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James Edward Sudduth III

James Edward Sudduth III

  • Criminal Law, DUI & DWI, Employment Law ...
  • Louisiana, Texas
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Biography

James E. Sudduth, III is the founder and driving force behind Sudduth and Associates, LLC. As a Lake Charles native, he witnessed the lack of growth and direction present in his beloved city and decided to become the force of change the city needed. James knew that to accomplish this goal he would have to temporarily relocate to Baton Rouge. After law school, James returned home to serve as an Assistant District Attorney in the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s office, and during his tenure he was promoted to Misdemeanor Section Chief. When offered a second promotion to the Felony Division, James declined stating that he was being called to serve the public in a different arena. “At the end of the end of the day it isn’t about the amount of money you bring home or the prestige attached to your name; rather it is the satisfaction of a job well done and knowing that despite your limited resources you have accomplished the near impossible. It is about making a difference in people’s lives and having the desire to serve them when no one else will. This is what it means to be a true servant to the public.”

Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
DUI & DWI
Employment Law
Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
Insurance Claims
Bad Faith Insurance, Business Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Property Insurance
Medical Malpractice
Birth Injury, Medical Misdiagnosis, Pharmacy Errors, Surgical Errors
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Contingent Fees
    Currently only accepting contingency fees for employment and personal injury litigation.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Louisiana
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Texas
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5th Circuit
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Spoken
Professional Experience
Misdemeanor Section Chief
Calcasieu Pash District Attorney's Office
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Assistant District Attorney
Calcasieu Parish District Attorney's Office
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Education
Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge
J.D. (2013)
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Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge Logo
Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge
B.S. (2009) | Finance
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Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge Logo
Awards
Top 10 under 40
National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Top 40 under 40
American Society of Legal Advocates
Top 40 under 40
The National Trial Lawyers
Top 10 under 40
National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Professional Associations
American Society of Legal Advocates
- Current
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American Association for Justice
- Current
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National Employment Lawyers Association
- Current
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American Law Society
- Current
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National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
- Current
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Texas State Bar Association
- Current
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Albert Tate Inn of Court
- Current
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American Bar Association
- Current
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Louisiana State Bar Association
- Current
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Southwest Louisiana Bar Association
- Current
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St. Thomas More Society
- Current
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Dean Henry George McMahon Inn of Court
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Speaking Engagements
DWI and Expungement Speech, Louisiana Misdemeanor Probation Officers Association Conference, L'auberge du Lac Casino-Lake Charles, Louisiana
Louisiana Misdemeanor Probation Officers Association
On April 15, 2016, James Sudduth III gave a talk to the Louisiana Misdemeanor Probation Officers Association, at L'auberge du Lac Casino, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. During this speech, Mr. Sudduth discusses DWI convictions, as well raising awareness to probation officers in Louisiana about how to address offenders when it comes to expungements and 894s.
Solo Practice Discussion with LSU Law School Candidates, Paul M. Hebert Law Center
Paul M. Hebert Law Center
On March 1, 2016, James Sudduth III spoke to a group to LSU Law Center candidates about the risks, rewards, and requirements of running a solo law practice. -What running a solo practice requires -What it takes to be your own boss -The three (3) myths about solo practice -The nuts & bolts of starting a practice -The importance of mentors -Planning & overhead needed for general startup -Client relations -How to quote fees -Practice tips for growing your practice
Websites & Blogs
Website
Sudduth & Associates
Videos
In this short video, James Sudduth, III, speaks about why he chose to dedicate his life to the law. More than a Career

In this short video, James Sudduth, III, speaks about why he chose to dedicate his life to the law.

It's the age-old question: who is the most powerful person in the world?  The answer just might surprise you. Who is the Most Powerful Person in the World?

It's the age-old question: who is the most powerful person in the world? The answer just might surprise you.

http://saa.legal/criminal-defense/  As one would expect in criminal defense matters, our clients often come to us anxious and confused about the unknown, in the face of governmental charges, investigation, and intrusion into their personal and professional lives. Far too often our culture and even our criminal justice system is all too eager to presume someone guilty until proven innocent. This perversion of our system is dangerous and requires those charged to seek the help of experienced and talented advocates for their case.  At Sudduth & Associates, we commonly like to use the phrase that we “level the playing field” but we want to take a minute and explain exactly what that means. Think for a moment of all the resources in the possession of the State: officers to effect an arrest or issue a warrant, detectives to investigate a case and question witnesses, forensic equipment and laboratories to test evidence, and finally prosecutors, with their own investigators, armed with virtually unlimited resources with which to effectively prosecute the accused. It is as easy to see as it is disparaging just how stacked the deck is against the accused.  If you are accused, you need a team of investigators, paralegals, clerks, and attorneys who can just as aggressively defend the charge as the State can prosecute one. At Sudduth and Associates, we pride ourselves with being that leveling force for so many people. As a former prosecutor himself, James Sudduth leads an incredibly talented team of individuals in aggressively defending the rights, reputation, and confidentiality of the accused. There is truly no substitute for the critical eye of one prosecutor evaluating the case of another prosecutor. Mr. Sudduth brings his attention to detail, years of professional experience, and genuine care for his clients to each case.  Criminal charges can be devastating: both professionally and personally. Level the playing field. Call us today so that we can fight for you!  For more information on how we can help you, visit our website at: http://saa.legal/criminal-defense/ or give us a call at (337) 480-0101. Criminal Defense in Lake Charles-James Sudduth

http://saa.legal/criminal-defense/ As one would expect in criminal defense matters, our clients often come to us anxious and confused about the unknown, in the face of governmental charges, investigation, and intrusion into their personal and professional lives. Far too often our culture and even our criminal justice system is all too eager to presume someone guilty until proven innocent. This perversion of our system is dangerous and requires those charged to seek the help of experienced and talented advocates for their case. At Sudduth & Associates, we commonly like to use the phrase that we “level the playing field” but we want to take a minute and explain exactly what that means. Think for a moment of all the resources in the possession of the State: officers to effect an arrest or issue a warrant, detectives to investigate a case and question witnesses, forensic equipment and laboratories to test evidence, and finally prosecutors, with their own investigators, armed with virtually unlimited resources with which to effectively prosecute the accused. It is as easy to see as it is disparaging just how stacked the deck is against the accused. If you are accused, you need a team of investigators, paralegals, clerks, and attorneys who can just as aggressively defend the charge as the State can prosecute one. At Sudduth and Associates, we pride ourselves with being that leveling force for so many people. As a former prosecutor himself, James Sudduth leads an incredibly talented team of individuals in aggressively defending the rights, reputation, and confidentiality of the accused. There is truly no substitute for the critical eye of one prosecutor evaluating the case of another prosecutor. Mr. Sudduth brings his attention to detail, years of professional experience, and genuine care for his clients to each case. Criminal charges can be devastating: both professionally and personally. Level the playing field. Call us today so that we can fight for you! For more information on how we can help you, visit our website at: http://saa.legal/criminal-defense/ or give us a call at (337) 480-0101.

http://saa.legal/expungement/  It is extremely important, especially with felonies, that you obtain qualified legal advice as soon as possible after your arrest. The sooner we get involved, the greater your chance is for a more favorable outcome.  We know the stress and anxiety that come with any criminal prosecution and will provide you with a high level of personal attention, serving you with a dedication to the highest standards of practice within the legal profession. Sudduth and Associates are committed to communication and encourage you to bring all your questions and concerns to us.  We will keep you fully informed of all developments in your case, as well as your options and your likelihood of success.  One of the most common questions we get asked is in reference to expungements. In this hyper-competitive and global economy an employer can know everything they want to know about you by looking at three things: your credit score, standardized test scores, and your criminal record. Its a somewhat concerning truth that we as human beings and all of our fascinating intricacies and personalities can be boiled down so simply but it is a harsh truth that must be faced.  Your criminal record can haunt you for a much longer time than you may realize. Whether it was a mistake we made when we were young or a recent temporary lapse in judgment, the anchors we drop in the criminal justice system can have very long ropes. Those ropes can hold us back from promising careers, educational opportunities, and rewarding lives. So what can you do to untie yourself from that anchor? In Louisiana, you may have the option to get your conviction expunged.  For more information on how we can help you, visit our website at: http://saa.legal/expungement/ or give us a call at (337) 480-0101. Lake Charles Expungement Attorney-The Value of Expungements

http://saa.legal/expungement/ It is extremely important, especially with felonies, that you obtain qualified legal advice as soon as possible after your arrest. The sooner we get involved, the greater your chance is for a more favorable outcome. We know the stress and anxiety that come with any criminal prosecution and will provide you with a high level of personal attention, serving you with a dedication to the highest standards of practice within the legal profession. Sudduth and Associates are committed to communication and encourage you to bring all your questions and concerns to us. We will keep you fully informed of all developments in your case, as well as your options and your likelihood of success. One of the most common questions we get asked is in reference to expungements. In this hyper-competitive and global economy an employer can know everything they want to know about you by looking at three things: your credit score, standardized test scores, and your criminal record. Its a somewhat concerning truth that we as human beings and all of our fascinating intricacies and personalities can be boiled down so simply but it is a harsh truth that must be faced. Your criminal record can haunt you for a much longer time than you may realize. Whether it was a mistake we made when we were young or a recent temporary lapse in judgment, the anchors we drop in the criminal justice system can have very long ropes. Those ropes can hold us back from promising careers, educational opportunities, and rewarding lives. So what can you do to untie yourself from that anchor? In Louisiana, you may have the option to get your conviction expunged. For more information on how we can help you, visit our website at: http://saa.legal/expungement/ or give us a call at (337) 480-0101.

http://saa.legal/labor-and-employment/  At Sudduth & Associates, LLC we are proud to offer representation to employees and workers who have been subjected to unlawful workplace practices and discrimination within the workplace. There are many lawyers that work as corporate counsel to defend companies in their conduct. However, there are very few lawyers that practice in this field on the side of the employee. We are proud to stand with workers.  Mr. Sudduth has extensive experience and practice in litigating, settling, and negotiating various employment cases as detailed below. However, this is not a field that he originally intended to practice in. This field is intimately personal to him. As he describes it: “I never studied this topic in law school, had no desire to learn it, and certainly never thought I would practice it. Then it happened to a family member of mine. This person was a Type I Juvenile Diabetic, meaning she was diabetic through no fault of her own. It happened to her as a child. At the time she was working, her eyesight began to fail as the diabetic condition attacked her eyes. She begged for accommodations to see the work easier and her employer refused and eventually fired her. The humiliation she suffered, the pain she experienced, the hopeless look on her face was too much for me to ignore. I poured myself into learning this area of law to fight for her and fell in love with fighting for inured employees and workers. I guess you could say I have a soft spot for the underdog.”  For more information on how we can help you, visit our website at: http://saa.legal/labor-and-employment/ or give us a call today at (337) 480-0101. Labor & Employment Law

http://saa.legal/labor-and-employment/ At Sudduth & Associates, LLC we are proud to offer representation to employees and workers who have been subjected to unlawful workplace practices and discrimination within the workplace. There are many lawyers that work as corporate counsel to defend companies in their conduct. However, there are very few lawyers that practice in this field on the side of the employee. We are proud to stand with workers. Mr. Sudduth has extensive experience and practice in litigating, settling, and negotiating various employment cases as detailed below. However, this is not a field that he originally intended to practice in. This field is intimately personal to him. As he describes it: “I never studied this topic in law school, had no desire to learn it, and certainly never thought I would practice it. Then it happened to a family member of mine. This person was a Type I Juvenile Diabetic, meaning she was diabetic through no fault of her own. It happened to her as a child. At the time she was working, her eyesight began to fail as the diabetic condition attacked her eyes. She begged for accommodations to see the work easier and her employer refused and eventually fired her. The humiliation she suffered, the pain she experienced, the hopeless look on her face was too much for me to ignore. I poured myself into learning this area of law to fight for her and fell in love with fighting for inured employees and workers. I guess you could say I have a soft spot for the underdog.” For more information on how we can help you, visit our website at: http://saa.legal/labor-and-employment/ or give us a call today at (337) 480-0101.

On March 1, 2016, James Sudduth III spoke to a group to LSU Law Center candidates about the risks, rewards, and requirements of running a solo law practice.   -What running a solo practice requires (2:24) -What it takes to be your own boss (8:01) -The three (3) myths about solo practice (9:13) -The nuts & bolts of starting a practice (15:06) -The importance of mentors (18:17) -Planning & overhead needed for general startup (19:31) -Client relations (25:13) -How to quote fees (27:01) -Practice tips for growing your practice (29:18) Solo Law Practice Speech to LSU Law Center

On March 1, 2016, James Sudduth III spoke to a group to LSU Law Center candidates about the risks, rewards, and requirements of running a solo law practice. -What running a solo practice requires (2:24) -What it takes to be your own boss (8:01) -The three (3) myths about solo practice (9:13) -The nuts & bolts of starting a practice (15:06) -The importance of mentors (18:17) -Planning & overhead needed for general startup (19:31) -Client relations (25:13) -How to quote fees (27:01) -Practice tips for growing your practice (29:18)

On April 15, 2016, James Sudduth III gave a talk to the Louisiana Misdemeanor Probation Officers Association, at L'auberge du Lac Casino, in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  During this speech, Mr. Sudduth discusses DWI convictions, as well raising awareness to probation officers in Louisiana about how to address offenders when it comes to expungements and 894s. DWI & Expungement Talk to Louisiana Misdemeanor Officers

On April 15, 2016, James Sudduth III gave a talk to the Louisiana Misdemeanor Probation Officers Association, at L'auberge du Lac Casino, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. During this speech, Mr. Sudduth discusses DWI convictions, as well raising awareness to probation officers in Louisiana about how to address offenders when it comes to expungements and 894s.

Contact & Map
Sudduth & Associates, LLC
1109 Pithon Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Telephone: (833) 783-3884
Fax: (337) 419-0507