When someone you care about is arrested in Louisiana, the first question that usually pops into your mind is, “What is their bond going to be?” A bond hearing can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never been through the criminal court system before. Judges move fast, the rules are confusing, and you might feel like you have no control over what happens next. But here is the good news. Once you understand how bond works in Louisiana and what judges look at, you can wal

If you or someone you care about is facing a grand jury indictment in Louisiana, you’re probably feeling confused, stressed, and unsure of what happens next. Grand jury proceedings feel mysterious on purpose. They’re secretive, one sided, and nothing like a normal court hearing. And because they’re handled behind closed doors, most people have no idea what the process even looks like until they’re already in trouble. Today, I’m breaking down what a grand jury indictment reall

If you live in Louisiana, especially in New Orleans where arrests happen fast and police encounters can get confusing, you need to know your Miranda rights. I talk to clients every day who didn’t realize they had the right to stay silent, the right to ask for an attorney, or the right to stop questioning until a lawyer is present. So today I want to break down what Miranda rights really mean in Louisiana, when the police must read them, and how to protect yourself if you’re e

If you or someone you care about has been charged with possession with intent to distribute in Louisiana, I know how frightening that moment can be. When a police officer or detective uses the words “intent to distribute,” everything suddenly feels ten times more serious. And the truth is, it is serious. PWIT carries harsher penalties than simple possession, and the state works hard to build these cases. But the good news is this. A possession with intent to distribute charge

Experiencing a tractor-trailer accident can feel overwhelming. You may face physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial burdens like medical bills and lost wages. If you've recently been in a tractor-trailer accident in New Orleans, these steps can help protect your health, rights, and future. 1. Ensure Your Safety First When thinking about what to do after a tractor-trailer accident in New Orleans, prioritize your safety. Move out of traffic if possible, turn on your

If you are reading this, you may already be asking yourself one of the hardest questions people face after a violent encounter. Did I act in self-defense, and will the law agree with me? Every week at Phillips Law, someone comes to us terrified because a moment that felt like survival has now turned into a criminal charge. They did what they believed they had to do to protect themselves or someone they cared about, but now the police see only a one-sided story. I talk about t