiana, our criminal defense lawyers do just that. You can depend on our legal team to deliver a solid defense while prioritizing the protection of your legal rights.

At Sudduth & Associates, our criminal defense lawyers in Lake Charles commonly like to use the phrase that we “level the playing field” but we want to take a minute and explain exactly what that means. 

Think for a moment of all the resources in the possession of the State: officers to effect an arrest or issue a warrant, detectives to investigate a criminal case and question witnesses, forensic equipment and laboratories to test evidence, and finally prosecutors, with their own investigators, armed with virtually unlimited resources with which to effectively prosecute the accused. 

It is as easy to see as it is disparaging just how stacked the deck is against the accused. That's where our experienced criminal defense attorney in Lake Charles, Louisiana, comes in. Our law firm use all of our resources to fight for you!


Call 1-833-SUDDUTH for a consultation with our legal team today, or contact our law firm online for help with criminal law in Lake Charles. Our criminal lawyers offer our services in English and Spanish and always strive to be available to answer calls.


What Does a Defense Attorney Do

A defense attorney, also known as a criminal defense attorney, is a legal professional who represents individuals or entities facing criminal charges. Their primary role is to advocate for the legal rights and interests of their clients throughout the criminal justice process. Here are some key roles and responsibilities of a defense attorney:

  • Legal Advice: Defense attorneys provide legal advice to their clients, explaining the charges against them, the potential consequences, and the available legal options. They help clients understand their rights and guide them on how to proceed.
  • Investigation: Defense attorneys investigate the circumstances surrounding the charges. They review evidence, interview witnesses, and examine the actions of law enforcement to build a comprehensive understanding of the case.
  • Legal Strategy: Based on their investigation and legal expertise, defense attorneys develop a strategic defense plan. This may involve challenging the admissibility of evidence, questioning the legality of law enforcement actions, or presenting an alternative narrative that supports the client's innocence or mitigates the charges.
  • Negotiation: Defense attorneys often engage in plea negotiations with prosecutors. They may seek to have charges reduced, negotiate a plea deal, or explore other alternatives that could result in a more favorable outcome for their client.
  • Court Representation: Defense attorneys represent their clients in court proceedings. They present legal arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge evidence presented by the prosecution. Their goal is to ensure a fair trial and protect their client's rights.
  • Legal Research: Defense attorneys conduct legal research to stay informed about relevant laws, precedents, and legal strategies that could be beneficial in their cases. This research helps them build strong arguments in court.
  • Client Advocacy: Defense attorneys are strong advocates for their clients, working to protect their rights and ensure a fair legal process. They may challenge unconstitutional actions, object to improper evidence, and advocate for the best possible outcome.
  • Sentencing Advocacy: In the event of a guilty verdict or plea, defense attorneys may advocate for a fair and just sentence. They present mitigating factors and argue against excessively harsh penalties.
  • Appeals: If a conviction occurs and there are legal grounds for an appeal, defense attorneys may represent their clients in the appellate process, seeking to have the conviction overturned or the sentence reduced.

It's important to note that defense attorneys play a crucial role in upholding the principles of the legal system and ensuring that individuals accused of crimes receive a fair and just legal process. They are bound by ethical obligations to provide zealous representation for their clients while upholding the rule of law.

Why We're the Right Choice in Lake Charles

  • Over 100 Years of Collective Experience
  • Former Prosecutor Who Knows Both Sides of the Law
  • Long Roots in the Local Community
  • Cutting-Edge Technology to Bring You More Convenience
  • Collaborative Approach to Your Case
  • Highly Communicative & Responsive

American Institute of Trial Lawyers Litigator of the Year 2022Avvo Rating 10.0

Cases Our Criminal Attorney in Lake Charles Handles

Fighting for Your Freedom, Future & Reputation 

If you are accused, you need a legal team of investigators, paralegals, clerks, and lawyers who can as aggressively defend the charge as the State of Louisiana can prosecute one. 

At Sudduth and Associates, our Lake Charles criminal lawyers pride ourselves with being that leveling force for so many people. 

What Should You Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney?

When looking for a Lake Charles criminal defense attorney to handle your criminal cases, it's important to prioritize finding someone with a high level of experience and expertise. 

  1. You should research the credentials of any potential hire, observing any awards or accolades they may have won and scouring online reviews from past clients. 
  2. You’ll want to select someone who understands legal processes thoroughly and is confident in Lake Charles courtrooms. Communication is also critical; look for somebody who is willing to answer any questions promptly and keep you up-to-date on the status of your criminal case. 
  3. You should review their fees and payment structures well in advance so that financial concerns do not arise unexpectedly during legal proceedings.

The Advantage of a Former Prosecutor on Your Side

  • If having someone on your side that gives a 110% and delivers a quality product is important, then James Sudduth III comes with my highest personal recommendation.

    “If having someone on your side that gives a 110% and delivers a quality product is important, then James Sudduth III comes with my highest personal recommendation.”

  • They truly care about the legal issues I face, and aren't just 'going through the motions.'

    “James & his caring team of professionals are a cut above the rest. They truly care about the legal issues I face, and aren't just 'going through the motions.' It's been a tremendous help during this transitional period in my life to have Jame”

  • His passion for helping people sets him apart from any other attorney in this area.

    “Smart, driven, direct, passionate. Amazing man, which makes him an amazing attorney. Treated me and my family as if we were a part of his. I am forever grateful for the hard work and dedication he put into my case.”

  • If you're looking for an attorney to fight for you, call James.

    “Throughout the entire ordeal, James could not have been more professional, courteous and knowledgeable regarding my employment issue. He was prompt with his responses and could not have shown more compassion for the issue.”

How To Defend Against Criminal Charges in Louisiana

There are several defenses that can be used against criminal charges in the state of Louisiana. Although, the applicability of these defenses will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the case. Some common defenses that can be used:

Presumption of innocence: Individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution to demonstrate guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Lack of evidence: If there is a lack of sufficient evidence to prove the defendant's guilt, the defense could be challenged by the credibility or reliability of the prosecution's evidence.

Self-defense or defense of others: If the defendant can provide proof that they acted in self-defense or in defense of others, it may be a valid defense.

Mistaken identity: If the defense can provide evidence or raise a reasonable doubt about the identification of the perpetrator, it may be a valid defense. This could involve challenging eyewitness testimony, presenting alibi witnesses, or indicating flaws in the identification process.

Duress or coercion: If the defendant can prove that they had been forced or coerced into committing a crime under imminent threat of harm, it could be a valid defense.

Insanity or mental incapacity: If the defendant has a mental illness or defect that prevented them from understanding the nature of their actions or distinguishing right from wrong, they could raise an insanity defense.

Illegal search and seizure: If evidence was obtained through an unlawful search and seizure by police, it may be feasible to have that evidence excluded from trial. 

Our Criminal Attorney in Lake Charles Will Fight For You!

As a former prosecutor, James Sudduth leads an incredibly talented team of individuals in aggressively defending the rights, reputation, and confidentiality of the accused. There is truly no substitute for the critical eye of one prosecutor evaluating the criminal case of another prosecutor. Mr. Sudduth brings his attention to detail, years of professional experience, and genuine care for his clients to each criminal case.

Criminal charges can be devastating: both professionally and personally. Level the playing field. Call our law firm today so that we can fight for you! Our Lake Charles criminal defense lawyers defend those accused of all possible criminal charges, from the highest level felonies to the lowest level misdemeanors, whether at the local, state or federal levels.


Call 1-833-SUDDUTH for a consultation with our team today, or contact us online for help with criminal defense law in Lake Charles, Louisiana. We offer our services in English and Spanish and strive to always be available to answer calls.


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