Louisiana Court of Appeal

State v. Ostarly - Writ Granted, District Court Ordered to Rule on Postconviction Relief

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit, granted a supervisory writ in State v. Ostarly, docket 2026 KW 0083, ordering the 22nd Judicial District Court in St. Tammany Parish to rule on the defendant's remaining application for postconviction relief claims. The district court must act by May 22, 2026 and file its ruling with the appellate court by May 29, 2026.

Equity Capital Markets, LLC v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's London - Writ Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit, denied a supervisory writ filed by Equity Capital Markets, LLC seeking to compel Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's London to participate in an insurance appraisal process. The majority denied the writ. Judge Lanier dissented, arguing that under the unambiguous appraisal provision of the insurance policy, where parties disagree on property value or loss amount, either party may demand appraisal upon written request, and no time limitation exists for such demand. The dissent would have reversed the trial court's denial and remanded with instructions to order the defendant to select an appraiser.

State of Louisiana v. Maurice Nalls - Writ Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied Maurice Nalls' supervisory writ application challenging the denial of postconviction relief. The court held that habeas corpus is not the proper vehicle to contest conviction validity or sentence, and that such claims must be raised through postconviction relief proceedings. The application was dismissed as untimely under La. Code Crim. P. art. 930.8(A), with the relator failing to demonstrate an exception to the statutory time limitation.

State v. Gerald D. Jones - Writ Denied, Public Records

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied Gerald D. Jones's supervisory writ application seeking to compel production of district attorney and defense counsel files under Louisiana's Public Records Law. The court held that public records requests cannot be enforced as part of a criminal proceeding and must instead follow civil mandamus procedures under La. R.S. 44:35(C).

State of Louisiana v. Terrance Moore - Ineffective Assistance Writ Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied relator Terrance Moore's supervisory writ challenging the denial of postconviction relief. The court found the record does not support claims that defense counsel rendered ineffective assistance under the standard established in Strickland v. Washington.

State v. King Jr - Writ Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied a supervisory writ application filed by Richard L. King, Jr. challenging a previous conviction. The court upheld the district court's denial of a motion to correct an illegal sentence, citing that any challenge to a previous conviction must be raised before sentence is imposed under La. R.S. 15:529.1(D)(1).

Ernst & Young LLP v. Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions - Res Judicata Exception Reversed

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit granted Ernst & Young LLP's supervisory writ and reversed the trial court's grant of the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions' exception of res judicata. The appellate court held that a federal court dismissal for lack of subject matter jurisdiction (Eleventh Amendment sovereign immunity) does not constitute a final judgment on the merits and therefore does not bar the state court action. The case was remanded for the trial court to rule on remaining exceptions and Ernst & Young's motion to order disclosures.

Nussbaumer v. Nussbaumer - Supervisory Writ and Stay Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied supervisory writs and a stay application in a family court dispute. The court found that the criteria established in Herlitz Construction Co., Inc. v. Hotel Investors of New Iberia, Inc., 396 So.2d 878 (La. 1981) were not met. The matter originated in Family Court in East Baton Rouge Parish, Docket No. 237134.

State v. Damien Chance White - Subpoena Reversed, Discovery Order Quashed

Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit reversed a district court discovery order requiring the State to produce all communications between the District Attorney's Office and witnesses. The appellate court held that witness statements are normally not discoverable under La. Code Crim. P. art. 723(A), and the defendant failed to show the requests were relevant, specific, and made in good faith rather than as a general fishing expedition.

State v. McKenney - Supervisory Writs Denied Under Louisiana Constitution

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied supervisory writs filed by defendant Anwar McKenney in a criminal matter pending in the 23rd Judicial District Court, Parish of Ascension (No. 50438). The writ denial was based on Louisiana Constitution Article I, Section 18(B). The court consisted of Justices Theriot, Balfour, and Haggerty (serving pro tempore by appointment of the Louisiana Supreme Court).

Gascon v. Rhea - Writ Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied a supervisory writ filed by Linda K. Gascon in her civil action against Albert Rhea, Merchants Leasing Ltd., Primoris Energy Services Corporation, and other defendants. The writ denial preserves the lower court's ruling and concludes this appellate review without granting the extraordinary relief sought. No monetary damages or substantive rulings were issued in this procedural order.

Orin Lee O'Quinn Sr. v. Nexion Health at New Iberia South - Venue Reversed, Affidavit Rejected

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit granted a supervisory writ reversing the district court's December 15, 2025 judgment that had granted defendant's declinatory exception of improper venue and motion to transfer for forum non conveniens. The appellate court also reversed the district court's ruling admitting an affidavit from Ryan Mitchell, finding that sworn affidavits constitute hearsay and are not competent evidence absent statutory authorization.

State v. Sartain - Supervisory Writ Denied for Incomplete Filing

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied defendant Darryl Sartain's supervisory writ application because it lacked required documents including the district court ruling, court minutes, Boykin transcript, and sentencing transcript. The court stated it will not consider supplementation of this application or a rehearing. The defendant may file a new application without obtaining a return date, provided it includes all required documentation.

State v. Curry - Supervisory Writ Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied a supervisory writ filed by defendant Eric Curry in a criminal matter originating from the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish. The writ denial leaves the lower court proceedings undisturbed.

State of Louisiana v. TikTok Inc. - Supervisory Writ Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied a supervisory writ application filed by TikTok Inc., TikTok Ltd., TikTok Pte. Ltd., ByteDance Ltd., and ByteDance Inc. in the case styled State of Louisiana v. TikTok, Inc. et al. (Docket No. 2025 CW 1180). The court's denial means it declined to exercise supervisory jurisdiction over the 21st Judicial District Court proceedings in Livingston Parish. This procedural ruling allows the underlying litigation to proceed in the lower court.

John Barret Smelley v. National Liability and Fire Insurance Company, et al - Reversal of Partial Summary Judgment

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit granted supervisory writs and reversed the trial court's December 15, 2025 judgment that had granted plaintiffs' cross motion for partial summary judgment. The appellate court found genuine issues of material fact remain regarding whether Russell Jackson was an employee, precluding summary disposition under La. Code Civ. P. art. 966(A)(3).

Brigette Williams v. Jacob Mansell - Order of Protection Appealability

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit granted a supervisory writ application and held that an order of protection issued pursuant to La. R.S. 46:2136 constitutes an appealable judgment. The court remanded the matter to the 20th Judicial District Court with instructions to grant defendant Jacob Mansell an appeal following his notice of intent to seek supervisory writs.

State of Louisiana v. David L. Williams - Writ Granted

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit granted a supervisory writ in State v. David L. Williams (No. 2026 KW 0128), ordering the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish to adjudicate relator's petition to quash within a reasonable time. The petition to quash was originally filed on September 8, 2025.

State v. Williams - Motion to Quash Writ Granted

De'Anthony Williams, writ granted, motion to quash

State v. Wilson - Supervisory Writ Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied Jordy Wilson's application for supervisory writs in a criminal matter originating from the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish. The court issued a routine procedural denial without substantive ruling on the merits of the underlying case.

State v. Taylor - Writ Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied a supervisory writ filed by criminal defendant Nelson D. Taylor, Jr. on April 8, 2026. The writ, filed under docket No. 2026 KW 0080 from the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish, was denied without written opinion. This denial leaves the lower court proceedings undisturbed.

Louisiana v. Darrell Lee, supervisory writ denied

Louisiana v. Darrell Lee, supervisory writ denied

John Barret Smelley v. National Liability and Fire Insurance Company - Supervisory Writ Denied

Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied supervisory writ application in John Smelley v. National Liability and Fire Insurance Company (Docket 2025 CW 1230). The appellate court declined to review the lower court's ruling, leaving the 19th Judicial District Court's decision intact. The case involves insurance companies including Travelers Indemnity Company of Connecticut, National Liability and Fire Insurance Company, and Western World Insurance Company.

State of Louisiana v. Damon Z. McFarland Jr. — Affirmed Denial of Motion to Suppress Evidence

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit, affirmed the Criminal District Court for Orleans Parish's denial of defendant Damon Z. McFarland Jr.'s Motion to Suppress Physical Evidence Seized. The defendant, charged with unlawful firearm possession while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance under La. R.S. 14:95(E), challenged the search and seizure underlying his arrest. The appellate court found no abuse of discretion by the trial court and affirmed the denial, clearing the procedural path for the defendant's prior plea agreement to stand.

Mathew Lepetich v. Malena Badon Lepetich - Custody Modification

The Louisiana Court of Appeal denied a writ application challenging a temporary custody modification ordered by the 25th Judicial District Court. The appellate court upheld the trial court's decision granting temporary sole custody to one parent with supervised visitation ordered for the other parent based on concerns about erratic behavior and substance abuse allegations. This case involves standard family law custody proceedings with no precedential value beyond the parties.

Antoine Edwards, Sr. v. Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections - Supervisory Writ Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal denied Antoine Edwards, Sr.'s supervisory writ application challenging the March 13, 2026 dismissal of his action against the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The court held that the dismissal constituted a final appealable judgment under La. R.S. 15:1177(A)(10), and clarified that appeals must be taken by filing a motion for appeal in the district court within the delays specified in La. Code Civ. P. art. 2087.

Camsoft Data Systems, Inc. v. Southern Electronics Supply, Inc. - Writ Denial

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied supervisory writs in Camsoft Data Systems, Inc. v. Southern Electronics Supply, Inc., docket number 2026 CW 0476. The court affirmed the denial without elaboration in a brief order, leaving the underlying 19th Judicial District Court ruling intact. No substantive ruling on the merits was issued.

Camsoft Data Systems v. Southern Electronics - Evidence Admission Ruling

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit vacated a district court ruling that had allowed evidence of criminal convictions to be offered for limited purposes under La. Code Evid. art. 404(B). The appellate court found the district court's March 16, 2026 ruling premature, as the plaintiff had not yet laid the proper foundation for admission of such evidence. The writ was granted in part and denied in all other respects.

Brandi Willis Ogden v. Charles B. Wayne Ogden - Civil Writ Denial

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied an application for supervisory writs filed by Brandi Willis Ogden against Charles B. Wayne Ogden. The appellate court declined to review the 22nd Judicial District Court's ruling in St. Tammany Parish, Case No. 2023-13709. The single-page ruling affirms the lower court's decision with no written opinion.

Camsoft Data Systems, Inc. v. Southern Electronics Supply, Inc. - Writ Denial

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit denied a supervisory writ application in the civil case Camsoft Data Systems, Inc. v. Southern Electronics Supply, Inc. and Active Solutions, LLC. The writ was denied in a one-page ruling without opinion elaboration. The underlying case remains in the 19th Judicial District Court, Parish of East Baton Rouge, No. 582741.

Lora Johnson v. City Council - Civil Appeal Affirmed

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit, affirmed the lower court ruling in Lora Johnson v. City Council (No. 2025-CA-0560). Judge Lobrano concurred in the result. The appeal involved a civil dispute between the plaintiff and the City Council.

Spencer Graham Winkles v. Kristen Graham Winkles - Writ Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit declined to consider writ application No. 2026 CW 0389 filed by Kristen Graham Winkles in the domestic matter Spencer Graham Winkles v. Kristen Graham Winkles. The court found the application failed to include the mandatory affidavit under Rule 4-4(A), failed to comply with Rule 4-4(B), and omitted essential documents including the judgment, supporting pleadings, court minutes, and notice of intent as required by Uniform Rules 4-5(C)(6), (8), (9), (10), and (11).

Farshad v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London - Insurance Claim Denial

The Louisiana Court of Appeal denied a writ sought by Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's, London, regarding a district court's denial of their motion for summary judgment. The case concerns an insurance claim filed by Jeffrey Farshad for property damage sustained during Hurricane Ida.

Succession of Miriam Mandel Sklar - Estate Dispute Over Paintings

The Louisiana Court of Appeal affirmed a lower court's judgment denying a petition for preliminary injunction. The former executor of the estate of Miriam Mandel Sklar sought to prevent the liquidation of two Impressionist paintings, but the court upheld the new executor's authority.

State of Louisiana v. Ladarrius Hodge - Sentence Upheld

The Louisiana Court of Appeal affirmed a reimposed sentence of 18 years at hard labor for Ladarrius Hodge, who was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The court found the sentence to be constitutional and not excessive.

Hopkins v. Riley - Recusal of Counsel Reversed

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit, granted a writ in Hopkins v. Riley, reversing a lower court's judgment that recused DeDe Ferrara and Frank Ferrara from representing Kimberly Hopkins. The court found that the request for disqualification was not raised early enough and was therefore waived.

James H. Cureton v. James B. "Blake" Cureton - Rehearing Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, denied the application for rehearing filed by James B. "Blake" Cureton in the case of James H. Cureton v. James B. "Blake" Cureton. The judgment was rendered and mailed to parties on March 25, 2026.

Bobby Hampton v. Governor Jeff Landry - Writ Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit, denied a writ in Bobby Hampton v. Governor Jeff Landry, docket 2025 CW 1267. Two judges dissented, stating they would have granted the writ and reversed a portion of the lower court's judgment regarding an exception of no cause of action.

Succession of Vernon James Goudeau - Affirmation of Lower Court Ruling

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, affirmed a lower court's ruling in the Succession of Vernon James Goudeau. The appellate court found that the plaintiff failed to prove she was a forced heir and therefore not entitled to a portion of the estate.

Deutsche Bank v. Landry - Rehearing Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, Third Circuit, denied the application for rehearing filed by Derinda R. Landry in the case of Deutsche Bank National Trust Company v. Derinda R. Landry. The judgment on rehearing was rendered and mailed on March 25, 2026.

Stanley v. Lafayette Police Department - Affirmation of Judgment

The Louisiana Court of Appeal affirmed a lower court's judgment in favor of the Lafayette Police Department and Scott Morgan. The case involved David Stanley, a former police union president, who appealed disciplinary actions related to his social media posts. The court found the exception of res judicata to be applicable.

State of Louisiana v. Sammy Cheatham - Sentencing Affirmation

The Louisiana Court of Appeal affirmed the sentences of Sammy Cheatham, who was convicted of attempted second-degree murder. The court noted a patent error in the sentencing, but the sentences were affirmed as imposed. Cheatham was sentenced to thirty years on each of seven counts, to run concurrently.

State of Louisiana v. Shonnon Esteen - Affirmation of Conviction

The Louisiana Court of Appeal affirmed the sentences and convictions of Shonnon Esteen in docket number 2025-KA-0388. Judge Lobrano concurred in the result. The court's decision upholds the prior ruling on appeal.

State of Louisiana v. Shonnon Esteen - Rape and Sexual Battery Convictions Affirmed

The Louisiana Court of Appeal affirmed the sentences and convictions of Shonnon Esteen for two counts of second-degree rape and sexual battery. The alleged offenses occurred between 2006 and 2010. The court found no reversible error in the trial court's proceedings.

State of Louisiana v. James Hudson Dudley - Criminal Procedure

The Louisiana Court of Appeal granted supervisory writs in State of Louisiana v. James Hudson Dudley, finding the trial court abused its discretion by ruling a "hookup text" admissible for cross-examining the victim. The court balanced the defendant's right to present a defense against the victim's interests under the rape shield statute.

State of Louisiana v. Derrick Jerome Allen - Writ Denial

The Louisiana Court of Appeal denied a writ for the State of Louisiana v. Derrick Jerome Allen. The court found the relator's request for mandamus relief moot as the district court had already summarily denied the motion to correct an illegal sentence.

East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's Office v. St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office - Writ Denial

The Louisiana Court of Appeal denied a writ application in the case of East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's Office v. St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office. The court noted that the St. Tammany Parish Coroner was a party to the action at the time of the district court's ruling, citing La. R.S. 13:5104(C).

State of Louisiana v. Isiah Lang - Criminal Law

The Louisiana Court of Appeal denied a writ of mandamus filed by Isiah Lang. The court stated that it would not intervene in a proceeding where the applicant had not allowed sufficient time for the district court to respond to his application for postconviction relief.

State of Louisiana v. Kendrick Deandre Johnson - Criminal Postconviction Relief

The Louisiana Court of Appeal denied a writ application filed by Kendrick Deandre Johnson concerning his postconviction relief. The court found that the district court did not abuse its discretion in summarily dismissing the applications, as the relator failed to establish grounds for relief.

Luba Casualty Insurance Company v. Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative - Writ Denied

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit, denied a writ application in the case of Luba Casualty Insurance Company v. Washington-St. Tammany Electric Cooperative, Inc. The court found that the criteria for granting the writ were not met, effectively upholding the lower court's decision.