Robbery Attorney in Lake Charles

Facing A Robbery Charge In Lake Charles? Start Building Your Defense by Calling Sudduth & Associates, LLC

If you or someone you love has been arrested for robbery in Lake Charles, you are likely worried about what comes next. A robbery charge brings the possibility of prison time, a permanent felony record, and a future that looks very uncertain. You may not know who to trust or how quickly you need a robbery attorney in Lake Charles to step in.

At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, we focus on guiding people through some of the hardest moments in their lives. Our firm has been rooted in this community since 2013, and we treat our clients the way we would want our own family treated if they were facing a serious criminal charge. When you reach out to us, you talk with a team that understands both the law and the local courts.

Call (337) 282-9003 or fill out this online form to speak with a robbery attorney in Lake Charles who knows how to win. With +100 years of collective experience and a former prosecutor on our team, we provide the elite defense you deserve.

Understanding Robbery Laws in Louisiana

Louisiana law distinguishes between several degrees of robbery, each with its own set of definitions and life-altering penalties. Navigating these statutes requires an experienced robbery attorney in Lake Charles who can identify which specific charge the state is pursuing and how to combat it.

• Simple Robbery (RS 14:65): This is the taking of anything of value from the person or immediate control of another by use of force or intimidation, but without a dangerous weapon. Even without a weapon, this is a felony in Louisiana.
• First Degree Robbery (RS 14:64.1): This occurs when the offender leads the victim to reasonably believe they are armed with a dangerous weapon, even if no weapon actually exists.
• Second Degree Robbery (RS 14:64.4): This charge is applied when the offender intentionally inflicts serious bodily injury during the commission of the robbery.
• Armed Robbery (RS 14:64): The most severe robbery charge, involving the taking of property while armed with a dangerous weapon.
• Armed Robbery with a Firearm (RS 14:64.3): If a firearm is used, Louisiana law provides for a mandatory five-year enhancement that must be served consecutively to the underlying armed robbery sentence.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Robbery in Louisiana

Robbery penalties in Louisiana are severe, often requiring imprisonment at hard labor and limiting eligibility for probation or parole.

• Simple Robbery
  • Prison Term: Up to 7 years (with hard labor)
  • Parole/Probation: May be eligible
• First Degree Robbery
  • Prison Term: 3 to 40 years (with hard labor)
  • Parole/Probation: Not eligible
• Second Degree Robbery
  • Prison Term: 3 to 40 years (with hard labor)
  • Parole/Probation: Often restricted
• Armed Robbery
  • Prison Term: 10 to 99 years (with hard labor)
  • Parole/Probation: Not eligible
• Firearm Enhancement
  • Additional 5 years (served consecutively)
  • Parole/Probation: Not eligible

Collateral Consequences

Beyond the prison gates, a robbery conviction creates a permanent "violent offender" record.

• Loss of Civil Rights: You lose the right to vote, serve on a jury, and legally possess a firearm for at least 10 years following the completion of your sentence.
• Employment Barriers: Because robbery is a crime of violence, most employers will immediately disqualify an applicant with this record, particularly in fields involving cash handling or public interaction.
• The "Crime of Violence" Label: Under Louisiana law, crimes of violence carry stricter parole rules and can lead to significantly longer stays in prison compared to non-violent offenses.

What to Do After A Robbery Arrest in Lake Charles

In Calcasieu Parish, felony robbery cases often move through the Fourteenth Judicial District Court in Lake Charles. There is usually an initial appearance or bond hearing, followed by later court dates such as arraignments and pretrial conferences. The exact timing can depend on how quickly charges are filed and how crowded the docket is.

During this early period, what you say and do can affect your case. It is generally wise not to discuss the facts of the alleged robbery with law enforcement or with other people in custody without first getting legal advice. Even conversations on recorded jail phones or text messages to friends can end up in the prosecutor’s file.

Many people in this situation are unsure when to call a robbery defense attorney in Lake Charles. We encourage you to reach out as soon as possible. When our team gets involved early, we can talk with you about bond issues, start gathering information, and help you avoid common mistakes.

Why Our Robbery Defense Team

When your freedom and record are on the line, you need more than a name from a search result. You want a team that sees you as a person, not a file number. At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, we have built our practice on a legacy of public service and a commitment to the people who live and work in and around Lake Charles.

We approach criminal defense the way a trusted family doctor approaches long-term care. Clients come to us with different legal problems, and our role is to listen, understand their history, and stand beside them across different stages of life. In a robbery case, that means we take the time to hear your side, your concerns, and your goals before we start talking strategy.

Our attorneys and paralegals work together as a team, bringing a wide range of legal experience to each case. When you hire our robbery criminal attorney in Lake Charles from our firm, you get the support of an entire team behind you. Our multicultural and multilingual staff offer bilingual consultations.

How We Approach Lake Charles Robbery Defense Cases

When handling a Lake Charles robbery defense case, we begin by listening to your story and understanding your concerns beyond the police report. We carefully review the state’s evidence, including statements, surveillance footage, and witness identifications, looking for weaknesses or constitutional issues. Whether the dispute involves mistaken identity or the legal definition of robbery, we tailor the defense strategy to your specific circumstances.

Clear communication guides every step of the process. We explain hearings in the Fourteenth Judicial District Court, discuss plea options when appropriate, and prepare for trial when necessary. Known for assertive courtroom advocacy, we negotiate from a position of strength while focusing on your long-term interests. We also support families, helping them understand the process and reducing uncertainty during a difficult time.

At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, we don't just wait for the state to act. We take a proactive stance in every robbery case.

• Challenging Identification: Eyewitness identification is notoriously unreliable. We scrutinize the conditions of the identification—lighting, distance, and the victim's stress levels—to prove the state has the wrong person.
• Former Prosecutor Insight: We know the "pressure points" of a robbery case. We know when a prosecutor’s evidence is too thin to sustain a conviction for Armed Robbery and may negotiate for a reduction to a non-violent offense.
• Forensic Investigation: We look for DNA or fingerprint evidence that could exonerate our clients, often hiring independent experts to challenge the state's findings.
• Strategic Alibi Defense: If you were elsewhere at the time of the crime, we utilize digital breadcrumbs—GPS, cell tower pings, and surveillance footage—to prove your innocence.

Talk To Our Robbery Defense Lawyer in Lake Charles Today

At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, we believe every person deserves a defense that is both skilled and compassionate. Our robbery criminal defense in Lake Charles works to protect your rights, guide you through the Fourteenth Judicial District Court process, and seek a fair resolution based on your circumstances. We do this while treating you with the respect we give our own families.

If you are ready to talk about what happened and what might come next, we are ready to listen. Consultations are confidential, and our multilingual staff can help you feel comfortable asking questions in the language you prefer. We know that time matters, so we work to arrange appointments quickly, especially when someone is in custody or facing a court date.

To discuss your situation with our team, call (337) 282-9003 or reach out online today.