J. Heath Dillon

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Louisiana

Louisiana State Bar Association

Since 1996

Western District of Louisiana Federal District Court

Since 2020

Army Combined Armed Services and Staff School

Army Officer Staff School

2002 - 2002

Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge

J.D. (1996) | Law

1993 - 1996

Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School

141st Judge Advocate General's Basic Course for JAG Officers (1996) | Army Military Law

1996 - 1996

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

B.S. (1993) | Psychology

1989 - 1993

Attended on Full Academic Scholarship and Worked Part-Time to Put Self Through School

Honors: Cum Laude

America's Top Criminal Defense Attorney

Marquis Who's Who in America - Legal Profession

2022

Top Criminal Defense Attorney in Louisiana

Marquis Who's Who in America - Legal Profession

2022

Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer

National Trial Lawyers Association

2021

Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney and Practice Magazine

2021

Top 1% of Attorneys Nationally

Top 10 Louisiana Criminal Defense Attorney

American Institute of Legal Counsel

2021

Excellence in Criminal Defense Law

Lawyers of Distinction

2021

Lawyer of Distinction - Criminal Law Defense

Lawyers of Distinction

2020

Nationally recognized for distinguished practice of law in the area of criminal law defense.

National Lawyer of Distinction - Military Law

Lawyers of Distinction

2020

Nationally vetted and recognized as a stand-out attorney in all areas of military law.

National Trial Lawyers Association

Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer Member

2021 - Current

Marquis Who's Who in America - Legal Profession

Member

2021 - Current

Activities: Since 1898, Marquis Who's Who in America has been the preeminent national authority for recognizing and gathering biographical data for the nation's top professionals. Only the top in industry are recognized!

National District Attorney's Association

Associate Member

2021 - Current

Louisiana State Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Section

Member

2020 - Current

Louisiana Association for Justice

Member

2020 - Current

National Employment Law Association

Member

2019 - Current

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2019 - Current

Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2019 - Current

Public Defenders' Association of Louisiana

Member

2019 - Current

National Association of Public Defenders

Member

2019 - Current

Louisiana State Bar Association  # 24270

Member

1996 - Current

Q. What does it mean when the da decides to pass without date

January 29, 2022

A: I agree with both of my colleagues. I add that it likely means that a matter was set by a Court for trial on a certain date. On that date, one or both of the parties requested the Court to "pass" or not deal with that matter on that set day. If agreeable to the request, the Court can either set a new date in open court or the matter can instead be set for a future date by written motion of the DA. So, no particular date is set for a future court date. If the DA wants the matter back on the Court's docket, the DA will file a written motion asking the Court to re-set a date. If/when a new date is set, the defendant will receive written notification of this new date at the address on file with the arresting agency / bonding company / clerk of court's office. If there is an attorney of record representing the defendant, that attorney will also receive written notification of the new date, once set.

This may occur for many reasons.

Recommend consultation with a criminal defense attorney in the jurisdiction in which the matter is pending for further discussion of circumstances. Good luck. ... Read More

Q. Can i own a gun in Louisiana if i was aressted for 2 charges but was only convicted 1 charge

January 29, 2022

A: Depends. Need more information. Were you convicted of a felony for possession of CDS I, or a misdemeanor? If a felony, what was your sentence and when did you fully complete that sentence (including completion of all probation or parole from that sentence)? La. R.S. 14:95.1 might prohibit your possession of a firearm depending on these circumstances.

Q. I was charged in 2016. My arraignment was in 2017. My last court date was 1/10/2019. I've been on a continue w/o date

April 26, 2021

A: Consider going to your appointed attorney's office to request an office visit. Also consider contacting the district public defender's office (the office that appointed your public defender) to request that your public defender contact you. You likely received written correspondence from that office informing you of the appointment of counsel at the beginning of your case. If not, look up your district's public defender's office contact information at this website - go to the district offices tab - http://www.lpdb.la.gov/index/index.php.

Sometimes a delay in prosecution is a good thing. For example, it could be that the DA's Office is unsure whether they want to proceed. Forcing their hand may not be in your best interest. Could be that critical witnesses are unavailable, and the more time that elapses, the less likely they are to be available. Could be that your attorney is strategically waiting on the State to move on your case. Point is, don't assume your attorney doesn't have your best interest in mind. Be proactive, but not accusatory. Good luck. ... Read More

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