Department Phone Directory
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The Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office
The District Attorney is elected by the people of Orleans Parish to serve as their representative in the pursuit of justice through the criminal court system. As a servant of the people, the District Attorney administers the following divisions of the office:
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Appeals Division
The Appeals Division represents the State in appeals to the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, Louisiana Supreme Court and the Appellate Division of Criminal District Court. The Division responds to federal habeas applications filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, as well as appeals of those cases to the United States Court for the Fifth Circuit.
Post Conviction Tracking Division
he Post Conviction Tracking Division reviews pardon and parole applications for inmates who were convicted in Orleans Parish. The division opposes requests for early release from prisoners and pardons from inmates who are considered to be a potential danger to others. The Division takes no position in instances where there is no potential danger to the community.
Child Support Enforcement Division
The Child Support Enforcement Division collects and enforces child support orders in the Civil District Court for Orleans Parish through a contract with the Louisiana Department of Social Services.
Screening Division
The Screening Division assesses criminal cases referred to OPDAO from local law enforcement agencies to determine whether prosecution is warranted. Additionally, the division determines what information is needed to successfully prosecute a case and institutes appropriate charges by indictment or bill of information. The Screening Division also assigns attorneys to Magistrate Court. These attorneys conduct preliminary hearings and judge trials on misdemeanor cases. Additionally, five Community Prosecutors are assigned to the Screening Division. They serve as liaisons within the local police districts.
Economic Crime Unit (ECU)
The Economic Crime Unit investigates, screens and prosecutes cases involving financial crimes such as contractor fraud, NSF checks, tax evasion, “white collar” crimes, welfare fraud, identity theft, elder fraud and embezzlement.
Asset Forfeiture
The Asset Forfeiture Department carries out the seizure of properties used to facilitate criminal activity or results from the proceeds of criminal activity.
Bond Forfeiture
The Bond Forfeiture Department tracks bond forfeiture judgments, maintains records regarding proerty bond mortgages filed in Criminal District Court and institutes the collection of bond forfeiture judgments when appropriate.
Investigation Division
The Investigation Division is comprised of civilian officers and law enforcement officers from the New Orleans Police Department and the Orleans Parish Civil Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are assigned to OPDAO’s Trial, Screening, Juvenile, Child Support Enforcement, Public Corruption and Economic Crime Divisions to carry out various investigative assignments, offer executive protection and perform other duties as assigned.
Juvenile Division
The Juvenile Division is responsible for the handling of cases involving juveniles as both offenders as well as victims of neglect and abuse. Division staff evaluates complaints against juvenile offenders and prosecutes juveniles for acts of criminal delinquency. In keeping with the mission of juvenile courts, the division also advocates for abused and neglected children, In both areas, the Office of the District Attorney remains committed to seeking results that are in the best interest of the child.
Victim Witness Assistance Division
Victim Witness is designed to enhance the security of those individuals who accept the services offered. After performing a safety assessment, the office, comprised of counselors and investigators, will assist in whatever ways are deemed appropriate. This can range from simply accompanying a witness to court to relocating victims, witnesses and their families. The division is not designed to offer witness protection.
Adult and Juvenile Pre-Trial Diversion
In an effort to avoid entry into the criminal justice system and reduce recidivism, a non-violent offender can be recommended for diversion. If accepted, he/she enters a program where they will receive services from District Attorney counselors as opposed to simply being monitored by them. The offender will be drug tested and attend a program of sessions specifically formulated for each individual. Upon completion of the diversion program, the charges will be dismissed thereby keeping a reformed offender’s record free from charges.
Trial Division
The Trial Division represents the rights of the victims and citizens of Orleans Parish in the twelve sections of Criminal District Court. Assistant District Attorneys assigned to the division prosecute violations of state criminal laws that occur in Orleans Parish and handle the day-to-day prosecution of criminal cases.
Human Resources (HR)
The Human Resources Department plans, organizes and reviews human resources and HR functions. HR provides for adequate and qualified personnel to meet current and future staffing needs at OPDAO. HR also ensures that opportunities are available for employees to develop and perform at their maximum potential.
Community Outreach
The District Attorney’s Department of Community Outreach serves to strengthen the relationship of the District Attorney with all communities in Orleans Parish. This office also provides the important pathway liaison throughout the community in assisting the District Attorney by partnering with meaningful mentoring programs for adults and juveniles. This mentoring initiative assists the D.A.’s Diversion Program in giving non-violent offenders a chance to avoid further involvement with the criminal justice system. The Office of Community Outreach also establishes relationships with neighborhood and school groups by keeping the District Attorney apprised and involved.
Public Information
The Public Information office serves as the communications liaison for the Office of the District Attorney with the media and the public. Public Information staff ensures that the Office’s operations and initiatives are accurately reported to and through the media and community-at-large. |
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