Highly respected

Robert Toale is the Past President of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense & has served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Focused on you

Robert can determine if your rights were violated & whether the evidence to be used against you was illegally seized. Let us begin preparing your defense & work towards securing the best outcome possible.

Aggressive representation

Robert is an aggressive and compassionate criminal defense attorney, and will
not rest until he gets the best possible resolution to your situation.

Award winning

In 2018, Robert Toale received the highest award that the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers bestows, the Albert Tate Jr. award.

Highly respected

Robert Toale is the Past President of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense & has served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Focused on you

Robert can determine if your rights were violated & whether the evidence to be used against you was illegally seized. Let us begin preparing your defense & work towards securing the best outcome possible.

Aggressive representation

Robert is an aggressive and compassionate criminal defense attorney, and will
not rest until he gets the best possible resolution to your situation.

Award winning

In 2018, Robert Toale received the highest award that the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers bestows, the Albert Tate Jr. award.

New Orleans Criminal Lawyer

Criminal Law is Our Sole Focus

If you’re dealing with criminal charges in New Orleans, you need a lawyer who specializes in criminal law, not just a general attorney. Mr. Toale is one of the few lawyers in Southeast Louisiana who focuses solely on criminal law. At the Law Office of Robert S. Toale, we don’t handle personal injury cases or anything else—we’re dedicated exclusively to criminal defense. We’re here to represent clients with criminal issues, and that’s all we do.

Committed to Defending You Against Criminal Charges in Louisiana

The Law Office of Robert S. Toale focuses solely on defending clients who are facing criminal investigations or prosecutions in Gretna, Jefferson Parish, and New Orleans. With over 30 years of experience, New Orleans criminal defense attorney Robert S. Toale has handled a broad range of cases, from DWI and assault to white-collar crimes and federal charges. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, we’re dedicated to providing expert legal defense for all types of criminal matters. We understand the stakes involved and work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Representing Clients Throughout the New Orleans Area

Mr. Toale’s practice centers on the New Orleans area, including New Orleans, Jefferson Parish, and Gretna. With decades of experience working in this region, he is highly familiar with the local procedures, police, prosecutors, and courts. He is well-known and respected within the New Orleans legal community and has earned national recognition from his peers for his exceptional criminal defense work and commitment to his clients.

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Serving All Types of Clients Across All Areas of Criminal Law

The Law Office of Robert S. Toale has decades of experience defending clients in all kinds of criminal cases. We represent adults and juveniles, New Orleans residents and visitors, as well as college students, covering every aspect of criminal law.

DWI – We understand that New Orleans has a lively reputation, and we’ve helped many clients who came here for a good time only to end up in jail after a DWI arrest. We represent both tourists and locals in defending against DWI charges, working to help you keep your driver’s license and avoid extended jail time whenever possible. If there’s an opportunity for a diversion program to keep a DWI conviction off your record, we will advocate for it.

Drug Crimes – Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor for a small amount of marijuana or a felony charge for drug distribution or trafficking, the Law Office of Robert S. Toale will use all its experience and resources to protect your rights and defend you against aggressive prosecutors and police. We’ve represented clients in cases involving possession and sale of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs, and we’re also skilled in handling larger conspiracy cases. Additionally, we have experience defending both tourists and locals who run into legal trouble at the New Orleans airport.

Violent Crimes – We’ve helped clients defend against a variety of violent crime charges, including assault and battery, domestic violence, and even homicide. At the Law Office of Robert S. Toale, we understand the seriousness of these major charges in Louisiana, and we are committed to fighting hard to build the strongest case for our clients.

White Collar Crimes – At the Law Office of Robert S. Toale, we’re ready to handle complex cases involving crimes like embezzlement, mail and wire fraud, and computer crimes. White-collar criminal charges can result in a conviction, damage to your reputation, loss of your professional license, and even prevent you from working in your field. We work with forensic accountants and other experts in Louisiana to tackle these complicated financial cases, and we’ll customize our legal defense to meet your specific needs.

Sexual Offenses – Sex crime charges often come with the harshest penalties and the most damaging allegations to one’s reputation. We’re dedicated to not only defending our clients’ rights but also safeguarding their privacy to prevent a public frenzy before the trial is even over. We represent clients facing charges such as sexual assault, solicitation, child pornography, statutory rape, and molestation. Our firm believes in giving every defendant a strong legal defense without prejudging their guilt. We approach each case with sensitivity and thoroughness, ensuring that our clients receive the fair treatment they deserve throughout the legal process.

See What People I Helped Are Saying
5 Stars
“He went above and beyond my expectations!"

"Robert Toale is the best! When I met him he listened to everything I had to say. He was able get the domestic violence charge dismissed, got my firearm back, and now he's going to get my record expunged! He went above and beyond my expectations! Read More

— Juan Morales
5 Stars
“you can rest assured that you are in good hands"

"Robert Toale and his team were fantastic. From the initial interview to the handling of my case his law firm handled everything with ease. For any person engaged in criminal proceedings - you can rest assured that you are in good hands. Read More

— Matthew Bush
5 Stars
“I literally owe my life to him. Thanks Mr Toale."

"I can’t believe how great Robert Toale is! They were trying to put me in jail for seven years, even though I got my life together. He fought for me for over a year and they eventually gave me probation. I don’t even need to see a probation officer I just need to pay some fines and fees. I am soo thankful and lucky I decided to hire Mr. Toale To defend me. I literally owe my life to him. Thanks Mr Toale. Read More

— Lawayne Hampton
5 Stars
“A calm, collected intellectual."

"Mr. Toale got me out of some hot water many years ago and I owe him my life. You never really realize the power of a good attorney at your side until all hell breaks loose unexpectedly. Thank you Mr. Toale. My life and future are all... Read More

— Ted Wheelock
5 Stars
“I have not and will not hesitate recommending Robert to anyone needing legal advice or assistance."

"I have known Robert Toale professionally over the past 30 years. I have personally observed him in the court room numerous times, and twice have retained him as counsel. Both times I found him to be very informative. He is straight-forward ... Read More

— Gary Thompson
5 Stars
“I am impressed with and appreciative of the work that the Law Office of Robert Toale did for me recently."

"My case was handled very professionally and expeditiously. I have consulted Mr. Toale occasionally over the past 30 years, and his advice and service has always been on point. Friends that I have referred to him have also been very satisfied with their ... Read More

— Ted Wheelock
5 Stars
“Robert S. Toale has provided legal advice and guidance during a difficult situation."

"I found him to be experienced, responsive, knowledgeable and honest. While working with Robert, I fell as though my situation was in adept and trustworthy hands, and he did not disappoint. Read More

— Dawn Bailey
5 Stars
“Robert Toale is our Super Hero....He saved my family from heartache & devastation..."

"what more could you ask from a lawyer? Well he did more, he went above and beyond as we were from another State unfamiliar and facing legal uncertainties to put it very simply. Robert and his staff helped us personally as well as ... Read More

— Virginia Friedman
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Focused. Experienced. Driven. Helping You Get To Know Me

Originally from Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, I moved to New Orleans in 1974. I am a graduate of Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Although I was not raised in New Orleans, I simply cannot imagine calling anywhere else home. I am admitted to the Louisiana Bar and the State Bar of Georgia, and also admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Louisiana, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

LOUISIANA CRIMINAL DEFENSE FAQS

If you’re being investigated for a crime or have been charged with one and aren’t sure where to start in your defense, the following questions and answers might help. In most cases, the best first step is to contact a lawyer right away. Having a lawyer by your side is crucial for guiding you through the process, preparing your defense, and exploring all your legal options.

Call our law office today to prevent making mistakes that could have serious consequences for your future.

DISCLAIMER: Here is a list of common questions from our clients and their families. The answers provided are general and meant to give you a basic understanding of the Louisiana criminal justice system and help you prepare for our first meeting. They are not tailored to every individual situation and should not replace the advice of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Each case is unique, so more detailed answers will depend on the specifics of your case. Additionally, there are numerous books and thousands of cases that delve into these complex issues in greater detail. For personalized guidance, we recommend discussing your case directly with a legal professional who can offer advice based on your specific circumstances.

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What should I do if Law Enforcement Authorities want to question me?

When law enforcement asks you questions, tell them you want to speak to a lawyer before answering anything, and stick to that decision firmly. It might sound straightforward, but it can be challenging to follow through. Remember, law enforcement officers are trained professionals who expect you to request a lawyer. They’re experienced in handling these situations, whereas you might not be.

Everyone, whether a citizen or not, has the right to refuse to answer questions from law enforcement, and you should definitely use that right. All communication should go through your lawyer. Our job is to protect you and shield you from the investigative process.

Law enforcement has various strategies to get around your request for a lawyer, shifting from friendly to intimidating tactics. They often try to engage you in conversation, gain your trust, and before you know it, you’re discussing the case. They might even suggest that asking for a lawyer makes you look guilty or that they just want to hear your side of the story. In more serious situations, after a prolonged interrogation, they might tell you they believe you’re not a bad person and that the act was accidental, urging you to admit it.

Can Police Officers use force to arrest me?

Yes, a police officer can use reasonable and lawful force when making a criminal arrest. Once an arrest is made, it’s common for officers to use handcuffs on the suspect.

What happens after I am arrested?

If you’re arrested for a criminal offense, you’ll be brought before a magistrate (in federal court or Orleans Parish) or a commissioner (in Jefferson Parish). They will inform you of the charges, set a bond amount for your court appearance, and appoint a lawyer if you can’t afford one. If you can’t post the bond, you’ll stay in jail until your case is resolved, unless the district attorney drops the charges. In some situations, if the district attorney doesn’t take action quickly, you might be released. Additionally, you could be released due to overcrowding in the jail.

If you post bond, you’ll stay free until your arraignment. At the arraignment, which is held before a judge, magistrate, or commissioner, you’ll be formally told what you’re being charged with and informed of your right to a court-appointed lawyer if you can’t afford one. During the arraignment, you’ll also enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

Except for the least serious offenses, you’ll typically enter a plea of not guilty at the arraignment. The bond or bail might be reviewed, and a date for the next court hearing will be set.

If you hire us before the arraignment, we’ll accompany you to court. In some cases, your presence might be waived, allowing us to appear on your behalf so you can continue with your daily life.

We advise all clients who have been released on bond to be ready for drug testing. If you test positive, there’s a risk that the judge could send you back to jail. In other words, avoid using any illegal drugs after your release.

Am I going to remain in custody while the case is pending?

Yes, unless you post bond or are released due to overcrowding in the jail. If someone has been arrested or charges have been filed, it’s crucial to work on getting them released from custody. Facing criminal charges is challenging enough without the added stress of being in jail. Having someone out of custody can make the rest of the case much easier to handle. Additionally, being out of jail allows individuals to continue their daily lives and focus on preparing a stronger defense.

Can I plead not guilty even if I am guilty?

Yes, you are considered innocent until proven guilty. The evidence against you might not be enough to prove your guilt. To find out if you’ve actually committed a crime, we will investigate the details and look into the law, which can be complicated. You might feel guilty about a mistake, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it meets the legal definition of a crime.

Can the charges against me be reduced?

Every case is unique. We will look into the details, review the police report, and speak with the assistant district attorney about possibly reducing or dropping the charges. Sometimes clients hire us too late for us to contact the screening attorney early on. New facts might come to light as the case progresses, which could lead to a reduction in charges later. There is always a chance for charges to be reduced until a jury delivers a verdict.

When should I hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you’re being accused or might be accused of a crime, it’s always best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. We believe that having a lawyer involved early on is crucial for a strong defense. This means you should hire a lawyer before you testify before a grand jury, answer questions from law enforcement, or if you’re arrested or charged with a crime. Even if you haven’t been charged yet, it’s often a good idea to get a criminal defense attorney involved early. Sometimes, a lawyer and their investigators can uncover important evidence that might convince the prosecutor not to pursue the case.

From the beginning, we can protect you from police questioning, interview your witnesses promptly, and contact prosecutors when necessary. We offer various services to help you manage this often confusing and stressful process. With your permission, we can also work with your family and friends to get the best results both now and in the future. The sooner we start working on your case, the better your chances for a successful outcome.

Many clients have mentioned that they hesitated to call us earlier because they worried it might look like they were guilty, or they hoped that nothing would happen because they believed they were innocent. Don’t make these mistakes that could seriously impact your life.

WHEN YOUR LIFE IS ON THE LINE, HIRE A TRUE NEW ORLEANS CRIMINAL DEFENSE FIRM

A criminal conviction can have a serious impact on your life. If you’ve been arrested or charged with a felony or misdemeanor in Louisiana, choose a firm that focuses exclusively on criminal defense in the New Orleans area. At the Law Office of Robert S. Toale, we have over 30 years of experience defending clients against criminal charges. We are committed to fighting for the best outcome for you and your family. Call us at (504) 368-8440 or reach out online to schedule your initial consultation with our New Orleans criminal lawyers.

Proven Track Record Of Success
Not Guilty

Second

degree murder

Not Guilty

Domestic

abuse battery

Reduced

Federal

death penalty case

Not Guilty

Indecent

behavior with juvenile

Not Guilty

Aggravated

battery

Not Guilty

Second

degree murder

Not Guilty

Domestic

abuse battery

Reduced

Federal

death penalty case

Not Guilty

Indecent

behavior with juvenile

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