FERDINAND VALTEAU III

Veteran criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of courtroom experience, including more than 150 felony jury trials. Proven record of defending clients in complex and high-stakes cases, including second-degree murder and multiple first-degree murder trials as second-chair. Demonstrated commitment to the rights of the accused, with a career spanning felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile courts in both urban and rural jurisdictions. Proud of a heritage rooted in Louisiana: my grandmother was part Houma Indian, and I bring that cultural grounding to my commitment to justice, equity, and community advocacy.

• Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Louisiana State Bar Association
• Federal Bar Association

Louisiana, 1994

• Public Defender – Misdemeanor Division, St. Mary Parish, LA, 06/01/12, Present, Represent misdemeanor clients from arraignment through trial and post-conviction., Handle hundreds of cases annually with individualized attention and strategic advocacy., Engage in plea negotiations, suppression motions, and contested bench trials.
• Public Defender – Felony Division, St. Martinville, LA, 09/01/05, 12/31/12, Lead counsel in serious felony cases, including: attempted murder, robbery, burglary, assault, sexual assault, felony DWI and drug trafficking., Conducted dozens of jury trials and complex evidentiary hearings., Maintained a client-focused defense practice in a demanding rural district.
• Public Defender – Juvenile Court, New Orleans, LA, 07/01/99, 08/31/05, Defended juveniles charged with delinquent acts, from minor offenses to violent felonies., Coordinated with social services and courts to secure rehabilitative outcomes., Tried numerous juvenile adjudications and contested matters.
• Private Criminal Defense Attorney, New Orleans, LA, 01/01/98, 12/31/99, Solo practitioner handling adult and juvenile criminal matters., Conducted legal research, drafted motions, and represented clients in hearings and trial.
• Felony Trial Attorney – Public Defender’s Office, New Orleans, LA, 01/01/94, 12/31/98, Tried over 150 felony jury trials, including cases involving second-degree murder, armed robbery, rape, and serious narcotics charges., Second-chair on 5 capital (first-degree murder) trials, participating in jury selection, witness examination, and defense strategy., Earned a reputation for fearless advocacy, trial skill, and meticulous preparation.