Criminal defense isn't always a matter of denying any and all wrongdoing. In many cases, the goal is ensuring that the defendant is not convicted of crimes beyond those they admit to committing.
Senator Portman amendment would ban 28 synthetic drugs
Police departments across the country are encountering a growing trend in the use of inexpensive synthetic drugs. The drugs are sold under a variety of names, and come in a variety of formulations that are constantly changing. The synthetic drugs come in packages which typically say they should not be ingested, but consumers are increasingly using them to mimic the effects of street drugs.
High court's interpretation of felony murder statute cuts prosecutors short
Last month, we wrote that a grand jury in East Baton Rouge declined to issue an indictment against two men for murder stemming from a January 14 homicide of a third man who was a relative. According to the prosecutor in the case, the three men had attempted to rob another man who was purchasing drugs from them and who shot at the three after being attacked. A bystander also apparently shot at the three men as an act of defense, which complicated the ability of prosecutors to pursue charges.
Louisiana lawmakers back DWI bills, Gov. Jindal signs six into law
Over the past years, fatal crashes in the state of Louisiana have decreased 34 percent. Alcohol-related crash injuries have decreased 17 percent. But with 288 deaths in alcohol-related crashes in 2011, and with Louisiana ranking in the top 10 states for overall alcohol-related fatal crashes, lawmakers want more to be done.
Pest control reality star charged with possession of synthetic marijuana in La.
William Bretherton, the personality on the A&E reality show "Billy the Exterminator" was recently arrested on charges of drug possession in Louisiana, his home state. Those who have seen the show know that Bretherton is a pest control specialist, and frequently responds to calls to handle various pests.
Sandusky trial prompts passage of new child sex abuse laws in Louisiana
Our Baton Rouge readers have likely heard by now of the sexual abuse trial against former Penn. State coach Jerry Sandusky. Sandusky has been charged with 52 counts of child sex abuse involve 10 alleged victims. The alleged incidents span a 15-year time period up through the mid-1990s. The charges, of course, are most serious, and could result in lifetime imprisonment.
Undercover sting operations: a good way to battle crime?
Four individuals, as well as the corporate owners of a convenience store in Baton Rouge have been charged with conspiracy to launder money. The indictment alleges that law enforcement officers conducted a money laundering money laundering sting in which an undercover IRS agent posed as a drug dealer seeking to launder drug proceeds.
New bill gives state more power to prosecute cases involving dangerous synthetic drugs
Woman charged with negligent homicide for leaving child unattended in tub
On Tuesday, police in Baton Rouge arrested a 22-year-old woman who accidentally allowed her 11-month-old daughter to drown in a bathtub. According to authorities, she left the child unattended in the tub with the water running. She has apparently been charged with negligent homicide.
Mandeville police search for check forgery suspects
A fraud scam similar to others in Terrebonne and East Baton Rouge Parishes reportedly has Mandeville police looking for several individuals suspected of forging checks. Police were apparently notified of the scam after forged checks were reported at a convenience store in Mandeville.
