If you’ve been arrested, cited, or your child has gotten into trouble in Louisiana, one of the first questions you need answered is whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a municipal violation. The difference impacts everything from court appearances to criminal records to long-term consequences.This guide breaks down exactly what separates these two types of charges and what you need to know to protect your future. What Is a Misdemeanor in Louisiana? A misdemeanor is a crimi

Federal charges are some of the most stressful and confusing situations a person can face. When the federal government gets involved, everything feels bigger. The investigations are longer, the resources are greater, and the stakes are much higher. Clients often tell me they feel blindsided because the process looks nothing like a typical Louisiana criminal case. At Phillips Law, we represent people across Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and throughout S

When someone you care about is arrested in Louisiana, the first question that usually pops into your mind is, “What is their bond going to be?” A bond hearing can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never been through the criminal court system before. Judges move fast, the rules are confusing, and you might feel like you have no control over what happens next. But here is the good news. Once you understand how bond works in Louisiana and what judges look at, you can wal

If you or someone you care about is facing a grand jury indictment in Louisiana, you’re probably feeling confused, stressed, and unsure of what happens next. Grand jury proceedings feel mysterious on purpose. They’re secretive, one sided, and nothing like a normal court hearing. And because they’re handled behind closed doors, most people have no idea what the process even looks like until they’re already in trouble. Today, I’m breaking down what a grand jury indictment reall

If you live in Louisiana, especially in New Orleans where arrests happen fast and police encounters can get confusing, you need to know your Miranda rights. I talk to clients every day who didn’t realize they had the right to stay silent, the right to ask for an attorney, or the right to stop questioning until a lawyer is present. So today I want to break down what Miranda rights really mean in Louisiana, when the police must read them, and how to protect yourself if you’re e

If you or someone you care about has been charged with possession with intent to distribute in Louisiana, I know how frightening that moment can be. When a police officer or detective uses the words “intent to distribute,” everything suddenly feels ten times more serious. And the truth is, it is serious. PWIT carries harsher penalties than simple possession, and the state works hard to build these cases. But the good news is this. A possession with intent to distribute charge