WINNFIELD — The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield welcomed former district judge and Winnfield City Judge Jacque Derr as the guest speaker for its weekly meeting. Derr was introduced by Dr. Bill Gaddis as part of the civic club’s nonpartisan tradition of offering equal speaking time and a balanced forum to local candidates.
Lifelong Roots and Legal Experience
Derr, who is campaigning for the office of District Attorney, reflected on his lifelong connection to the community and his 50 years in the legal profession. A Winn Parish native, Derr attended Eastside and Westside Elementary before graduating as part of the very first senior class to walk across the stage at the current Winnfield Senior High School campus on Highway 167 North.
Following high school, he attended the Air Force Academy Preparatory School and Louisiana Tech University, where he served as student commandant of cadets in ROTC.
After military service as a military policeman and a Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps officer, Derr returned home in February 1974 to begin private law practice alongside Mickey Simmons. His half-century of legal service includes 35 years in private practice, 12 years as Winnfield City Judge, and 12 years presiding as Eighth Judicial District Court Judge.
Platform and Independence.
Addressing the club, Derr outlined his judicial philosophy and background, noting that his approach on the bench has always been “firm but fair.” He highlighted his extensive courtroom experience handling indigent defense jury trials early in his career and presiding over criminal jury trials as a district judge, stating that a deep understanding of evidence and trial procedure is vital for an effective prosecutor.
Outlining his key campaign commitments, Derr emphasized his independence, pledging to serve only a single six-year term if elected so that prosecutorial decisions are made without concern for reelection. He added that he is completely self-funding his campaign and not accepting outside political contributions, assisted on the campaign trail primarily by his wife, Laurie Derr—a longtime local educator recognized during her career as the LaMissTenn Kiwanis District Teacher of the Year after being nominated by the local Winnfield club and elected district-wide.
Addressing Crime and Rehabilitation.
During the question-and-answer session, Derr discussed local public safety issues, identifying substance abuse as the underlying catalyst for the majority of local burglaries and property thefts. While taking a firm stance on prosecuting violent crimes and drug dealers, he advocated for guiding individuals facing low-level addiction into structured, long-term rehabilitation programs like Teen Challenge to address root causes rather than relying solely on short-term incarceration.