What Happens After a Felony Arrest in Louisiana?

A​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ felony arrest in Louisiana may very well give you the feeling that your life has been put on hold. Often, the next thing one feels is a mixture of uncertainty and fear. In such situations, a person might be worried about going to jail, what will happen of their family, their job, and what will be the next steps. Nevertheless, the fact is that your actions right after a felony arrest can actually determine the direction and the eventual tone of your case. This manual will cover the stages of events after a felony arrest in Louisiana, how the criminal legal process functions, and the reason why the involvement of an experienced felony criminal defense lawyer can be the most important factor in safeguarding your ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌future.

Step 1: The Arrest and Booking Process

If the police have a reasonable belief that you have committed a felony, they will arrest you and you will be taken into custody. After that, the following is what usually ensues:

• You’re taken to jail: The officers will take you to a jail that is either local or parish.

• The booking process gets underway: Your details are recorded, your fingerprints are taken, and photographs (mugshots) are done. Officers write down the details of the alleged offense.

• Lookup for outstanding warrants or prior records: The police will look to see whether there are any outstanding warrants or if there are any previous records that might have an impact on your bail or charges.

• Temporary holding cell: You will be kept in custody until your first court hearing which is also known as the initial appearance or bond hearing.

Important: You have the right to remain silent, and you have the right to speak with a felony defense attorney before proceeding. Any comments made during this process may be used against you later in a court of law.

Step 2: Setting Bail or Bond

After​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ your arrest, you will be taken before a judge within 72 hours for a bond hearing. This is the moment when the court evaluates the possibility of your release before trial, as well as the conditions.

The judge considers factors such as:

• The nature of the crime

• Your criminal history

• Whether you are a flight risk

• Whether you are a danger to others

If a judge allows you to have a bond, instead of sitting in jail until trial, you can pay the bond (or a bail bondsman will) to be released.

For example, if the charges against you are serious felonies (such as: murder, rape, armed robbery), the court can deny bond altogether.

If you want to get a bond, you need to hire a felony defense attorney in Louisiana who can argue for reasonable bond conditions, and provide evidence that you are not a risk to others in the community or a flight risk.

Step 3: The Prosecutor Reviews the Case

Once you’ve been arrested, the prosecutor, often called the District Attorney (DA) , reviews the police report, witness statements, and evidence.

The DA decides whether to:

• File formal charges,

• Reduce the charge to a lesser offense, or

• Dismiss the case entirely if there isn’t enough evidence.

If the prosecutor moves forward, your case becomes State of Louisiana vs. [Your Name].

Step 4: The Arraignment

The next stage is the arraignment, where the judge formally reads the charges against you. You’ll enter one of three pleas:

• Guilty – admitting to the crime.

• Not guilty – denying the charge.

• No contest (nolo contendere) – not admitting guilt but accepting punishment.

Your felony criminal defense attorney will likely advise entering a “not guilty” plea at this stage. This gives your lawyer time to review evidence, file motions, and prepare your defense.

Step 5: Discovery and Pre-Trial Motions

After the arraignment, both sides exchange information in a process called discovery.

Your defense attorney can request:

• Police reports

• Surveillance videos

• Forensic results

• Witness statements

During this stage, your lawyer might file pre-trial motions such as:

• Motion to suppress evidence (if police violated your rights)

• Motion to dismiss (if evidence is weak)

• Motion for discovery (to obtain all prosecution evidence)

This phase is critical for building a strong defense. A knowledgeable felony defense attorney in Louisiana understands local court procedures and can often negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or drop certain charges.

Step 6: Plea Bargaining or Trial

Once evidence is reviewed, your attorney may discuss a plea deal with the prosecution.

A plea bargain means pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for reduced penalties. However, if no agreement is reached, your case moves to trial  where a jury decides guilt or innocence.

What Happens During a Felony Trial

1. Jury selection

2. Opening statements by both sides

3. Presentation of evidence and witnesses

4. Cross-examination

5. Closing arguments

6. Jury deliberation and verdict

If found not guilty, you’re free to go. If found guilty, the court moves to sentencing, where punishment is determined based on the crime and your criminal record.

Step 7: Sentencing and Penalties

Felony sentences in Louisiana vary widely depending on the offense. Here’s a general look at how penalties differ from misdemeanors:

Category	Misdemeanor	Felony
Maximum Jail Time	Up to 6 months	Over 1 year (often hard labor)
Court Type	City or Parish Court	District Court
Example Crimes	Simple battery, petty theft	Armed robbery, drug trafficking
Long-Term Effects	Temporary record	Permanent criminal record
Voting Rights	Usually retained	Suspended during incarceration

A felony conviction can also lead to:

• Loss of the right to vote (until sentence completion)

• Loss of firearm ownership rights

• Difficulty finding employment or housing

• Professional license suspension

Your felony criminal defense attorney can present evidence and arguments during sentencing to minimize the impact of punishment.

Step 8: Post-Conviction and Appeals

If convicted, you have the right to appeal the decision. This means asking a higher court to review possible legal errors that occurred during your trial.

Common appeal reasons include:

• Incorrect jury instructions

• Improper evidence admission

• Violation of constitutional rights

An experienced felony defense attorney can identify appeal opportunities and guide you through the process.

Understanding Felony Types in Louisiana

Louisiana doesn’t label felonies as Class A, B, or C like other states. Instead, each law specifies its own penalties. Here are a few examples:

Felony Type	Possible Penalty
Manslaughter	Up to 40 years at hard labor
Armed Robbery	10–99 years at hard labor (no parole)
Second-Degree Murder	Life in prison (no parole)
Drug Trafficking	5–30 years, depending on substance
Burglary	1–12 years at hard labor

Knowing the specific charge helps your attorney plan the best defense strategy.

Tips for Protecting Yourself After a Felony Arrest

1. Stay silent until you have a lawyer: Don’t discuss your case with police, friends, or family. Anything said can become evidence.

2. Request legal representation immediately: A felony defense attorney in Louisiana can intervene before charges escalate.

3. Follow bail conditions carefully: Missing a court date or violating bond terms can lead to immediate re-arrest.

4. Document everything: Keep notes about what happened during your arrest; it may help your lawyer build a defense.

5. Stay calm and proactive: Legal cases take time, but your cooperation and honesty with your attorney matter most.

   
   

FAQs

1. How long can police hold me after a felony arrest in Louisiana? 

Usually up to 72 hours before a bond hearing or arraignment. After that, a judge must decide whether to release you or keep you in custody.

2. What happens if I can’t afford a felony defense attorney? 

You have the right to a court-appointed public defender. However, hiring an experienced private attorney often allows more focused attention and resources for your case.

3. Can felony charges be reduced in Louisiana? 

Yes. Depending on the evidence, your felony criminal defense attorney may negotiate a plea for a lesser charge or reduced penalties.

4. Do felony convictions ever go away? 

Felony records in Louisiana are not automatically cleared, but you may qualify for expungement under certain conditions after completing your sentence.

5. What should I do right after a felony arrest? 

Stay calm, use your right to remain silent, and contact a felony defense attorney immediately for guidance.

Conclusion

It​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ can be scary to be arrested for a felony in Louisiana, but knowing what will happen next can give you a sense of control and a plan. Each stage, from booking to trial, is full of both risks and chances to safeguard your future. An accomplished felony criminal defense attorney will be able to guide you through the ordeal, keep your rights intact, and make the best possible outcome for you. If you want reliable support during each step of your felony case, then the Ambeau Law Firm is a trusted choice. They’re known for professionalism, dedication, and reliability values that mirror what you should look for in a defense attorney.

Take action now. If you have been arrested or charged with a felony in Louisiana, get the advice of a qualified lawyer promptly to secure your liberty and your ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌future.