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Ask The Sheriff
As citizens, it’s our responsibility to know and obey local laws. But sometimes we have questions about those laws that can’t be readily answered. Submit your questions and find answers to others questions right here.

FOX29 has teamed up with Sheriff Tony Mancuso to answer your questions and dispel the myths about laws and law enforcement.

View "Ask The Sheriff" Answers

Ask The Sheriff - Weapon legally inside a car while driving around the city
Can a citizen have a weapon legally inside a car while driving around the city?
Ask The Sheriff - Proper installation of a car seat
Can you go to the Sheriff’s Office for someone to show you how to install a car seat correctly?
Ask The Sheriff - Driving with no drivers license
How is it that there are so many people out there getting pulled over with no drivers license and nothing is done to them?  And yes I know one that gets away with it all the time.
Ask The Sheriff - 4 Lane road, do I yield to school bus?
If I'm in the far left lane of the 4 lane section of Lake St. and a school bus is stopped to pick up kids in the opposing direction far right lane, do I have to come to a stop?
Ask The Sheriff - Is there a minimum age that a child can ride on a motorcycle?
Some coworkers and I were talking the other day when one mentioned he had seen a small child no more than 5 or 6 riding on the back of a motorcycle. He had a helmet on but our concern was would he be able to hold on. Is there a minimum age that a child can ride on a motorcycle? Thank you for your time in advance.
Ask The Sheriff - What is the legal height someone can raise a truck?
With the new craze of "Raising up you truck". What is the legal height someone can raise a truck??  All of my family drive economy cars, and some of the trucks would just run "right over" the top of us.
Ask The Sheriff - Local alcohol laws
I'm wondering where to find local alcohol laws.  Is it legal for passengers to drink in a vehicle.  This might seem like a strange question but I'm not from the area and drive thru daquari stands are new for me.  If I were to be pulled over after leaving one of these stands would they be able to cite me for an open container?
Ask The Sheriff - Driving with fog lights.
Is it legal to drive with fog lights on when there is no fog or inclement weather?
Ask The Sheriff - Turn signals while changing lanes
What is the state law for using turn signals and lane changing?
Ask The Sheriff - When must a child use a booster seat?
At what age & weight can a child use a seatbelt and not have to be in a booster or car seat while in a vehicle?
Ask The Sheriff - Convicted felon, right to hunt.
I am a convicted felon. In July of 1996 I was arrested and later plead guilty to possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and in November 1999 was arrested and later plead guilty to third offense DWI. I have completed all requirements of the state and now as a responsible and productive adult would like to return to my life before my unlawfulness.  I was a big sportsman.  I am asking how do I apply for my right to hunt.
Ask The Sheriff - West Sale Road, bicycles & pedestrians
Why isn't the section of West Sale Road, between Holly Hill and Lake Street, not posted against bicycles and pedestrians?  This road is very narrow with no shoulders.  I constantly see pedestrians and Joggers creating traffic problems by using this section of the road.
Ask The Sheriff - Age to operate boat or tractor
How old do you have to be to operate a boat or tractor?
Ask The Sheriff - Traffic stop at night
My wife drives frequently at night.  Is it true that if you are being pulled over by a law enforcement vehicle, you can proceed to a lighted area or a safe place before stopping?
Ask The Sheriff - Attackers of Logan Armistead
How do the attackers of sheriff deputy, Logan Armistead, get their charges reduced to battery?
Ask The Sheriff - Public help after crimes
After robberies, why would you not immediately put it on the news letting the public know what’s going on in the community, especially if someone was caught on video?  It may keep them from doing another job the same day or same week
Ask The Sheriff - Turn on to a 4-lane road
What is the proper way to turn on to a 4-lane road, either turning right or left?  I understand you are to seek the nearest lane, but many cross over into the far lane.
Ask The Sheriff - Left turn over double line
Can you make a left turn over a double yellow line? I see people turn left on Ryan Street all the time.
Ask The Sheriff - Speed Radar Accuracy
What is the accuracy of speed radars?
Ask The Sheriff - Public records for criminals
How do I access public records for criminals that have been charged for their crimes?  Is there a website I can go to for an update?
Ask The Sheriff - Moving out at 17
Can a female move out of a parent's house at 17 without parental consent?  My half sister (same father) will be 17 soon and wants to live with me.  She will be in a safe environment and attend school, but her mother objects. Will the Sheriff's Office make her go back if she doesn't want to?
Ask The Sheriff - Kids home alone
What is the legal age to leave school age kids at home for 4 hours?
Ask The Sheriff - Street Parking
Is there a law about someone parking, on the street, directly behind our driveway? I have to watch very carefully when I back out so I don't run in to the vehicle.
Ask The Sheriff - Seatbelt Law
What's the seatbelt law for all backseat passengers?
Ask The Sheriff - Passing Lane
I heard a rumor that if you drive in the left lane on the interstate you can get a ticket.  I was told by my friend who was pulled over the other day and was given a ticket.  She said the officer told her a law just passed and it is now considered a passing lane only.  Is this true?
Ask The Sheriff - Ask The Sheriff - Reserve Division
I am a military retiree who's recently moved back to the lake Charles area and would love to volunteer as a reserve deputy. How often do you accept reserve deputy applications?
Ask The Sheriff - Ask The Sheriff - Public Smoking
I would like to know if the 'No Smoking in Public Places' law applies to meeting halls for self help meetings. The public is welcome at these meetings because the courts and probation authorities send people to the meetings. The people in charge of these particular meetings say that the majority of members voted to permit smoking at the meetings. Does the "No Smoking' law pertain to these meeting halls?



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