How much does it cost to hire Tara for a criminal defense case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Tara walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Tara offer a free consultation?

Tara charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Tara's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Tara's current terms during booking.

How long do criminal defense cases in Louisiana typically take?

Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Tara gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Tara take my case if I'm outside Lake Charles?

Tara is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Tara will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Tara?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Tara will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Tara accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

Tara's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

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Tara B. Hawkins, Criminal Defense Attorney in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Deportation, and Divorce · 4.9/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

AttorneyatHawkins Legal

Lake Charles, LA

Practicing criminal defense in Lake Charles since 1997.

29+: Years practicing
4.9 ★: 3 client reviews
5: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense Deportation Divorce Drug Crimes DUI/DWI Expungement +9 more →

Are you Tara B. Hawkins?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Tara B. Hawkins is an attorney based in Lake Charles, LA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Deportation, and Divorce. Tara has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hawkins Legal. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in: Lake Charles, LA
Experience: over 29 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Deportation · Divorce

Handles Criminal Defense, Deportation, and Divorce matters from Lake Charles, LA.
Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Tara B. Hawkins

Tara concentrates on criminal defense, deportation, divorce, drug crimes, and dui/dwi. Each area below outlines the kind of case Tara handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Tara takes criminal defense matters in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Tara agrees to represent you.

Deportation cases in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Tara takes deportation matters in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Tara agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Tara takes divorce matters in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Tara agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Tara takes drug crimes matters in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Tara agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Tara takes dui/dwi matters in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Tara agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Tara B. Hawkins — Over 29 years of Louisiana criminal defense experience

At HAWKINS LEGAL it is understood that when you are in a fight for your freedom, reputation, and future, you don't need gimmicks or slick marketing to to get you the outcome you deserve. Real people in a time of crisis need a serious lawyer with the knowledge and ability to handle their case.

Hawkins is a 1997 Tulane Law School graduate who has over 23 years of legal experience in Louisiana. Ms. Hawkins ended her almost decade-long career as an assistant district attorney as a Chief Felony Prosecutor. Prior to that she served for several years as a law clerk and Administrative General Counsel to the chief judge of the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal. Hawkins has also worked at large law firms as an associate attorney, working on legal teams for state and national corporations.

People facing divorce or fighting for their kids have repeatedly relied on Ms. Hawkins as someone they can trust. Clients facing criminal charges have trusted Ms. Hawkins to use her experience as a felony prosecutor to fight for fair and just results. She understands that underlying issues such as poverty, mental illness, trauma, and addiction should be addressed while helping clients maintain their freedom. She fights for results other than jail and life-changing convictions. Clients facing injuries due to accidents know that Ms. Hawkins always works to eliminate wasted time and unnecessary costs to get results her clients expect. Clients at Hawkins Legal learn that they have options and hope for a positive outcome.

Tara's approach to criminal defense cases

The kind of cases Tara takes

Tara reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, deportation, and divorce matters in Lake Charles and the surrounding Louisiana area.

Credentials

Tara B. Hawkins's legal education and bar admissions

Tulane University of Louisiana
J.D. · 1997
Jackson State University
B.B.A. · 1994

Jurisdictions

Tara's state bar admissions

United States Court
1997 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
1997 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
1997 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
1997 · ACTIVE
Louisiana
1997 · ACTIVE

Tara studied at J.D. in Tulane University of Louisiana and B.B.A. in Jackson State University.

Law school and academic background

Tara completed J.D. in Tulane University of Louisiana and B.B.A. in Jackson State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Tara runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Tara B. Hawkins

Tara has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

Tara's professional memberships and bar associations

Louisiana State Bar Association Southwest Louisiana Bar Association
membership

Locations

Tara B. Hawkins's office in Lake Charles

Tara's primary office is at 1607 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA, 70601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hawkins Legal

1607 Ryan Street

Lake Charles, LA 70601

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Tara B. Hawkins — 4.9/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Tara. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Lake Charles.

4.9

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Tara B. Hawkins claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Tara B. Hawkins — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Tara usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Tara charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Tara's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Tara will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Lake Charles, Louisiana

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Tara

Tara discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Tara confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Tara's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Tara B. Hawkins

How much does it cost to hire Tara for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Tara walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Tara offer a free consultation?
Tara charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Tara's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Tara's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Tara gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Tara take my case if I'm outside Lake Charles?
Tara is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Tara will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Tara?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Tara will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Tara accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Tara's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Louisiana residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like Tara B. Hawkins. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What rights do I have if I’m arrested for a minor crime in Louisiana?
I was arrested for a minor drug charge in New Orleans, LA, and I wasn’t read my rights at the time. I’m worried this could affect my case. What rights do I have when being arrested
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Louisiana
How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Lake Charles, New Orleans and Baton Rouge in Louisiana

Tara handles criminal defense matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Tara's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Lake Charles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Tara B. Hawkins, Criminal Defense Attorney in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Quick answer

Practice areas handled by Tara B. Hawkins

Criminal Defense cases in Lake Charles, Louisiana