New orleans district attorney

The New Orleans District Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting crimes in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Here are some key facts about the office:

Current District Attorney:

• Jason N. Williams (elected in 2020)

History:

• The New Orleans District Attorney's Office was established in 1807, making it one of the oldest district attorney's offices in the United States.
• The office has had several notable district attorneys throughout its history, including Jim Garrison, who was the district attorney during the investigation into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Responsibilities:

• The New Orleans District Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting all felony and misdemeanor crimes committed in Orleans Parish, including murder, rape, robbery, and drug offenses.
• The office also handles appeals from lower courts and represents the state in civil cases.

Divisions:

• The office is divided into several divisions, including:
  • Felony Division: handles serious crimes such as murder, rape, and robbery.
  • Misdemeanor Division: handles less serious crimes such as theft, disorderly conduct, and traffic offenses.
  • Special Victims Unit: handles cases involving victims of sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence.
  • White Collar Crime Division: handles cases involving financial crimes such as fraud and embezzlement.

Notable Cases:

• The office has handled several high-profile cases over the years, including the prosecution of former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin on corruption charges and the trial of the perpetrators of the 2015 Mother's Day shooting on Bourbon Street.
• The office has also been involved in the investigation and prosecution of police officers involved in shootings and other misconduct.

Controversies:

• The office has faced criticism and controversy over the years, including allegations of racial bias and misconduct by prosecutors.
• In 2019, the office was criticized for its handling of a case involving a police officer who was accused of killing a man during a traffic stop. The officer was ultimately acquitted, leading to protests and calls for reform.

Reforms:

• In recent years, the office has implemented several reforms aimed at improving its operations and addressing concerns about racial bias and misconduct. These reforms include the creation of a new conviction integrity unit to review and re-examine cases where there may have been wrongful convictions, as well as increased training for prosecutors on issues such as implicit bias and cultural competence.