On March 18, 2026, a West Feliciana Parish jury returned a verdict of not guilty in a vehicular homicide case we tried on behalf of a client – a man who had carried the weight of these charges for nearly three years.
The case arose from a boating accident that resulted in a tragic loss of life. Our client faced the prospect of conviction for vehicular homicide, a charge that carries severe penalties under Louisiana law and the kind of stigma that reshapes a person's life long before any verdict is reached. At Dewey & Braud Law, we take pride in knowing we protected our client to the fullest extent.
The State's Case—and Its Weaknesses
The prosecution sought to introduce blood test results as central evidence against our client. We challenged the admissibility of those results, and the court agreed—the blood evidence was excluded from trial.
Without that evidence, the state's theory rested on assumptions rather than proof. We retained a marine accident reconstructionist who examined the physical evidence, the vessel, and the circumstances of the collision. His testimony provided the jury with an alternative explanation grounded in science and experience—one that raised substantial doubt about what the prosecution claimed had happened.
The jury deliberated and returned a not guilty verdict.
What Three Years of Waiting Means
It's difficult to convey what it means to live under a vehicular homicide charge. Our client spent nearly three years in limbo—unable to fully move forward, uncertain whether his future would include prison, a felony record, and the permanent label of having caused someone's death through criminal conduct.
A not guilty verdict doesn't erase those years. But it means he leaves that courtroom with his freedom and his name intact. For him and his family, that matters more than we can put into words.
The Principle at Stake
Cases like this remind us why the rules of evidence exist. The state bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and that burden must be met with reliable proof—not compromised evidence or unexamined assumptions.
Challenging the admissibility of the blood results wasn't a technicality. It was a safeguard. Bringing in an expert to reconstruct what actually happened wasn't about creating confusion—it was about demanding that the truth be examined from every angle.
When we hold the state to its burden, we protect everyone.
Protecting Your Rights Starts Here
Every criminal case has its challenges and no two are ever exactly alike. Successfully defending someone against serious charges requires meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. At Dewey & Braud Law, we understand that the stakes couldn’t be higher for our clients. We take the time to develop a defense strategy tailored to the unique facts of each case.
If you or a loved one are facing criminal allegations in Louisiana, early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Contact Dewey & Braud Law today at (225) 953-8330 to schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced attorneys. Let us guide you through this process, protect your rights, and fight for freedom and reputation.
