Business Details
Your Trusted Criminal Defense & Family Law Attorney in Lake Charles
Hawkins Legal is a dedicated law firm serving Southwest Louisiana, specializing in criminal defense and family law. With nearly 25 years of experience practicing law in Louisiana, the firm's principal attorney, Tara B. Hawkins, brings a unique perspective as a former senior felony prosecutor. This background equips the firm with an in-depth understanding of the state's criminal justice system, enabling strategic advocacy for clients. The firm prioritizes personalized service, ensuring clients receive direct attention and transparent communication throughout their cases. Hawkins Legal focuses on protecting clients' rights in criminal matters, including DUI/DWI, drug crimes, domestic violence, and homicide cases, while also addressing family law disputes such as divorce, child custody, and property division.The firm's approach combines aggressive representation with compassionate guidance, emphasizing the serious consequences clients face, such as loss of freedom, employment, or family relationships. By maintaining a client-centered focus, Hawkins Legal ensures each case is treated with the individual attention it deserves, avoiding the impersonal treatment often associated with larger firms.
Services
Criminal Law
Family Law
DUI/DWI Defense
Drug Crimes
Domestic Violence Defense
Divorce Representation
Expungements
Theft Defense
Sex Crimes Defense
Homicide Defense
Highlights and features
- Aggressive representation in criminal and family law cases
- Experienced leadership with former senior felony prosecutor background
- Compassionate guidance through stressful legal processes
- Nearly 25 years of Louisiana-specific legal expertise
- Personalized service with direct attorney communication
What people say
Very thorough
Professional and won her case
Determined to get the best
Compassionate and caring
Above her peers
Services
Criminal Law
Hawkins Legal provides robust defense for misdemeanor and felony charges, including DUI/DWI, drug crimes, and violent offenses. With former prosecutorial experience, the firm strategically challenges evidence and negotiates plea deals while preparing for trial. Clients benefit from tailored defense strategies addressing specific charges and potential consequences like incarceration or license suspension.
Family Law
The firm handles complex family law matters including divorce, child custody, and property division. Services include negotiating settlements, litigating in court when necessary, and addressing spousal/child support. The approach balances compassionate guidance with assertive representation to protect clients' parental rights and financial interests during emotionally challenging times.
DUI/DWI Defense
Specialized defense against DUI/DWI charges involves challenging breathalyzer accuracy, procedural violations during stops, and sobriety test administration. The firm works to minimize penalties like license suspension while exploring options for charge reduction or dismissal through evidence scrutiny and courtroom advocacy.
Drug Crimes
Hawkins Legal defends against state and federal drug charges including possession, trafficking, and manufacturing. The firm challenges search legality, evidence handling, and informant reliability while exploring rehabilitation alternatives to incarceration. Services address both immediate legal consequences and long-term impacts on employment and immigration status.
Domestic Violence Defense
The firm defends against domestic violence accusations through investigation of police reports, challenging evidence credibility, and negotiating protective order modifications. Services address both criminal penalties and collateral consequences like firearm restrictions while preparing for trial when necessary to protect clients' rights and reputations.
People
Tara B. Hawkins
Member
Former senior felony prosecutor with nearly 25 years of Louisiana legal experience, specializing in criminal defense and family law. Known for aggressive courtroom advocacy and compassionate client representation, Tara prioritizes personalized service and strategic defense tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
Questions
What areas of law does Hawkins Legal specialize in?
Hawkins Legal focuses on criminal defense and family law, including DUI/DWI, drug crimes, domestic violence, divorce, child custody, and expungements.
How does Hawkins Legal handle DUI/DWI cases?
The firm challenges evidence, examines procedural errors, and leverages Louisiana-specific legal knowledge to minimize penalties or dismiss charges.
Can I get my criminal record expunged?
Hawkins Legal helps eligible clients remove criminal records through Louisiana's expungement process, improving future employment and educational opportunities.
What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest?
Contact Hawkins Legal promptly to review your case, challenge evidence, and begin building a strategic defense tailored to your circumstances.
How does the firm approach family law cases?
Hawkins Legal prioritizes clients' interests in divorce, custody, and support matters, combining courtroom readiness with negotiation skills to achieve fair outcomes.
What makes Hawkins Legal different from other firms?
The firm's combination of prosecutorial experience, personalized attention, and aggressive advocacy creates a unique advantage for Louisiana clients facing serious legal challenges.
