How Smart Defense Strategy Can Lessen the Impact of a Criminal Case

😟 Facing a Serious Charge? Don't Panic Just Yet.

If you've been charged with a crime in Louisiana, you're probably asking:

“Is there any way to get this charge lowered?”

The answer is: yes, it's possible.
While nothing is guaranteed, many charges are reduced or dismissed altogether—especially when you have a skilled defense attorney working the case from the beginning.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we've helped clients across North Louisiana get serious charges reduced to lesser offenses—or dropped completely. Let's walk through how it works.

📉 What Does “Charge Reduction” Mean?

A charge reduction means your original criminal charge is replaced with a less serious offense. For example:

This can mean less jail time, lower fines, fewer long-term consequences, and better chances at expungement.

⚖️ When Can Charges Be Reduced?

Charge reduction can happen at several points in your case:

1. Before charges are officially filed by the district attorney

2. During pretrial negotiations between your attorney and the prosecutor

3. As part of a plea bargain to avoid trial

4. Mid-case, if evidence weakens or key witnesses disappear

5. After filing motions to suppress or dismiss key parts of the prosecution's case

🔍 What Factors Help Us Reduce Charges?

Your attorney will look at everything to build leverage for reduction:

• Weak or missing evidence

• Illegal searches or arrests

• No prior criminal record

• Willingness to complete drug treatment or community service

• The victim wants to drop the charges

• The DA's overloaded docket or desire to avoid trial

📌 In Louisiana, especially in smaller parishes, prosecutors have wide discretion to reduce or drop charges. That's why having an attorney who knows the local court system matters.

🛠️ What We Do to Help

When you hire Lawrence Law Firm, here's how we work to reduce your charges:

• Immediately request and review all discovery (bodycam, statements, police reports)

• Identify flaws or constitutional issues in how the case was built

• File motions to suppress bad evidence or dismiss unsupported charges

• Negotiate with the DA using facts, legal arguments, and character evidence

• Present alternatives to conviction—rehab, counseling, restitution, etc.

And when a reduction isn't offered? We prepare for trial, putting pressure on the state to reconsider.

📞 Don't Plead to a Charge That Can Be Beaten Down

Prosecutors count on people taking the first deal out of fear. But many charges can be negotiated down with the right timing and defense strategy.

📞 Call 318.232.4000 now to speak with a criminal defense attorney in Ruston who knows how to negotiate and when to fight.

🖥️ Or schedule a free consultation here.

❓ FAQ: Getting Charges Reduced in Louisiana

Q: Will I still have a criminal record if my charge is reduced?
A: If the charge is still a conviction—even a reduced one—it may show up. But a lesser charge often qualifies for expungement later.

Q: Can I ask the DA to reduce my charge myself?
A: You can, but it's rarely effective. Prosecutors take attorneys much more seriously, especially ones who come prepared to litigate.

Q: Is a reduced charge the same as a dismissal?
A: No—but it's often a safer, faster path than risking a trial. We'll explain the pros and cons of each.

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.