One Fought Back and Won. The Other Pled Without a Plan.

👊 One Night. One Fight. Two Futures.

Two young men. Same bar. Same argument. Same result: Simple battery charges.

One took it to trial and cleared his name.
The other took a deal he didn't understand — and ended up with a criminal record and limited options.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we represent people across Ruston and North Louisiana who are charged with battery — many of them college students, first offenders, or just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

This charge carries more weight than people think — and how you respond could change everything.

⚖️ Scenario A: Trial, Dismissal, and Clean Record

Devin is 22, arrested after a bar fight near campus. Charged with simple battery, a misdemeanor. No weapons. No injuries. Just a heated altercation and a witness with a cell phone video.

He hires a lawyer right away.

🔍 What We Do:

• Request surveillance and witness statements

• Analyze cell phone footage that shows Devin was defending himself

• File pretrial motions and push back on weak evidence

• Take the case to trial, where the state fails to meet its burden

✅ Outcome:

• Not guilty verdict

• Charge dismissed

• No conviction, no fine, no probation

• Eligible for expungement immediately

❌ Scenario B: Plea Deal Without a Plan

Marcus is also charged with simple battery after a fight — same night, same block.
But:

• He doesn't hire a lawyer

• Pleads guilty in court without fully understanding the consequences

• Receives probation and a fine

• Believes it's “over” — until it shows up on every background check

🚫 Consequences:

• Conviction for a violent offense

• Cannot expunge for 5 years minimum

• Loses eligibility for certain jobs, licensing, and housing

• University discipline triggered for violent conduct

• All because he didn't challenge the facts or evidence

🧠 Why Fighting a Battery Charge is Worth It

Battery sounds like a “minor fight,” but it's a crime of violence under Louisiana law. That means:

• It triggers tougher penalties on future arrests

• It can't be expunged for years, even for first-time offenders

• It sends the wrong message to employers and schools — even if probation was completed

⚠️ Many people plead guilty to battery out of fear — and don't realize what they've agreed to until it's too late.

🛡️ How We Help With Battery Cases

At Lawrence Law Firm, we:

• Review witness credibility and surveillance footage

• File motions to dismiss or reduce charges

• Argue self-defense or lack of intent

• Negotiate for non-conviction resolutions if trial isn't ideal

• Protect your record and your future reputation

📞 Charged With Battery? Let's Talk Strategy.

📞 Call 318.232.4000 to speak with a criminal defense attorney who knows how to fight battery charges in Louisiana.
🖥️ Or [schedule your free consultation] online.

Sometimes, the best defense is a strong offense — and we're ready to take the lead.

🔜 Coming Up in the Series:

Blog #5: Juvenile Gun Charge — Adult Court vs. Rehab Program

The blog published by Lawrence Law Firm is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing blog posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. Artificial Intelligence has been used to assist in formatting, topic selection, and organization, and while this information has been reviewed an attorney, this article should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.