Jason Williams is re-screening cases accepted by Cannizzaro’s administration, and public defenders say many low-level cases should be dismissed or diverted.
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
New DA says ‘large swath’ of prosecutors from Cannizzaro administration will stay on
But Williams told The Lens he plans to shake up the leadership in the office.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Final arguments made over whether city needs to move forward with Phase III of New Orleans jail
After Magistrate recommendation, city has said it is continuing work on the facility.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Jason Williams sworn in as Orleans Parish DA, promising ‘justice that endures’
Williams says he will not use resources on low-level charges and will end the “win at all costs” culture in the DA’s office.
Posted inCoronavirus
Incarcerated people over 70 to start receiving vaccinations next week, governor says
The decision will mean that 489 people in prisons and jails will soon get vaccinated. Status of local pretrial inmates was not immediately clear.
Posted inCriminal Justice
As DA, Jason Williams plans to keep a list of police officers with credibility issues he won’t take cases from
Details are limited, but Williams says he expects it to be a “collaborative process” with the police department.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Report: Corrections officials in Louisiana failed to protect inmates, staff from COVID-19
Promise of Justice Initiative criticizes state and federal response at jails and prisons statewide.
Posted inCriminal Justice
‘Every single person in that office has to understand the culture shift’: How Jason Williams plans to remake prosecution in New Orleans
The DA-elect lays out his plan for hiring staff and a new Civil Rights Division to be headed by former director of the Innocence Project New Orleans
Posted inCriminal Justice
City’s request to stop construction of Phase III jail facility should be denied, federal judge recommends
In scathing report, judge says he has “lost trust” in the city.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Jason Williams will be next Orleans Parish DA
Williams defeated Keva Landrum in Saturday’s election. He has pledged to end the policies of mass incarceration in the city.