Law Office of Alan Stegall
Free Initial Consultation: 318-386-4371
Law Office of Alan Stegall

CALL

Fighting For The Injured And The Accused Since 1999

  1. Home
    2.  » Criminal Law

Experienced Criminal Defense In The Shreveport Area

The Law Office of Alan Stegall provides criminal law representation throughout Shreveport and the surrounding areas of Louisiana and Texas. I handle every single case personally and launch a vigorous defense, whether for a simple traffic ticket, a drug charge or a serious felony.

If you have been investigated or charged with a criminal offense, call me today at 318-386-4371 for a free initial consultation. I am confident that I can make a difference in your case by dismissing the charges or sparing you from the harshest consequences.

I have also handled record expungement (see below) to clear old criminal records.

More Two Decades Of Practice In Criminal Law

I can capably address whatever criminal matter you are dealing with, including misdemeanors, felonies and juvenile offenses:

  • Drunk driving (DWI), including repeat DWI and underage offenses
  • Drug charges, from simple possession to trafficking
  • Shoplifting and theft
  • Burglary and trespassing
  • Public intoxication or underage drinking
  • Aggravated battery
  • Armed robbery
  • Murder or manslaughter

Misdemeanors are generally nonviolent crimes punishable by a fine and/or incarceration in a local or parish jail, or sometimes probation. Felonies are serious crimes punishable by a year or more in prison. A felony conviction will also strip you of certain civil liberties such as voting rights and the right to own or possess firearms. Some misdemeanors are enhanceable crimes, meaning they can be elevated to felonies if you have prior convictions or other aggravating factors.

Aside from the criminal penalties, misdemeanor and felony convictions on your record can affect employment opportunities, education and other facets of your life. The right criminal defense attorney can make a huge difference in your immediate and future consequences.

Expungement Of Past Criminal Matters

Expungement is a court order given to remove an arrest or conviction record from public view. After a record is expunged, the public should not be able to find it. This process will allow you to state under oath and on employment or rental applications that you have not been convicted of a crime. Since a criminal record can severely impact your employment, education, housing options and other basic rights, the expungement of your record can greatly benefit your future.

Am I Eligible for Expungement?

Louisiana’s expungement law is complex. Basically, expungements can be granted if any of the following scenarios apply:

  • An adult has been found not guilty of a crime. All records of his or her arrest, detention and investigation will be expunged.
  • An adult convicted of a felony or misdemeanor who had his or her charges dismissed after successful completion of probation or the statute of limitations for prosecution has expired. These records will be expunged.
  • A juvenile under the age of 17 if no charge resulted in an adjudication or if it was adjudicated as a misdemeanor, but no firearms were involved and at least two years has passed since the most recent judgment, they can obtain an expungement order under Article 918 of the Children’s Code.
  • For a juvenile felony, the juvenile can seek expungement of the judgment and all accompanying records after five years from the most recent judgment, but only if the offense was not homicide, manslaughter, kidnapping, armed robbery or a sex crime.

How Do I File My Petition for Expungement? 

Adults with misdemeanors must file a motion for expungement in the court where the conviction was entered or in the district court in the parish where they were arrested if no prosecution was initiated. To expunge a record of felony arrest or dismissal, the motion is filed in the District Court in the parish where the arrest took place. It is also required that a mandatory request for a “contradictory hearing” is served to the law enforcement agency and district attorney involved in the arrest. The purpose of this hearing is to demonstrate entitlement to the expungement order.

For people who are at least 17, a motion for expungement of juvenile records can be filed with the court that has jurisdiction over the case. It must then be served on the head of the agencies, district attorney and clerk of court that have access to (or possession of) the records. You must demonstrate grounds for the expungement under Article 918 of the Children’s Code.

It is important to not go it alone when dealing with expungement. If you make any mistakes, your petition can be denied. The Law Office of Alan Stegall can hep you correctly file your petition for expungement. The successful expungement of your criminal record can give you a second chance at a successful future, so get it right the first time!

The Sooner I Get Involved, The More I Can Do To Help

If you are accused of a felony crime in Louisiana, you need to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. For over a decade, I have offered aggressive criminal defense services. I personally handle your case from start to finish. To arrange your free consultation, ask for Alan Stegall at 318-386-4371 or contact me by email.