about SARA
Sara A. Johnson graduated from Tulane University Law School in 2007. While at Tulane, she worked in the Criminal Litigation Clinic to secure the release of dozens of defendants held beyond their maximum sentences in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Since then, she has gained extensive experience handling a variety of complex criminal matters at the trial level and on appeal in state and federal court. She is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Louisiana, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Sara is also licensed to practice in New York and Texas.
Ms. Johnson teaches Advanced Criminal Practice at Tulane University Law School. Previously, she taught Constitutional Criminal Procedure (Adjudication) and served as faculty for the Criminal Litigation Track of Tulane Law’s Intersession program.
Ms. Johnson is a member of the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Federal Bar Association and previously served as the Chair of its Younger Lawyer’s Division. She is a member of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Women’s White Collar Defense Association, where she serves as Secretary to the Louisiana Chapter.
Super Lawyers selected Ms. Johnson as a top-rated criminal defense attorney in Louisiana each year since 2019. In 2023, Super Lawyers named Ms. Johnson as one of the top 25 women attorneys in Louisiana and one of the top 50 in New Orleans. Ms. Johnson remained on those lists in 2024 when Super Lawyers featured her in 2024’s cover story. New Orleans Magazine has named her to its Top Lawyers List since 2019. She was previously selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers from 2014-2017
Ms. Johnson is committed to the aggressive and compassionate defense of her clients.
REPRESENTATIVE CASES
United States v. Individual, No. 20-65 (Eastern District of Louisiana)
Obtained a complete acquittal following a five-week jury trial for a client accused of bank fraud and making false statements in bank records.
Louisiana v. Individual, (Criminal Referral from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor)
Successfully defended a criminal referral from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to the Louisiana Attorney General for Medicaid Fraud, resulting in a refusal of all charges.
Louisiana v. Individual, No. 550-939 (Orleans Parish)
Obtained a full dismissal of charges alleging sexual misconduct with a minor on the morning of trial.
Louisiana v. Individual, No. 20-4957 (Jefferson Parish)
Workplace-related allegations of sexual misconduct refused following a defense-led investigation and presentation to the District Attorney.
United States v. Individual, No. 17-241 (Eastern District of Louisiana)
Obtained an 18-month sentence for an executive of a non-profit organization accused of misusing in excess of $1,000,000 in public funds.
United States v. Individual, No. 19-161 (Eastern District of Louisiana)
Obtained a probationary sentence for the owner and operator of a business that sold anabolic steroids and prescription medications online.
United States v. Individual, No. 18-30943, 2020 WL 730583 (5th Cir. Feb. 12, 2020)
Obtained an out-of-time appeal in the district court. On appeal, the Fifth Circuit vacated the client’s judgment and remanded the case back to the district court based on the district court’s failure to orally announce the forfeiture provision included in the written judgment.
United States v. Individual, 897 F.3d 673 (5th Cir. 2018)
The Fifth Circuit vacated the client’s conviction and sentence and remanded his case to the district court because a firearm was obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment and should have been suppressed. On remand, the parties entered into a plea agreement to a Class C misdemeanor.
United States v. Individual, 880 F.3d 760 (5th Cir. 2018)
Healthcare fraud conviction and sentence vacated for insufficient evidence; the client was immediately released from custody.
United States v. Individual, 2017 WL 1194230 (W.D. La. March 28, 2017)
Obtained post-conviction relief and a new sentencing hearing for client based on ineffective assistance of counsel and a sentencing guideline error. At resentencing, the client received a four-year reduction of his sentence.
Individual v. Vannoy, 643 Fed.Appx. 417 (5th Cir. 2016)
Representation of a client whose case was not reviewed by a Louisiana appellate court, sparking outrage and controversy when a clerk revealed that judges did not review pro se writ applications. Obtained relief in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which found that the district court should have considered the client’s claims as a Rule 60(b) motion. The judgment dismissing the post-conviction claims was vacated and remanded to the district court.
Louisiana v. Individual, 187 So.3d 964 (La. 2016)
Challenge to Orleans Parish Criminal District Court’s allotment procedure.
In re Individual, 821 F.3d 553 (5th Cir. 2016)
Order suspending attorney for violating local rules reversed; local rule found unconstitutional.
United States v. Individual, No. 13-50721 (5th Cir. Nov. 6, 2014)
The prosecution moved to vacate the client’s sentence and remand his case after oral argument.
United States v. Individual, 37 F.Supp.3d. 840 (E.D. La. Jul. 31, 2014)
Successful defense of the prosecution’s motion to revoke client’s plea agreement. The district court denied the prosecution’s motion, finding that the client did not breach his plea agreement.
Louisiana v. Individual, 128 So.3d 534 (La. App. 5 Cir. 10/30/13)
Challenge to negligent homicide conviction.
United States v. Individual, 728 F.3d 462 (5th Cir. 2013)
Obtained a new sentencing hearing based on a Sentencing Guidelines error. At the resentencing, the client received a three-year reduction in her sentence.
In Re FEMA Trailer Formaldehyde Products Liability, 401 Fed.Appx. 877 (5th Cir. 2010)
Successfully appealed contempt sanctions imposed on expert witness by district court judge. The Fifth Circuit vacated the sanctions imposed.
Louisiana v. Individual, 983 So.2d 166 (La. App. 4 Cir. 4/9/08)
Statutory and constitutional speedy trial challenge.