Federal Criminal Defense in Louisiana
This resource covers federal criminal proceedings in the Eastern District of Louisiana, one of the busiest federal districts in the country. The EDLA encompasses the greater New Orleans metro area, Baton Rouge, and surrounding parishes — a jurisdiction known for high-profile prosecutions involving public corruption, drug trafficking, and financial crimes.
Federal charges carry different — and often harsher — consequences than state-level offenses. Understanding the federal court process, the role of the U.S. Attorney's Office, and your legal rights is essential for anyone facing or monitoring federal proceedings in Louisiana.
Recent Coverage
- Federal sentencing guidelines in the Fifth Circuit
- Corporate fraud prosecutions in Louisiana
- Tax enforcement cases and DOJ Tax Division activity
- Public corruption in local government
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The Eastern District at a Glance
The Eastern District of Louisiana handles thousands of federal criminal cases annually. The U.S. Attorney's Office, headquartered at 650 Poydras Street in New Orleans, maintains specialized units for public corruption, national security, narcotics, violent crime, and cybercrime. The district has produced landmark federal prosecutions — including major corruption cases involving city officials, police officers, and business figures — that have shaped federal criminal law and procedure both locally and nationally.
Key Differences Between Federal and State Prosecution
Federal prosecution differs from state prosecution in several critical respects. Federal prosecutors have broader investigative resources and longer statutes of limitations. Federal sentences, governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, tend to be longer and are served in federal facilities (there is no parole in the federal system). Federal grand juries have broad subpoena power, and federal investigations often involve multiple agencies working in coordination. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone who may be the subject of federal attention.
Recent Articles
Federal Sentencing Guidelines in the Fifth Circuit
The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines provide the framework for calculating federal sentences. Although advisory after United States v. Booker, they remain highly influential: most federal sentences are with…
Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud: Federal Prosecutions in Louisiana
Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) and mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) are among the most versatile and frequently charged federal statutes. Prosecutors in the Eastern District of Louisiana routinely use the…