Author name: Keith T. Whiddon, Attorney at Law, LLC

A manslaughter charge can upend your life in ways that feel impossible to recover from. In Louisiana, these charges carry serious prison time, and the legal line between manslaughter and murder is not always clear to those facing the system for the first time. Understanding what you are up against and which defenses actually apply

A felony charge in Louisiana carries consequences that extend far beyond any sentence a court might impose. In Monroe and across Ouachita Parish, a felony conviction can strip away your right to vote, your ability to own a firearm, and your prospects for stable employment, housing, and professional licensing. The stakes are serious, and the

Walking out of the Ouachita Parish Courthouse after receiving a probated sentence feels like a second chance. It is an opportunity to remain in the community, keep your job, and stay with your family near Monroe rather than serving time behind bars. But that freedom comes with strict rules. If your probation officer alleges you

Louisiana is known for having some of the most robust self-defense protections in the country. If you find yourself in a situation where you must use force to protect your life, your family, or your property in Monroe, it is vital to know where the law stands. These situations often unfold in seconds, but the

Facing criminal charges in Monroe or surrounding Northeast Louisiana can feel like standing against an immovable wall of evidence. Whether you were stopped for a DWI by the Monroe Police Department on Louisville Avenue or arrested on drug charges by the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, the prosecution likely has a file full of reports, witness

The Basic Rules for Carrying a Gun in Louisiana. With gun violence crimes spiking in the U.S., many people simply want to own or carry a gun for the sake of self-protection and the protection of their families. Although the U.S. Constitution gives law-abiding citizens the right to carry a weapon, each state differs in

Strategies for Defending Against Public Intoxication Charges in Louisiana Public intoxication, often called “drunkenness in public,” is a charge that can carry legal and social consequences. While Louisiana’s vibrant culture is known for its lively celebrations, law enforcement takes public safety seriously, particularly in areas with large crowds. If you’ve been charged with public intoxication,

In June 2024, Governor Landry signed a law declaring unlawful entry or reentry into the state of Louisiana to be a crime (SB No. 388). This law, unless it is declared unconstitutional in the future, allows Louisiana police to arrest undocumented immigrants and subject them to prison time and fines. These are uncertain and difficult

What is Considered Domestic Violence in Louisiana? Louisiana law has broad definitions for domestic abuse, violence, and battery. Domestic abuse encompasses a wide range of emotional, physical, sexual, and psychological acts committed by one household member against another. Examples include verbal abuse, threats of violence, use of force, stalking, intimidation, forced isolation, and controlling behavior.