Lafayette Personal Injury, Criminal Law And Family Law Blog

Criminal defense: Multiple arrests re prescription drug charges

On behalf of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer posted in criminal defense on Thursday, April 19, 2018.

Louisiana is a state known for it's beautiful landscapes, abundant nature and colorful residents. While these are definitely attributes to take pride in, the state is not immune from problems. With law enforcement across the nation cracking down on prescription drug crimes, it has become quite common to see headlines in which criminal defense is needed by the accused offenders. While certainly, crimes involving drugs are handled seriously, persons accused of such crimes are entitled to due process of the law.

Recently, eight people were arrested by Louisiana detectives after an investigation alerted authorities to possible prescription fraud. The accused included both men and women, of various ages. Law enforcement suspected the accused were using fraudulent prescriptions to buy and sell drugs, many of them allegedly opiates. Many of the accused individuals were charged with felony crimes.

Unrelated car accidents on same day result in fatalities

On behalf of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer posted in car accidents on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

While most Louisiana drivers would likely agree that accident fatalities are a worst case scenario, they may be surprised to learn how often they actually occur. Car accidents are always a frightening event, regardless of whether or not they result in injuries. Unfortunately, on some occasions, loss of life becomes a reality.

On Thursday, April 5, 2018, Interstate 20 became the scene of death and destruction, not once, but twice. Louisiana police found themselves responding to two fatal crashes in one day. Both car accidents happened in the same parish within about a mile of each other.

Car accidents may lead to criminal charges

On behalf of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer posted in car accidents on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.

Most Louisiana drivers are likely aware that following traffic laws and remaining alert can go a long way to make the roads a safer place. Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely prevent car accidents, which often involve injuries or damage to vehicles. On some occasions, accidents may even cause fatalities.

On April 2, the driver of a box truck was traveling westbound on Louisiana Interstate 10. The lane of traffic in front of him slowed down, and his vehicle struck a sedan immediately in front of him. At about 11 a.m., police opened an investigation into the crash.

Car accidents can have unexpected consequences

On behalf of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer posted in car accidents on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.

Many Louisiana drivers may recall their experiences while learning to drive. In addition to studying traffic laws and vehicle operation, the prevention of car accidents is a key driver's education component. Before a person I awarded a drivers license, they must pass testing both on and off the road.

Occasionally a vehicle finds its way into the hands of an unlicensed driver. This was unfortunately the case in a recent car accident that resulted in a tragedy. For reasons that are currently unknown, a 14-year-old boy took to the road behind the wheel of a car. The incident took place on Louisiana Highway 74.

Do you have grounds to challenge your Breathalyzer results?

On behalf of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer posted in blog on Thursday, March 22, 2018.

It is never wise to simply accept a criminal charge, no matter how compelling the evidence against you may seem. This is particularly true when it comes to DUI charges, even those that include Breathalyzer evidence.

Many people assume that failing a breathalyzer is essentially game over for their driving record. However, there are a number of ways that a person may challenge these results and potentially see the charges dismissed or sentencing reduced.

Criminal defense trials possible for 2 men facing serious charges

On behalf of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer posted in criminal defense on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.

Drugs and violence are an ever-present topic in modern America. One may find it difficult to peruse the daily news without coming across a criminal defense headline. While many in Louisiana may never expect to find themselves facing serious charges, such charges often come about as a result of a less-serious action, such as a traffic stop.

On March 13, 2018, police found themselves in pursuit of a vehicle allegedly driven by a man suspected of armed robbery. After stopping the vehicle, police discovered that the vehicle contained a passenger, and a subsequent search of the car led to the arrests of both men. Police supposedly recovered various drugs and firearms from the vehicle. The men were incarcerated and are currently awaiting bond.

Car accidents: Woman killed in two-car crash

On behalf of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer posted in car accidents on Monday, March 12, 2018.

Accidents can occur at any time of the day or night. Under most circumstances, those involved in car accidents would exchange insurance information and be on their way. Recently, one family has been left devastated after a horrific car crash claimed the life of their loved one on a busy two-lane highway in Marrero, Louisiana.

Authorities say a 63-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man were traveling together northbound in a full-size sport utility vehicle when the crash occurred. The driver of the sedan, a 70-year-old woman, was traveling southbound when she veered into northbound traffic. Police do not suspect alcohol to be a factor in the crash and reported that seatbelts were worn by all involved in the accident.

Personal Injury: Pharmaceuticals sued over a baby born addicted

On behalf of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer posted in personal injury on Monday, March 5, 2018.

A mother has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of her child and others who are born addicted to opioids. The suit filed in Louisiana names several pharmaceutical companies and distributors, and the plaintiff is asking for monetary damages to cover long-term treatment. The mother claims she became addicted to opioids while being treated for a personal injury sustained in a car accident.

The child in the lawsuit was born with a condition known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. It is diagnosed in babies who have fetal exposure to drugs by their mothers in the womb. The condition does not set in until after birth. In three short years of life, the child has undergone hearing, speech and behavioral therapy to manage the effects of NAS.

Impaired driving often leads to car accidents

On behalf of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer posted in car accidents on Tuesday, February 27, 2018.

A mother and her two young sons are recovering today in an area hospital after their vehicle was hit head-on. Authorities said that an impaired driver died after he crossed the center line and crashed into the family's vehicle at 7:15 a.m on Feb. 20. In Louisiana, car accidents involving impaired drivers can happen at any time of the day, even during the morning commute.

The accident victims suffered what were described as moderate injuries. An information officer from the Walker Police Department said the offending driver failed to negotiate a curve just west of a local high school. Upon impact the passenger compartment of the man's vehicle caught fire. Police were able to contain the fire until rescue units arrived on the scene.

What reasons may warrant a child custody modification?

On behalf of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer posted in blog on Tuesday, February 20, 2018.

When you got divorced two years ago, the court attempted to come up with a joint child custody solution that worked for both of you. It wasn't your ideal solution, but it seemed fair. For those two years, it worked.

But now you'd like a modification. You just don't know if your reasoning will hold up in court. After all, you have to follow that court order until a modification is legally granted. You can't just change the situation on your own and then try to get it altered. That could violate your ex's rights.