Whether filed at the federal or state level, felony charges are allegations that someone has committed serious offenses and that conviction can lead to serious fines and penalties such as time in federal or state prison. Louisiana residents certainly hope that no one is exempt from being charged with a felony if the evidence gathered by legal authorities warrants the charge.
Recently, the former police chief of Port Allen entered a not guilty plea to felony charges presented in a state courtroom in West Baton Rouge Parish. According to the Louisiana Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the former chief’s case arose after he allegedly sold municipally owned firearms to a weapons dealer for $1,000. In addition, the accused has also been charged with forging signatures on two city checks amounting to $600 as well as using a department-issued gas to fill the gas tanks on his boat and personal vehicle from January 2013 to January 2014. The former chief is facing two counts of forgery, one count of theft and one count of malfeasance in office.
Anyone who is facing felony charges should know that the punishment at conviction is often severe and will brand the defendant as a felon, a designation that carries some public stigma and often closes many doors to opportunities such as employment and education. The best way to avoid such consequences is by establishing a solid defense against such serious charges.
The accused person can speak with a knowledgeable legal professional to learn how to navigate his or her case. A legal advocate may suggest a less-aggressive approach such as negotiating with prosecutors for lesser fines and penalties. In some cases, a more aggressive approach is the key to a case dismissal. The outcome of a case usually depends on how it is handled both in and out of the courtroom.
Source: Wafb.com, “Former Brusly Police chief Jamie Whaley pleads not guilty to 4 felony charges,” Kiran Chawla, Aug. 6, 2014
Source: Wafb.com, “Former Brusly Police chief Jamie Whaley pleads not guilty to 4 felony charges,” Kiran Chawla, Aug. 6, 2014
