- How can I have my criminal record expunged?
- What is the Grand Jury? What if I want to contact the Grand Jury?
- I have been called to serve on Jury Duty, can I get out of that obligation?
- I am a defendant and I am unhappy with the attorney representing me or I can’t get in touch with my attorney. Can I talk to an Assistant District Attorney about my case?
- Can you provide me with legal advice or recommend a good attorney?
- I am the victim of domestic violence and I want to drop charges against the defendant. Can I drop the charges?
- How do I get a restraining order placed against someone?
- Who decides what charges to file, and how do they make that decision?
- How do I report a crime?
- How do I get a copy of a police report?
- What is an arraignment?
- Can I talk to Schuyler Marvin? I think he is the person who is working on my case.
- If I miss work to testify, will the District Attorney pay for my loss in wages?
- I was the victim of a violent crime. Will the District Attorney’s Office pay for my hospital bill and my lost wages? Will the District Attorney’s Office help me collect for pain and suffering?
- If I get a subpoena do I have to go to court?
- Where do I find information on child support? Who can I talk to about wages garnished for child support?
- How can I recover losses from a bad check?
- I want some information about getting a divorce from my spouse and getting custody of my child, can your office help me?
- I am the victim of domestic violence and need to know how to file a complaint.
- I am the victim of a crime and I want to drop charges against the defendant. Can I drop the charges?
- I was a victim of a crime. Can you tell me the defendant’s next court date?
How can I have my criminal record expunged?
You should contact a private attorney.
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What is the Grand Jury? What if I want to contact the Grand Jury?
The Grand Jury consists of twelve persons selected at random from the jury venire list. The historic function of the grand jury was to guard against oppressive action by the government against a citizen by screening criminal allegations through a panel of ones peers prior to any charge actually being brought. In this state, a charge which carries a possible penalty of life imprisonment or death must be brought through a grand jury indictment.
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I have been called to serve on Jury Duty, can I get out of that obligation?
All questions or concerns regarding Jury Duty should be forwarded to the Judge’s Office in Bossier at (318) 965-2217 or in Webster at (318) 371-1311.
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I am a defendant and I am unhappy with the attorney representing me or I can’t get in touch with my attorney. Can I talk to an Assistant District Attorney about my case?
No. All Assistant District Attorneys are governed by a code of ethics which prevents them from speaking directly with any defendant who is represented by an attorney. Therefore, any questions you have should be directed toward your attorney.
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Can you provide me with legal advice or recommend a good attorney?
The District Attorney’s Office is not allowed to give legal advice or refer attorneys. You should contact either a private attorney or Northwest Louisiana Legal Services at (318) 222-7186.
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I am the victim of domestic violence and I want to drop charges against the defendant. Can I drop the charges?
You should contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator in your parish.
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How do I get a restraining order placed against someone?
If it is a domestic violence situation, you can contact the NWLA Family Justice Center at (318) 584-7171 for further assistance. The Clerk of Court in your parish may also be able to assist you. If it is not a domestic violence situation, contact a private attorney.
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Who decides what charges to file, and how do they make that decision?
An Assistant District Attorney reviews every case referred to the District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution. The Assistant District Attorney will review the reports and evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies and the current law to determine whether formal charges should be filed.
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How do I report a crime?
All crime reports should be directed to the law enforcement agency in the area where the crime occurred. The District Attorney’s Office does not take crime reports. If the crime occurred within the city limits of Bossier City, contact the Bossier City Police Department at (318) 741-8611. If the crime occurred outside the city limits of Bossier City, contact the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 965-2203. If the crime occurred within the city limits of Minden, contact the Minden Police Department at (318) 371-4226. If the crime occurred within Webster Parish, contact the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 539-3349.
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How do I get a copy of a police report?
You should contact the law enforcement agency that created the report. If you are a victim of a crime you can also contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator in your parish.
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What is an arraignment?
The arraignment is a hearing in court in which the defendant is formally charged with an offense, given a copy of the complaint, and informed of his/her constitutional rights. The defendant will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty at this hearing.
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Can I talk to Schuyler Marvin? I think he is the person who is working on my case.
Schuyler Marvin is the District Attorney of Bossier and Webster Parishes and, as such, his name appears on most court documents and office correspondence. If you are the defendant in a case, you must speak with YOUR attorney; it is against the policy of our office to discuss a case with a defendant. If you are a victim or witness in a case, please contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator in your parish.
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If I miss work to testify, will the District Attorney pay for my loss in wages?
No. Witnesses must go to court to testify about matters that they have knowledge. It is a civic duty imposed upon all citizens in order to insure a just and fair judicial system. The Clerk of Court will provide a work excuse.
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I was the victim of a violent crime. Will the District Attorney’s Office pay for my hospital bill and my lost wages? Will the District Attorney’s Office help me collect for pain and suffering?
No, the District Attorney’s Office does not provide financial assistance; however, you should see our Victim Assistance Page for more information.
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If I get a subpoena do I have to go to court?
Yes, you must go to court. If you fail to do so, the judge may impose a fine or jail sentence. Be sure to bring your subpoena to court.
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Where do I find information on child support? Who can I talk to about wages garnished for child support?
For information pertaining to Child Support, please visit our Child Support Page.
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How can I recover losses from a bad check?
The District Attorney’s Worthless Check Department may be able to assist in recovering losses incurred due to a NSF or worthless check. By law, there are several things you must do prior to turning the check over to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Please visit our Worthless Checks Department page for more information.
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I want some information about getting a divorce from my spouse and getting custody of my child, can your office help me?
The District Attorney’s office deals only with criminal matters. You must contact a private attorney.
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I am the victim of domestic violence and need to know how to file a complaint.
If you are in an emergency situation call 911. If not, you should contact your local law enforcement agency. You can also visit our Victim Assistance Page for additional information.
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I am the victim of a crime and I want to drop charges against the defendant. Can I drop the charges?
Please visit our Victim Assistance Page for more information or contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator in your parish.
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I was a victim of a crime. Can you tell me the defendant’s next court date?
We can provide you this information if we have filed charges against the defendant. To obtain this information contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator in your parish.
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