Joseph Waitz. Jr.

A proud Bayou Region native and Nicholls State University graduate, Hon. Joseph L. Waitz has served as District Attorney of Terrebonne Parish since 1997. After earning his law degree from Southern University Law Center in 1986, he practiced with Waitz & Downer for 11 years and now serves as of counsel with the firm.

DA Waitz is widely recognized for his commitment to children’s advocacy. He founded the Terrebonne Children’s Advocacy Center in 1998—where he continues to serve as President—to support young abuse victims navigating the legal system. He also oversees the parish’s Child Support Enforcement program, ensuring families receive vital support.

A leader in public safety initiatives, he created the Terrebonne Parish Drug Court in 2000 and has established numerous probation and diversion programs, including pre-trial intervention and first-offender narcotics initiatives.

DA Waitz serves on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association, is a former LDAA President, and sits on multiple civic and law-enforcement boards. He is an Outstanding Graduate of Southern University and a member of the Southern University Law Center Alumni Hall of Fame.