Archive for February, 2012

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***DWI Checkpoint Uptown, Thursday March 1***

February 29th, 2012 | Posted in Courts, Drugs, DUI/DWI, Local Issues, NOPD, Traffic by bloom | No Comments »

Thursday March 1, 2012, the New Orleans Police Department’s Traffic Section will conduct a DWI Checkpoint beginning at approximately 9:00 P.M. and concluding at approximately 5:00 A.M. in the Uptown area.

Motorists will experience minimal delays and should have proper documentation, i.e., proof of insurance, and a valid driver’s license if requested.

Superintendent of Police Ronal Serpas said, “I would like to remind all drivers to always drink responsibly and use a designated driver if you are going to consume alcohol.”

If you are arrested or charged with a DWI, call Bloom Legal immediately at 504-599-9997 to talk to a real attorney and receive a free case evaluation.

NOPD Makes Arrest in Harry “Mike” Ainsworth Case

February 29th, 2012 | Posted in Courts, Local Issues, NOPD by bloom | No Comments »

Yesterday New Orleans detectives arrested the man they believe gunned down an Algiers father last month when he tried to stop a carjacking in progress.

Officers picked up 17-year-old Kendall Harrison at his school in the 2400-block of Esplanade Avenue at around 1pm on February 28th. He was arrested without incident.

Crimestoppers received numerous tips about the case from members of the community, several of which identified Harrison as the shooter.

Detectives also provided evidence to Louisiana State Police’s Crime Lab technicians, who were able to link Harrison to the murder through DNA testing.

“The detectives in this case have done nothing short of outstanding work. They were on the scene within 5 minutes of the shooting, and have stayed focused on this tragic case ever since”, said Superintendent Ronal Serpas.

Virginia Now Requires Ignition Locks for 1st-Time DUI Offenders

February 27th, 2012 | Posted in DUI/DWI, Legislation, National Issues by bloom | No Comments »

Opponents of drunken driving are applauding the Virginia state Senate for passing a bill to require even first-time DUI offenders in Virginia to install a device to prevent them from operating their vehicle while intoxicated. Currently, the devices are required only after a second or subsequent DUI conviction.

An ignition interlock requires a motorist to blow into a Breathalyzer before starting the car and at random intervals while driving. The car won’t start if the driver’s blood alcohol content is above .02 percent.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 30,000 DUI offenders were convicted in Virginia in 2010. That’s more than three convictions every hour. Kurt Erickson, president of the Washington Regional Alcoholic Program, which campaigns against drunken driving, said ignition interlocks are effective in stopping people from driving while under the influence of alcohol.

“If, before attempting to start their vehicle, the device senses a set amount of alcohol, the vehicle will not start,” Erickson said. “If a running retest senses a set amount of alcohol, the vehicle’s horn will sound, along with its headlights flashing, in order to draw the attention of law enforcement.”

If you or someone you know has been arrested for a DUI, call Bloom Legal immediately at 504-599-9997 for assistance and a free case evaluation.

Three 20-Year-Olds Caught with $180,000 Worth of Weed

February 24th, 2012 | Posted in Drugs, Legislation, Local Issues, National Issues, NOPD by bloom | No Comments »

A photo of some of the seized marijuana, valued at roughly $180,000

The FedEx deliveryman thought he was just dropping off a routine package to the 2600 block of Myrtle Street in Gentilly. What he didn’t know was that the package contained over five pounds of premium grade, hydroponic marijuana, and that both New Orleans Narcotic officers and DEA investigators were patiently waiting to arrest whoever signed for it.

Working undercover, investigators collected information that 20-year-olds Tyler Self, Frank Bruno, Jr. and Vincent Hirstius were expecting this FedEx package of high-quality bud. Once Self signed for the package, investigators seized it, and detectives immediately obtained and executed a search warrant for the residence.

During the search, investigators found 2200 grams of premium grade marijuana – which has a street value of about $180,000.

“These detectives worked diligently to make sure they put these drug dealers out of business. The results are startling,” said NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas.

“These arrests are a great example of what a powerful, combined effort by NOPD detectives and DEA agents can do. Residents in this Gentilly neighborhood are safer tonight because these former suspects’ customers won’t be coming around.”

If you or someone you know has been arrested for possession of marijuana, do not hesitate to call Bloom Legal at 504-599-9997 for immediate assistance and a free case evaluation.

Bam Margera Arrested at Mardi Gras

February 22nd, 2012 | Posted in Celebrity Justice, NOPD by bloom | No Comments »

The Jackass “star” Bam Margera spent Lundi Gras in the custody of the New Orleans Police Department after getting arrested for being out of control at a party during the festivities.

Margera said that he was arrested because he was “Swimming in a pool with my clothes on at Mardi Gras.”

He added, “Not really a good story … but that’s what happened.”

Bam has since been released — so far, it’s unclear if he was charged with a crime.

**REVISED PARADE SCHEDULE FOR MARDI GRAS WEEKEND**

February 17th, 2012 | Posted in Mardi Gras, Personal Injury by bloom | No Comments »

Tonight, parade officials and the New Orleans Police Department announced changes to Saturday’s parade schedule because of rain in the forecast. Weather permitting, the following schedule has been agreed to:

NOMTOC will now roll on the East Bank on Sunday at 9am along the traditional Uptown route

Iris will kick off at 10am on Sunday along its traditional route

Tucks will parade at 3pm on Monday along its traditional route

Endymion will do one of the following:

Roll at its originally scheduled time- 4:15pm- Saturday
OR
It will have a delayed start (time yet to be determined) Saturday on a shortened route.

At this time, no changes have been made to parades scheduled to roll Sunday, Monday or Mardi Gras day.

We will update the Endymion schedule when a final decision has been made, as well as keep you informed if other possible changes to other parade schedules are necessary.

“The weather conditions forced us to change from our traditional route to ensure that all the effort and work we do to put on a great Mardi Gras parade can still be shared by our members and the people of New Orleans”, said James Henderson, NOMTOC President and Parade Captain.

“The Krewe Captains and the NOPD all agreed to these changes to ensure a safe and enjoyable parade for each krewe impacted by the weather”, Superintendent Ronal Serpas said.

New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade Schedule 2012

February 17th, 2012 | Posted in DUI/DWI, Local Issues, Mardi Gras by bloom | No Comments »

Below is the current list of parades rolling through the city of New Orleans from today to Fat Tuesday. Have a wonderful Mardi Gras, and stay safe and smart.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17th

6:00PM Knights of Hermes – Uptown
6:30PM Le Krewe d’Etat – Uptown
7:00PM Krewe of Morpheus – Uptown

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18th

11:00AM Krewe of Iris – Uptown
12:00PM Krewe of Tucks – Uptown
4:15PM Krewe of Endymion – Mid-City

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19th

11:00AM Krewe of Okeanos – Uptown
11:45AM Krewe of Mid-City – Uptown
12:00PM Krewe of Thoth – Uptown
5:15PM Krewe of Bacchus – Uptown

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20th

5:15PM Krewe of Proteus – Uptown
6:00PM Krewe of Orpheus – Uptown

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21st – MARDI GRAS DAY

8:00AM Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club – Uptown
10:00AM Krewe of Rex – Uptown
11:30AM Krewe of Elks Orleans – Uptown

If you or someone you know gets arrested during Mardi Gras, call Bloom Legal at 504-599-9997 for immediate assistance.

Metairie Woman Killed in Gruesome DWI Crash

February 15th, 2012 | Posted in DUI/DWI, Local Issues by bloom | No Comments »

A car crash on I-10 Saturday night has resulted in the death of a 76-year-old woman from Metairie, Claire Lajaunie, as well as the critical injury of the driver, a 77-year-old woman from New Orleans.

The intoxicated driver was 22-year-old Dalton Lewis from Pearl River. He was driving his Lexus at over 100 miles per hour when he struck Lajaunie’s Honda SUV from behind, which proceeded to lose control and flip on the interstate after it struck the metal guard rail.

Lewis was treated for injuries before being released into police custody. He is being charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular negligent injury.

This once again highlights the terrible consequences of driving while intoxicated. Please, if you do drink this Mardi Gras season, take a cab home or use a designated driver. If you do get arrested, call Bloom Legal at 504-599-9997 for immediate assistance and a free case evaluation.

Laws That Parade Goers Need to Know

February 10th, 2012 | Posted in Local Issues, Mardi Gras, NOPD by bloom | No Comments »

NOPD’s Public Information Office has circulated the following laws that all parade goers should know about during Mardi Gras 2012:

Photo Courtesy of GoNola.com

New Orleans Police officers will be enforcing these laws along parade routes first and foremost to keep you and the people around you safe. Superintendent Ronal Serpas’s advice: “Common sense, common courtesy, common safety”.

Louisiana Revised Statute 14:95.1.1

Illegal Carrying of a Firearm at a parade with any firearm used in a commission of a crime of violence. This is punishable by a mandatory 1 to 5 year prison sentence.

Louisiana Revised Statute 14:95.2.2

Reckless Discharge of a Firearm at a parade or demonstration. This is punishable with a 5 to 10 year sentence; a mandatory 3 year prison sentence if convicted.

Section 34-32 of the Municipal Code: Roping off Areas:

It shall be unlawful for any individual, organization or corporation to fence, rope off, or stake out any area of public property along a parade route except when necessary to protect plants, shrubbery, trees and other landscaping materials with the approval of the department of Parkways and Parks. Each private property owner shall notify the Parkway and Park Commission at least 30 days prior to the date of a parade in writing and shall submit a detailed drawing of the planned protective enclosure device. If the private property owner is not notified in writing by the Parkway and Park Commission within 10 days of the parade date, it shall be assumed that the proposed protective enclosure device is approved.

Section 34-33 of the Municipal Code: Ladders:

All ladders used by parade spectators shall be structurally sound. No ladder, chairs, ice chests, chaise lounges and other similar personal effects shall be placed in intersections or between curbs of public streets during a parade. Ladders shall be placed as many feet back from the street curb as the ladder is high. Additionally, the practice of fastening two or more ladders together shall be prohibited.

Section 34-29 Throw Backs

It is unlawful for a person to throw any objects at a float or any participant in a parade.

We hope you and your families have a safe and fun Mardi Gras. If you need any assistance or see any criminal activity along a parade route, please approach our officers. They’ll be easy to spot, as they’ll be wearing fluorescent yellow vests. OUR OFFICERS ARE HERE TO HELP!

If you or anyone you know are arrested or cited this Mardi Gras season, contact Bloom Legal 24/7 at 504-599-9997 or online at www.bloomlegal.com for a free case evaluation to learn how we can help.

Have a safe and happy Mardi Gras!

Police Vigilant for DWIs as Mardi Gras Approaches

February 10th, 2012 | Posted in DUI/DWI, Local Issues, Mardi Gras by bloom | No Comments »

To most New Orleanians, Mardi Gras season means spending time with family and friends, watching parades, and perhaps drinking a little bit more than usual. To Louisiana law enforcement, it means one of the deadliest times of the year for drunk driving accidents.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has provided grants to roughly 45 police and sheriff’s departments across the state to increase enforcement of DWIs throughout the holiday. The money will go towards funding overtime for officers so they can patrol at night to look for intoxicated drivers, as well as conduct more DWI checkpoints.

In 2010, there were six alcohol-related deaths over Mardi Gras weekend, from Friday night through Tuesday. That was more than any other weekend all year. “When you make a poor decision, not only does it affect you, but it has catastrophic consequences for others,” said University of Lousiana-Lafayette Police Chief Joey Sturm.

Please, do not drink and drive this Mardi season! However, if you do get arrested for a DWI, you need experienced legal representation. Call Bloom Legal at 504-599-9997 for immediate assistance and a free case evaluation.

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