{"id":373641,"date":"2023-11-15T17:42:30","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T22:42:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/louisiana-law\/louisiana-district-attorneys.html"},"modified":"2023-11-15T17:42:30","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T22:42:30","slug":"louisiana-district-attorneys","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/louisiana-law\/louisiana-district-attorneys.html","title":{"rendered":"Louisiana District Attorneys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Louisiana District Attorneys<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The Attorney General represents the state of Louisiana in major court cases. This includes defending the state when sued in areas like tax law, consumer protection, and civil rights. Consumer protection is a big priority. The A.G. protects Louisiana citizens from fraud and illegal business practices. The office handles major criminal case appeals.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The district attorney (D.A.) is the primary figure for prosecuting offenses in the Louisiana criminal justice system. D.A.s typically decide whether criminal charges should be filed. Law enforcement will make an arrest<\/a>, but the district attorney determines whether or not to prosecute. The decision to prosecute will be made after the D.A. investigates. This often includes a preliminary hearing<\/a> or presenting evidence to the grand jury<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

If the D.A. decides to move forward with the charges, the D.A. will represent the State of Louisiana in bringing the matter to trial<\/a>. However, things don’t always end up with a court date.<\/p>\r\n

The district attorney can agree to a plea bargain, reduce charges, dismiss the case, or offer alternative diversion programs<\/a> to let you resolve your case without a conviction. Diversion programs could be the difference between a mark on your criminal record or an opportunity for expungement. D.A. offices also offer victim assistance programs.<\/p>\r\n

Most D.A.s supervise a staff, including assistant district attorneys, investigators, and paralegals.<\/p>\r\n

Speaking With the District Attorney<\/h2>\r\n

While you may think contacting the district attorney can help your criminal case, it is rarely advisable. The D.A. represents the state. Their role is to secure convictions, not help defendants. You may accidentally make a damaging admission. Any statements you make could be used against you.<\/p>\r\n

Contacting the D.A.’s office is not just inadvisable\u2014it may be futile. Many D.A.s won’t speak to defendants with an attorney, citing ethics concerns.<\/p>\r\n

So, in many instances, it’s best to hire a criminal lawyer to represent you. Having an attorney talk to the prosecutor can be quite valuable to your case. A skilled criminal defense attorney knows which details present your case in the best light. They know the right questions to ask and which facts to share to get charges reduced or even dismissed. An attorney also won’t make incriminating statements to the prosecutor. Hiring a criminal defense lawyer ensures the right legal information is shared.<\/p>\r\n

A public defender is available for those who can’t afford to hire a private attorney. Louisiana public defenders<\/a> are paid by the state to handle the criminal cases of defendants with low incomes. You can request a state public defender at your arraignment or fill out an application at your local public defender office.<\/p>\r\n

Louisiana also has federal public defenders<\/a>. They represent those charged with crimes under federal law.<\/p>\r\n

If your issue is civil and not criminal, you can contact one of the legal aid organizations for help. For example, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services<\/a> provides legal representation in several Louisiana parishes. There is no charge if you meet the income guidelines.<\/p>\r\n

They provide legal help for matters including:<\/p>\r\n