The state denies that the language creates quotas, saying that funding is not dependent on meeting the targets.
Author Archives: Nick Chrastil
Nicholas Chrastil covers criminal justice for The Lens. As a freelancer, his work has appeared in Slate, Undark, Mother Jones, and the Atavist, among other outlets. Chrastil has a master's degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University, where his research focused on New Orleans' newspapers during the Reconstruction era. During his time at LSU, he also covered the Louisiana state legislature as part of the Manship Statehouse Bureau. He is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Court hearings suspended this week as DA’s office and public defenders attempt to address backlog
Public defenders have pushed for mass dismissals of old cases and misdemeanors, but DA Jason Williams says prosecutors will look at each case individually
Posted inCriminal Justice
Monitors anticipate NOPD could be in full compliance with consent decree by July
The city has argued that it is already in full compliance and can no longer afford to pay the monitors.
Posted inCriminal Justice
During first month in office, DA Jason Williams dismissed over 400 cases previously accepted by Cannizzaro
The office accepted 247 cases in the same period.
Posted inCriminal Justice
After past troubled attempts, New Orleans looks to set up new electronic monitoring system for criminal defendants
The details are still being worked out, but the city has already taken a look at one proposal.
Posted inCriminal Justice
State appeals court upholds ruling against DA’s office in fake subpoena records case
A district court judge ruled that former DA Cannizzaro is personally liable for more than $50,000 in penalties. Jason Williams’ DA’s office is responsible for the plaintiff’s attorney costs.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Vaccinations begin at New Orleans jail
Sheriff’s Office says it is allocating limited doses of COVID-19 vaccines to detainees 55 and older with co-morbidities.
Posted inCriminal Justice
New Orleans City Council passes curfew expansion on consent agenda
The council voted to expand the city curfew to 17-year-olds over pushback from dozens of people opposed to the measure.
Posted inCriminal Justice
City Council sets curfew expansion to pass without debate, upsetting advocates
If the proposal passes, the city’s curfew, which now applies to anyone under 17, would apply to anyone under 18.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Expungements delayed during pandemic due to dysfunction at Clerk’s Office, lawyer says
Arthur Morrell’s office suspended expungement filings for months during the pandemic. Even after they started back up, an attorney who specializes in helping clients seal their records says unnecessary delays remain.