Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season and a popular time for people to visit Louisiana, particularly New Orleans. This year an unfortunate incident marred the revelry on Canal Street. In the early morning hours following the holiday a shooting occurred that left 12 people injured. Those arrested in connection with the incident are entitled to a criminal defense.
Two men were recently arrested and charged with multiple counts of attempted murder. The altercation apparently occurred in the early morning hours following a football game on Thanksgiving weekend. The two accused were allegedly arguing prior to the incident. The argument allegedly led to the two men shooting at each other with handguns. One of the accused was reportedly shot in the foot.
In total, there were 12 reported injuries as a result of the shooting. In addition to the one man who was reportedly shot in the foot, 11 people nearby were also injured. None of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening. One of the victims was 16 years old and the others were between the ages of 21 and 36. The two accused men could face up to 50 years in prison for each count of attempted murder.
Being charged with attempted murder in Louisiana is, understandably, a serious offense. A person so charged is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The burden of proof falls to the prosecution and must be supported by the evidence presented. The proof must support a person’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Accused individuals are entitled to a criminal defense that can consist with informing the accused of his or her rights and helping to ensure that those rights are upheld throughout the criminal justice process.