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Saints’ Demario Davis Advocates for Criminal Justice Reform In New Orleans

Posted on Nov 15, 2019 in Criminal Defense, Saints

[caption id="attachment_6989" align="alignleft" width="612"] LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Outside linebacker Demario Davis #56 of the New Orleans Saints reacts ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)[/caption] Saints linebacker Demario Davis is known for his big hits on the football field. Recently, he’s been in the news for his “Man of God” headband, which drew pushback from the NFL and support from fans. What’s flown more under the radar is Davis’s activism work in New Orleans. Earlier this month, Davis hosted a forum advocating for an increase in the Public Defenders’ budget. According to NOLA.com, the event was attended by criminal defense lawyers, advocacy groups, and citizens who have been involved in the local justice system. The Orleans Public Defenders (or OPD) employs 60 criminal defense attorneys, but handles tens of thousands of cases a year. The District Attorney’s Office, by contrast, employs 90 attorneys, plus access to more investigators, resources and subsidies. Not exactly a fair fight, to say the least.

Everyone Deserves the Right to Legal Representation

Mayor Cantrell’s 2020 budget already calls for an increase in funds for the OPD, to the tune of half a million dollars. However, Davis and other advocates say it’s simply not enough. The OPD needs essentially double the proposed budget in order to operate effectively and efficiently. As it stands, Orleans public defenders are often overworked, underpaid, and lack the resources they need to effectively represent their clients. That’s not to say anything about the abilities of the attorneys themselves, who often work their tails off in a tireless and thankless job. Rather, it’s an institutional issue that’s part of a larger need for reform in the criminal justice system. As an American, one is given the right to an attorney when being charged with a crime. This is why the government funds public defenders’ offices—so that they can represent those citizens that cannot afford to attain legal representation on their own. However, currently in New Orleans, the OPD is in dire need of increased resources to meet the demand of the community.

Bloom Legal Supports Criminal Justice Reform In New Orleans

Bloom Legal applauds Demario Davis and his criminal justice advocacy. It’s awesome to see a guy who’s a respected and celebrated local celebrity, branch out and leverage his status for positive change in our community. Demario is a member of the Player’s Coalition task force, which advocates for criminal justice reform and racial equality around the country. It is made up of current and former NFL players. Seth Bloom, the founder of Bloom Legal, is also an outspoken advocate for criminal justice reform in New Orleans. He has spent years writing about and supporting this cause through programs like the Travis Hill School, an education and reentry program for incarcerated young people. With the powerful voice of guys like Demario advocating for change, we hope to continue to work to move New Orleans’ justice system in the right direction.

Have You Been Arrested or Charged With a Crime?

Bloom Legal understands that everyone gets caught up in trouble sometimes. We believe that everyone deserves another chance, and that our pasts should not define who we can be in the future. Bloom Legal has been defending individuals in the greater New Orleans area for a decade and a half. We understand the criminal justice system and how to maneuver within it.  We will fight for you even when it feels like everything else is against you. If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with a crime, give Bloom Legal a call for a free consultation.

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