Yes to HB 46! Protect Against Unjust Pretrial Incarceration
We join our friends and partners at the ACLU of Louisiana to call for an end to Louisiana's unjust pretrial incarceration system.
Right now, if you were arrested in Louisiana, you can sit in jail for weeks, or even months, without a criminal charge. Under current law, you can be held up to 4 months before the prosecutor decides to bring formal charges. Meanwhile, families are separated, people lose jobs, innocent people sit jailed, and millions of taxpayer dollars are spent in jail costs.
NO to HB 586! Protect Public Defense in Louisiana
The Louisiana legislative session has begun and a newly-introduced bill looks to drastically change the entire landscape for public defense in Louisiana, threatening access to and the quality of legal representation for hundreds of thousands of Louisianans.
NO ON HB 586!
Public defenders request the release of all non-violent offenders in jail due to coronavirus
The Lens, March 12, 2020 - In the midst of a rising number of coronavirus cases in Louisiana, the Orleans Parish Public Defenders are asking the Criminal District Court to immediately release from jail people being held on non-violent offenses and ensure inmates and detainees are safe.
“Today, as the number of COVID-19 cases rise in New Orleans, we are asking our criminal legal system leaders to take immediate action to limit the spread of the virus and the potential catastrophic effects on our community and clients in jail and out,” they said in a statement.
They are also requesting that “the Probation and Parole Department immediately lift probation and parole holds for people with non-violent charges; The New Orleans Police Department begin issuing summonses, in lieu of arrest, for all nonviolent offenses; and Criminal District Court, Juvenile and Municipal Court reset all out-of-custody cases at least 30 days to limit exposure and risks to our vulnerable in custody clients and our staff.”
The statement expressed concern over the safety of prisoners, as well as staff members.
“Our priority is the health and safety of our clients, many of whom are older or have compromised immune systems. We are also concerned for the safety of our staff, who work in the courts, in the jails and in the community every day.”
Pack the Chamber - City Council Budget Hearing
Join us Thursday, October 31 at 10am for our budget hearing before the City Council. We will advocate for full and equitable funding for OPD and public defense. We are asking for 85% of the appropriation given to the DA be also given to OPD. This would allow us to more fully represent our clients and advocate for those facing the weight of the criminal legal system.
OPD Hosts 4th Annual Second Line for Equal Justice
We will once again join together with our community, our partners and allies in justice reform for our 4th annual Second Line for Equal Justice.
Focusing on a fair and equitable criminal legal system, we will call on New Orleans' decisionmakers and leaders to create equity in funding and resources between OPD and the District Attorney. For too long, New Orleans' criminal legal system has tipped too heavily in favor of arrest, prosection and incarceration.
Make plans to join us on Saturday, November 2! For more information, check out the Facebook event page.
Want to get involved and join us? Reach out to Lindsey Hortenstine.
OPD Hosts 3rd Annual Second Line for Equal Justice
We will once again join together with our community, our partners and allies in justice reform for our 3rd Annual Second Line for Equal Justice.
With a continued focus on fairness and equity in the criminal justice system, we will call on New Orleans' decisionmakers and leaders to prioritize equitable funding for OPD and public defense in New Orleans, as well as an end to our discriminatory money bail system, and abolishing Louisiana's nonunanimous jury statute.
Make plans to join us on Saturday, November 3!
Want to get involved and join us? Reach out to Lindsey Hortenstine, .
Unanimous Juries and Your Vote: What Your Need to Know
On November 6, Louisiana voters will have the opportunity to move toward a more just justice system by abolishing the nonunanimous jury statute.
Louisiana is one of just two states that doesn't require a unanimous jury verdict for felony convictions and the only state to sentence someone to life without the possibility of parole with just a 10-2 jury verdict.
What does this mean? The district attorney doesn't need to convice all 12 jurors that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Even if one or two jurors have doubts, or believe the person is innocent, he or she can still be found guilty. This is not justice.
OPD Launches Community Know Your Rights Series
Together with the Juror Project and New Orleans Councilmember Jason Williams, OPD has launched a Know Your Rights Community Forum series. Through presentation, discussion and an active role-playing scenario, the series will outline the criminal justice system and people's rights within it from stop and search, to arrest and first appearance.
The event is Friday, October 19, from 6 - 7:30 pm at Dillard University's Georges Auditorium and hosted by District D Councilmember Jared Brossett and Dillard's Housing, Health and Community Resources Fair.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information: visit the Facebook event page.
Friday's event is the first in an ongoing series throughout New Orleans. Stay tuned for future dates.
If you'd like to host a Know Your Rights event with your organization or community, please reach out to Lindsey Hortenstine, .
