October 28th, 2011 | Posted in Courts, Local Issues by bloom | No Comments »
NOLA.com reported yesterday that Orleans Parish District Attorney, Leon Cannizzaro, has alleged that judges in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court are guilty of malfeasance, gross misconduct and should potentially be subject to removal from office.
Photo Courtesy of NOLA.com
Mr. Cannizzaro recused himself earlier this year from a probe into the Judicial Expense Fund but has provided a roadmap to state Attorney General Buddy Caldwell into what he views as the mishandling of funds by the 12 judges on the Criminal District bench in Orleans Parish.
According to the letter, judges have been known to illegally require convicts to pay into the fund under penalty of probation violation, failed to meet state-imposed auditing standards, and may have used funds to illegally pay medical and insurance benefits to themselves.
The Metropolitan Crime Commission also requested a state audit into the judges’ use of funds this summer to determine the legality of an estimate $2 million in supplemental health and life insurance policies that have been bought by judges this year.
It bears noting that Mr. Cannizzaro has admitted that during his time on the bench he may have been involved with these sorts of activities, although it appears that the statute of limitations for any liability on his part would have lapsed in 2010.
For the full report, visit NOLA.com.
October 21st, 2011 | Posted in Local Issues by bloom | No Comments »
Henry W. James, Jr. of Westwego was released from Angola state prison today after serving 30 years for rape.
Photo Courtesy of NOLA.com
Mr. James was convicted and sentenced to life without parole after an incident that occurred in 1982. His release was allowed after the Innocence Project of New Orleans helped to have DNA evidence introduced which ultimately proved his innocence.
While Mr. James’ false incarceration is a distinct tragedy, the Innocence Project’s success in exonerating 12 individuals through DNA evidence since 1999 is a testament to the organization’s dedication to the pursuit of justice. Mr. James’ case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of access to competent criminal defense representation in our justice system.
This case is also a testament to the poor state of affairs in evidence rooms across the country which are chronically underfunded and understaffed.
Mr. James may be eligible for up to $250,000 from the state for his time served although he is required to submit an application and is not guaranteed to receive the funds.
If you or anyone you know are facing criminal charges in the New Orleans area, it is absolutely critical to seek the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you. Contact Bloom Legal 24/7 at 504-599-9997 or at http://www.bloomlegal.com for a free case evaluation.
October 13th, 2011 | Posted in Courts, DUI/DWI, Local Issues, NOPD by bloom | No Comments »
A recent report on NOLA.com indicated that the city will be launching a new Detoxification Center that has been in the works for some time now. 
The center (which will be hosted by Odyssey House) is part of a new program aimed at reducing the number of arrests and incarcerations for public intoxication in New Orleans. According to the report, this is a step in the same direction as a number of other cities currently running similar initiatives.
The detoxification center will allow residents and tourists to spend a few hours sobering up rather than spending an extended period of time in jail and is expected to help reduce administrative costs and resource expenditures for NOPD. Funds for the center are coming from the Louisiana state general fund for substance abuse issues. This means that part of the center’s primary functions will be to funnel at-risk individuals into suitable substance abuse programs.
The detox center will only be available to those residents and visitors who are apprehended for public intoxication itself. Citation for any of the typically-associated violations such as disturbing the peace, resisting an officer, or public urination will result in disqualification for eligibility to visit the Detox Center. According to reports, this means that 75% of the typical public intoxication arrestee will not qualify for the program.
Those who do qualify to visit the Detox Center will be provided with dorm-style accommodations, a television and possibly a sedative or other drug to assist with sobriety as well as health assessment.
For the full report, visit NOLA.com.
If you or anyone you know are arrested for public intoxication, call Bloom Legal 24/7 at 504-599-9997 or visit us online at http://www.bloomlegal.com.
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