Facing minor criminal charges, some defendants decide to take a plea deal. But they find that the stigma can prevent them from getting jobs and housing. And getting their record expunged later turns out to be almost a difficult as avoiding conviction in the first place.
"A judge never acknowledges that he is sentencing someone to a life of unemployment or homelessness."
Despite deadlines, court-appointed oversight firm has yet to weigh in on key revisions.
"Fines, fees and court costs are a part of criminal justice systems around the country, but Louisiana public defenders depend and rely on such costs to a dangerous degree."
Lacking land, Civil District Court meets with potential contractors, asks for building concepts.
"The message from those who would gouge funding for the program could not be clearer: 'We like things the way they are.' ”
Even arrestees rated as low-risk must go to a bail bondsman or post bail themselves.
Still to be decided: Who pays for the consent decree — city or sheriff — and how?
On Tuesday, the state is supposed to reveal the expiration date for its lethal injection drug.
