Legal Question in Family Law in Louisiana

Domestic violence

My girlfriend and I live in Louisiana.

My girlfriend and I were arguing when she hit me and I hit her back. We had reconciled when the room mate called the cops on us. The cops wanted me to spend the night outside the home and while I was waiting for the cab, they told me that they had changed their minds and ticketed us both for simple battery.

The ticket explanation for my girl friend: got into argument with boy friend and hit him with open hand.

Ticket explanation for me: hit victim with open hand without victim's consent.

We have been asked to appear in court to get an arraignment date. I am living with my girlfriend right now and we have been told that even though we are not pressing charges, the state will do it. We wish to end this as soon as possible. Should we get an attorney? Am I likely to go to prison? This is the first offense for both of us.We are both international students.

We would like to know what will happen next and how long the process will take? I just graduated and am worried if this will affect my chances of getting a job.

Thank you.


Asked on 7/11/04, 8:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Andrew Casanave Andrew M. Casanave

Re: Domestic violence

Simple Battery is a misdemeanor. If you are both equally guilty then I doubt that a judge would jail either of you, but (s)he could.

As for your immigration issues, consult an immigration lawyer because this is a highly specialized area of the law.

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Answered on 7/11/04, 9:50 pm


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