Archive for the ‘Local Issues’ Category

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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.

With Murder Soaring, NOLA Seeks to Enforce Youth Curfew

February 6th, 2012 | Posted in Courts, Local Issues, NOPD by bloom | No Comments »

Children playing in Burke Park. Photo courtesy of online.wsj.com

199 people were killed in New Orleans last year – 10 times the national average and a 14% increase over 2010. This January, the murder rate continued to skyrocket, with 25 killed, putting New Orleans on pace for 300 violent deaths in 2012 – 15 times the national average and a stunning 50% increase over 2011.

City officials are scrambling to figure out some way to combat this horrific plague – and there are increasing calls to tighten the youth curfew to 8pm every night, which some believe will curb youths from being a party to violent crimes.

The city council will vote later this month on whether to make this proposal a New Orleans-wide law. The policy is supported by both Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas. Critics say the curfew infringes on the rights of children and won’t do much to reduce crime.

If you or anyone you know has been arrested and charged with a violent crime, call Bloom Legal at 504-599-9997 for immediate help and a free case evaluation.

NOPD Reverses Controversial Practice

February 3rd, 2012 | Posted in Courts, Local Issues, NOPD by bloom | No Comments »

Photo Courtesy of NOLA.com

Earlier this week, we reported on the murder of good Samaritan Harry “Mike” Ainsworth, who was shot to death while attempting to stop a carjacking.

In accordance with a year-long policy of releasing the criminal records of murder victims in the city, NOPD dug up Mr. Ainsworth’s rap sheet, which included arrests for traffic violations and possession of marijuana – completely inconsequential to the crime he was a victim of. NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas vigorously defends his “broader perspectives” policy, stating that it shows city residents that “bad things happen to bad people.” But then a 27-year-old and father of two with a few blemishes on his record was murdered, and adhering to the letter of the policy appeared massively insensitive and pointless.

Serpas repealed the policy Wednesday, saying in a written statement he was getting rid of it “after consulting privately with local clergy leaders over the last weeks.”

Surely, we think everyone should be entitled to freely access information, especially those on criminals within our city. But this one-size-fits all policy does not achieve that goal of education – rather, it emphasizes and expands the divide between people.

Freshly Convicted Felon Walks Out of Courtroom

February 1st, 2012 | Posted in Courts, Local Issues, NOPD by bloom | No Comments »

Teddy Magee's mugshot

Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman “is reviewing” how a newly-minted sexual offender could simply get up and leave the courtroom without anyone noticing, which is exactly what happened Monday when Teddy Magee walked out undetected after a jury convicted him of second-degree sexual battery.

Magee’s defense lawyer, J.C. Lawrence, and the sheriff’s office blame the post-verdict hysteria on the escape. The victim, whose identity is being kept confidential, was ironically the only person to testify for Magee. After the guilty verdict she broke out in screams and tears. As Criminal District Court Judge Benedict Willard and lawyers were discussing a possible appeal bond for Magee, the defendant apparently walked to the back of the courtroom and out the door. A warrant was issued Tuesday morning for Magee’s arrest. Defense attorney J.C. Lawrence said he hadn’t heard from Magee by mid-afternoon.

According to the District Attorney’s office, in October 2010 Magee forced his way into the victim’s bathroom, punched, kicked, and strangled her, then sexually assaulted her. The victim was the only person who testified on Magee’s behalf, and said she consented to his actions. Her testimony conflicted with statements she made to health care workers and investigators immediately after the incident, said the DA’s office.

Is NOPD’s Practice of Revealing Slain Victims’ Rap Sheets Racist?

January 30th, 2012 | Posted in Courts, Local Issues, NOPD by bloom | No Comments »

Harry “Mike” Ainsworth was walking his two sons to the bus stop when he heard a woman scream. He ran to the scene to discover she was being carjacked – and intervened. The woman escaped physically unharmed, while Mike Ainsworth was shot to death by the carjacker.

When police released details of Ainsworth’s murder, they also announced he had been arrested for drug possession and other non-violent crimes in the past, keeping with a year-old policy in which the criminal records of murdered victims are available to the public.

NOPD says this practice gives the public a more complete picture of the incident and shows that many victims of violent crimes are themselves convicted criminals. Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas said publicizing arrest records gives a better picture of the killing, which authorities said usually involves young men who are killing people with similar backgrounds.

Serpas estimated 62 percent of those killed in 2011 had prior felony arrests.

Families of the dead victims say the practice is insensitive at a time when they are trying to cope with the loss of a loved one. Others are outraged with the policy, saying that it carries racial overtones – that African Americans and other minorities are predominantly violent criminals – and implies that the victims got what they deserved.

This is obviously a contentious issue – what do you think? Is NOPD just trying to better-inform the public or are they unfairly profiling victims? Comment below or reply to @BloomLegal on Twitter.

If you or anyone you know has been arrested and charged with a violentcrime, call Bloom Legal at 504-599-9997 for immediate help and a free case evaluation.

DWI Checkpoint Friday Night 1/26 – Faubourg Marigny!

January 26th, 2012 | Posted in DUI/DWI, NOPD, Traffic by bloom | No Comments »

NOPD has issued a statement today indicating that it will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint FRIDAY NIGHT (1/26) in the Faubourg Marigny area from approximately 10pm to 5am. No specific indication as to the location of the checkpoint will be released.

Drivers are advised to have the proper documentation (proof of insurance, registration, driver’s license, etc) available if requested.

Check out our printable Glovebox Reference Guide for information regarding how to respond when pulled over or arrested for DWI.

While we certainly do not condone this type of behavior, should you or someone you know get behind the wheel after a night at the bar and get arrested or charged with a DUI/DWI, Bloom Legal is here (504-599-9997) to provide assistance to you in getting all of your affairs back in order.

-Bloom Legal LLC 700 Camp St Ste 212 New Orleans, LA 70130-

Jazz Fest 2012 Adds a Surprise Headliner: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

January 25th, 2012 | Posted in Local Issues by bloom | No Comments »

Springsteen performs at Jazz Fest in 2006

In 2006, during the first Jazz Fest since Hurricane Katrina, Bruce Springsteen arguably gave the most powerful and emotionally-charged performance the four-decade long festival had ever seen. “I thought it was one of the most extraordinary things I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen thousands of shows,” Quint Davis, the festival’s longtime producer and director said. “Reverend Springsteen held church, and ministered to a flock.”

Now, after a six year absence, the Boss will return to headline the Acura Stage on April 29, the first Sunday of Jazz Fest. His opening acts will be Dr. John and John Mayer, artists that would be major headliners themselves anywhere else.

The deal was done last-minute, and involved both savvy business maneuvers and musical diplomacy to secure a full set for Springsteen. Given Springsteen’s history with Jazz Fest, he is “part of our festival DNA,” Davis said. “We’re thrilled that he still has New Orleans in his heart and that he’s coming back to play Jazz Fest with the E Street Band.”

Alabama Man Arrested for Involvement in Viral Post-BCS Video

January 20th, 2012 | Posted in Legislation, Local Issues, NOPD, Personal Injury by bloom | No Comments »

Brian Downing, 32, of Smiths Station, Alabama, was arrested late Wednesday in connection with an incident that involved abusing an unconscious LSU fan at the Krystal on Bourbon Street. The event was videotaped and uploaded to the internet, where it spread like wildfire.

Police booked Downing on charges of sexual battery and obscenity. He was videotaped Jan. 9 “placing his genitals on an LSU fan’s face. The LSU fan appears to be heavily inebriated and practically unconscious,” a police statement said.

Downing surrendered himself to police peacefully after meeting with his attorney in New Orleans. He was encouraged to give himself up because of his family connection to Russell County, Ala., Sheriff Heath Taylor, who earlier Thursday had said Downing was on his way from Alabama to New Orleans to surrender.

If you or anyone you know has been arrested, call Bloom Legal at 504-599-9997 for immediate help and a free case evaluation.

Bloom Legal – DWI Defense TV Ad

January 13th, 2012 | Posted in DUI/DWI, Local Issues by bloom | No Comments »

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new TV Ads promoting our DWI Defense practice! Check them out below!

Bloom Legal is a full service criminal defense law firm in New Orleans, Louisiana. From our offices in New Orleans and Metairie, we specialize in DWI, Traffic Tickets, and Criminal Defense.

If you or someone you know have been arrested, call Bloom Legal 24/7 at 504-599-9997 for a free case evaluation.

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