Faq

We offer a free initial consultation to help you understand all of your options and decide how to best move forward. It’s an opportunity to discuss your case, answer your questions, and explore how we can help, without any financial obligation. 

To make the most of your first appointment, bring any relevant documents. This would include paperwork such as police reports, medical records, or court notices, along with anything else you think would help your case. A list of questions or concerns is also helpful. Don’t worry if you’re unsure—our team will guide you on what’s needed.

Our office is located in Pineville, Louisiana, but we serve clients throughout the region. For your convenience, we also offer virtual meetings via secure platforms, allowing you to meet with us from wherever you’re located.

Your case will be handled by at least one experienced attorney from our team, who is supported by knowledgeable staff. We believe in personalized attention, and you’ll always know who to contact for updates.

We prioritize clear communication. You can reach us by phone, email, or through our secure client portal. We strive to respond promptly, often within one business day, to ensure you’re always informed.

The first thing to do when being arrested is to do your best to remain respectful to law enforcement regardless of the circumstances. Doing otherwise often results in additional charges. Stay calm and request an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions or sign anything without legal representation. Contact our firm as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Yes. An experienced lawyer can review the facts of your case and advocate for you, telling the prosecutor your side of the story, along with other things about you that may warrant a reduction in the fine, potential sentence, or both.

Every case is different, but we carefully evaluate the evidence and circumstances to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our goal is always to seek the best possible outcome, including reduced or dismissed charges.With that being said, we cannot guarantee a specific result to a client. Any lawyer guaranteeing a result is essentially saying he can predict the future with 100% accuracy in your case, which is impossible. What we can guarantee is that we will do our very best to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Not all cases go to trial, because many are resolved through negotiations. Should you wish to go to trial, we are prepared to advocate on your behalf every step of the way.

The length of a case often depends on the case’s complexity and the nature of the charges. A criminal case that goes to court will typically involve an arraignment, at least one pre-trial conference, and a trial date. There are other dates set for motion hearings etc. The process may take months, and can last over a year in some cases. Our office will work to resolve the case as quickly as possible for you, protecting your best interests along the way.

The earlier a lawyer is hired in a criminal prosecution, the more time the lawyer has to gather information to effectively represent you. To put it simply, if you are charged with a crime, or being investigated for a crime, hiring a lawyer is a sensible move.

Yes, the process of clearing a record, known as getting an expungement, is something we can do for you. Please contact us at your convenience to discuss whether you are eligible for an expungement.

Even if you’re guilty, we can work to minimize the consequences, negotiate alternative sentencing, and protect your future. Our role is to ensure your rights are respected and your case is handled fairly. At Higgins Law, we build relationships with our clients, learning about their personal lives, families, personal struggles etc. to humanize our client to the prosecution. Their may be steps you can take to help your case before pleading guilty. Some examples include attending counseling, group therapy going to a rehab program, or taking anger management classes. Completing these classes often result in a better outcome in your case, and set you up for a better future.

You can schedule a consultation by calling us, emailing, or using the contact form on our website. We’ll arrange a time that works for you.

Estate planning is about making sure your wishes are carried out when you're gone, or if you become unable to make decisions. It’s not just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to protect their family, avoid legal headaches, and make sure their assets go where they should.

Some documents that are essential for a basic estate plan include a will, a power of attorney, a living will, and in some cases, a trust.

Yes! Estate planning isn’t just for people with tons of money—it’s about making sure your family isn’t left with confusion or legal messes regarding the resources you do have. Even if you don’t own much, a will and power of attorney can prevent unnecessary court battles and stress.

In Louisiana, if you die without a will, your assets are distributed according to Louisiana law. To put it another way, Louisiana law decides who gets your assets, not you, so it may not be who you want. For example, your spouse doesn’t automatically inherit everything—your children or other relatives could get a share. Not having a will can lead to costly delays, family disputes, and unnecessary legal fees.

A will is enough for many people, but a trust can help if you want to avoid probate, protect assets from creditors, or have complex family situations. Trusts can also help with minors, special needs family members, or protecting property for future generations.

Probate is the court process of handling a person’s estate after they pass away. It makes sure debts are paid and assets go to the right people. In Louisiana, probate is called “succession.” If you have a will, the court follows your wishes. If you don’t, the state decides who gets what based on Louisiana law. Probate can be expensive and time-consuming, but a solid estate plan (like using trusts) can help avoid it.

Give us a call. We’ll walk you through what you need, explain things in plain English, and make sure your plan is legally airtight. Start planning for the future now.

We handle juvenile criminal defense (like theft, drug charges, assault), DCFS cases (if your child is taken away by the state), and sometimes will represent children in other delinquency matters (probation issues, school-related charges). If your child is in trouble, we fight to protect their future, and make sure they get headed on the right track.

First, remain calm. Do not let your child talk to police without a lawyer—anything they say can and will be used against them. Being questioned by a policeman is often a nerve-wracking experience, even for an adult. Talking to police is always an option, but is one that should be considered carefully before just jumping into an interview. Call us immediately, and we’ll guide you through the process to protect their rights.

Yes, in Louisiana, certain serious crimes can get a child tried as an adult. This decision is instituted by the district attorney’s office, and in some cases, must be approved by the judge. If transferred, this means harsher penalties and potentially time in adult prison. If this is a risk in your child’s case, we fight to keep them in the juvenile system, where penalties are focused on rehabilitation.

The juvenile system is designed to rehabilitate, not just punish. There are different rules, lighter sentencing options, and more chances to avoid a permanent criminal record, which is why it is crucial to keep a child in the juvenile system.

Call us immediately. DCFS cases move fast, according to strict timelines, and every decision you make now affects your ability to get your children back. We fight to prove your fitness as a parent and push back against unfair removals.

First and foremost, seek medical attention if needed. Often, even if you feel ok at first, your body is operating on adrenaline, and the pain doesn’t show up until the next morning, or sometimes days later. If you are able, take photographs of the scene, including any damages to yourself or your vehicle. If there were witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information. Finally, don’t talk to the insurance company, especially about receiving a settlement check before talking to a lawyer.

If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you likely have a case. One way to know? Let us evaluate your situation for free.

No. This is likely a sign that you have a case, and insurance companies are for-profit companies. They generally offer a lower settlement than the situation calls for in hopes of resolving the matter in a way that increases their profit margin. Once you accept their settlement, it is final, even if your injuries turn out to be more significant than you first believed.

We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

In Louisiana, you have one year from the date of the accident to file.

You may be entitled to money for:medical bills (past and future), lost wages (if you missed work), pain and suffering (for physical and emotional distress), and property damage (like car repairs).

Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but if the insurance company won’t play fair, we’re ready to fight,and take the case to trial if necessary.