One of the first questions we get at James & Bradley Law Firm after someone is arrested is:
“Can you get my charges reduced, or dropped completely?”
The answer? It depends.
While prosecutors don’t drop charges without good reason, several key factors can influence how a case plays out—especially in St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, and Livingston Parish. If you’re facing criminal charges in any of these areas, here’s what you need to know about how reductions and dismissals really happen.
1. The Strength of the Evidence
This is often the biggest deciding factor. Prosecutors in the 22nd and 21st Judicial Districts, which cover St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, and Livingston, will weigh whether they have:
- Clear video or photographic evidence
- Credible eyewitnesses
- Lawfully obtained confessions or physical evidence
- Reliable police reports and procedures
If there are holes in the case, such as shaky witness testimony or potential constitutional violations (e.g., illegal search, Miranda issues), we can challenge the prosecution’s case and push for a reduction, or even outright dismissal.
2. Your Criminal History (or Lack Thereof)
First-time offenders often have more options than those with a record. Prosecutors may be more willing to reduce or dismiss charges if:
- You have no prior convictions
- You’ve never been arrested before
- Your offense was non-violent and low-level (e.g., possession, shoplifting)
In Livingston Parish, for example, we’ve successfully negotiated reduced charges for first-time defendants in exchange for community service or drug education programs. Your clean background gives us leverage.
3. Victim Input and Cooperation
In cases involving a victim—like assault or domestic violence, the victim’s wishes can carry weight, but they don’t control the case. That said, if the alleged victim:
- Doesn’t want to press charges
- Fails to cooperate with prosecutors
- Recants or changes their story
It may be possible to get the charges dismissed or reduced.
In Tangipahoa Parish, we’ve seen cases dropped mid-stream due to a lack of victim cooperation or credibility issues. However, even if the victim “wants to drop charges,” the DA still makes the final decision.
4. Proactive Steps You’ve Taken
What you do after your arrest can affect how the court and DA view your case. Positive steps that might influence a charge reduction include:
- Entering a rehab or counseling program
- Completing anger management or theft prevention classes
- Paying restitution to the alleged victim
- Staying out of further trouble while the case is pending
In St. Tammany Parish, prosecutors are often more receptive to negotiation when we can demonstrate that a client has taken responsibility and begun addressing the underlying issue.
5. Quality of Legal Representation
This is a big one, and not just because we’re defense attorneys. A skilled attorney knows how to:
- Spot legal and procedural weaknesses
- File motions to suppress or dismiss evidence
- Negotiate with prosecutors who know and respect their work
- Present clients in the best possible light to judges and DAs
At James & Bradley Law Firm, we’ve spent years building credibility in the courtrooms of Covington, Franklinton, Amite, Hammond, and Livingston. That trust matters when you’re asking for a break on behalf of a client.
6. The Charge Itself
Some charges are more flexible than others when it comes to negotiation. For example:
- Possession of marijuana or paraphernalia is often eligible for diversion or dismissal
- Theft under $1,000 can sometimes be reduced to a municipal offense
- Simple battery or disturbing the peace may be resolved with a plea to a non-criminal infraction
More serious charges, like felony drug distribution, burglary, or domestic abuse battery, are harder to reduce but not impossible with the right strategy.
7. Overloaded Dockets and Practicality
Let’s be honest, prosecutors and judges are often dealing with full dockets. In Washington Parish and others, we’ve seen charges reduced simply because the DA’s office is overburdened, the case isn’t a high priority, and a reasonable resolution makes sense for everyone involved.
Ready to Fight Your Charges? Let’s Talk.
No two cases are the same, but almost every case has options. The sooner you speak with a knowledgeable defense lawyer, the better chance you have at a dismissal, reduction, or favorable plea deal.
At James & Bradley Law Firm, we fight for results, not promises. We’ll dig into the facts, look at the evidence, and build a defense strategy that gives you the best chance at moving forward.
Call us today at 985-809-8383 or contact us online for a confidential consultation. Whether you’re in St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, or Livingston Parish, we’re ready to fight for you.