Louisiana Questions & Answers by Practice Area


Louisiana Questions & Answers

Q: I noticed different lawyers have slightly different contingency contracts. Why?

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for Louisiana on
Answered on Apr 26, 2016

Contingency fee contracts can vary State to State and even case to case. You should be represented by a reputable and experienced attorney. Some attorneys may provide lower contingency fees but then have higher costs than other law firms. Make sure that the attorney client contract complies with State law and is otherwise consistent with the general practices in your community. Good luck.
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Q: How long do you have to serve,on second degree murder to be pardon in Louisiana

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Answered on Mar 17, 2016

you are not entitled to a pardon. That said, you can apply for a pardon or commutation of sentence.
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Q: I have verification of first offender pardon for dwi 3rd offense. Can I possess a firearm now?

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Answered on Mar 17, 2016

This is a common an tricky question. My simple advice to you is NO. Under La 14:95.1, the DWI wouldn't prohibit gun possession. Not every Louisiana felony will. That said, ANY felony prohibits your ability to possess a gun as a matter of Federal law. Also, the First Offender Pardon DOES NOT restore gun rights to those adversely affected. You'll need a Governor's pardon to do that.
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Q: I need a disposition of an arrest that was reduced with a lawyer for a new job? How do I get this?

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Louisiana on
Answered on Mar 17, 2016

you can likely pay your local sheriff's office to do a background check. Similarly, many state police headquarters do the same. Also, you can go to the clerk of court and get a certified minute entry showing a reduced charge.
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Q: I think I was fired from my job without getting no write ups for being late to a class is there anything I could do?

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Louisiana on
Answered on Mar 9, 2016

Employment is at will meaning your employer can fire you for most any reason, or no reason at all. If your company had a progressive discipline policy, you may have some contractual rights there, but most of those policies still say that you can just be fired.
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Q: If I file bankruptcy pro se, can creditors still contact me about debts? If so, what can they inquire about?

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy for Louisiana on
Answered on Feb 29, 2016

Once you file bankruptcy and you have served notice of the bankruptcy on your creditors, they should not contact you outside of the bankruptcy proceedings to collect the debt. The bankruptcy creates an "automatic stay" that should protect you from collection activity. Continued collection communications may be a violation of the automatic stay and other state and federal laws.

While filing bankruptcy without an attorney may the best option for you, I recommend speaking to a Louisiana...
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Q: Can you appeal a wage garnishment? Its for a private student loan? There taking 25 percent. And I can't afford it.

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for Louisiana on
Answered on Feb 29, 2016

Wage garnishments are difficult to challenge once they have begun, however, you may have options if there was anything improper about the collection process or institution of the garnishment. State and federal laws protect consumers from unfair collection practices and it may be worth speaking with a consumer attorney in your area to make sure nothing was done improperly.

I recommend speaking to a Louisiana consumer attorney regarding the details of your situation so you can fully...
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Q: I signed a promissory note in 1999 in louisiana. It was one of those in case you win the lottery things. Now the estat

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for Louisiana on
Answered on Feb 29, 2016

Generally, the limitations period for suing someone on a promissory note is five years. This means the creditor may have lost the legal right to enforce the alleged debt.The details of your situation, however, may change whether or not the debt is still legally enforceable.

I recommend speaking to a Louisiana consumer attorney regarding the details of your situation so you can fully understand your rights. Many consumer attorneys offer free consultations.

**Please note that...
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Q: Can I sue a creditor in small claims court for loss of wages after they harassed me so much at work that I was suspended

1 Answer | Asked in Collections for Louisiana on
Answered on Feb 29, 2016

You likely have a case against the creditor based on the actions you described and may be able to recover your lost wages.Small claims court, however, may not be the best venue for your claims. There are both state and federal laws that may be in play here and a consumer attorney will provide you with the best options for your situation.

I recommend speaking to a Louisiana consumer attorney regarding the details of your situation so you can fully understand your options. Many consumer...
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Q: Can I dispute a bill I made a payment on in 2007? The bill is from Maryland College and I live in Louisiana.

1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Consumer Law for Louisiana on
Answered on Feb 26, 2016

You likely can still dispute the bill and may have defenses to collection of the alleged debt. If you are being contacted by debt collectors, there are federal and state laws that provide dispute rights and protection from unfair collection practices.

I recommend speaking to a Louisiana consumer attorney regarding the details of your situation so you can fully understand your rights.

**Please note that the above is general information and not subject to an attorney-client...
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Q: Is there any law against being reported deceased by a company and this information disseminated?

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Louisiana on
Answered on Feb 26, 2016

You may have a cause of action depending on a few factors:

1) who is reporting the inaccurate information? If the company qualifies as a credit reporting agency, you may have a right of action under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. If not, other laws may protect you.

2) Who was the information disseminated to? This could bring in other laws.

3) have you been financially injured by this inaccurate information? The US Supreme Court is currently deciding whether a consumer...
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Q: I was student in the US a couple of years ago but got married under a visitor visa. Does the USCIS # is my A number ?

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Louisiana on
Answered on Feb 25, 2016

Your a# will be the same unless or until you apply for a special type of visa such as U, T or Aslyum. Contact an immigration attorney to find out what is happening with your case. Many immigration attorneys including me offer free consultations, make use of the consultations. All the best.

-Shan Potts

Like our facebook page for regular immigration and visa updates - www.facebook.com/pottsmartinez

15 years of successful immigration law experience. The answer above is...
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Q: I got married in the US while my I-94 was valid. I am applying for my change of status but my I-94 is expired now.

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law for Louisiana on
Answered on Feb 25, 2016

You do not have any status until you file the application for COS. If your spouse is a green card holder or a US citizen you will be just fine. If not contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible to avoid any problems you might have in the future. Many immigration attorneys including me offer free consultations, make use of the consultations. All the best.

-Shan Potts

Like our facebook page for regular immigration and visa updates - www.facebook.com/pottsmartinez...
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Q: It is a school project.I am the defendant and it is a malpractice lawsuit. I have to make up everything.

1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice for Louisiana on
Answered on Feb 16, 2016

You'll learn more if you do your own homework. Have fun with it.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the relevant facts and documents. I strongly encourage you to consult with a local lawyer to get legal advice and help...
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Q: If you are hired by a tugboat company as a Captain and this company has no Company truck and they have you using

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for Louisiana on
Answered on Feb 16, 2016

In most states, if you are at fault, you are responsible and the company might also be responsible. However, check with a local lawyer for the answer in your State.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the relevant facts...
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Q: I have 2 judgments by 2 different judges for back child support for my son for the same time 2010-14. Is this possible?

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Louisiana on
Answered on Dec 22, 2015

This is a great example of why it is never a good idea to go to court alone. It's not possible to determine what the court believes happened from your post, but you should be getting credit for any judgment or arrears which you did pay.
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Q: if a woman husband is in pain and she does not take him to the hospital is that neglect

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury for Louisiana on
Answered on Nov 16, 2015

More information is needed to answer. Talk to a local injury lawyer.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the relevant facts and documents. I strongly encourage you to consult with a local lawyer to get legal advice and...
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Q: need help on an attorney who committed fraud during trial

1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for Louisiana on
Answered on Nov 14, 2015

You can use the find a lawyer tool, or google, to search for local malpractice lawyers.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the relevant facts and documents. I strongly encourage you to consult with a local lawyer to...
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Q: My vehicle involved in a hit and run.parking lot of a casino captured on video nothing has been done.MY RIGHTS?

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Louisiana on
Answered on Nov 14, 2015

See if you can identify the person who hit you.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the relevant facts and documents. I strongly encourage you to consult with a local lawyer to get legal advice and help with your...
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Q: What if I was in an auto accident in Louisiana and my final bill or notice of cancellation was within ten days of the

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith, Insurance Defense and Car Accidents for Louisiana on
Answered on Nov 14, 2015

Check the policy and local lawyer to see if there was a grace period. A local lawyer can review and advise.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the relevant facts and documents. I strongly encourage you to consult with...
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