The Criminal Division is the prosecutorial department of the District Attorney’s Office. This division consists of two sections: Felony and Misdemeanor. It is the largest division and is comprised of assistant district attorneys, investigators, paralegals, legal assistants, clerks and the Victims' Assistance Program.
The arresting agency’s report of a criminal investigation is received and processed by the First Assistant District Attorney, who is head of the Criminal Division. Once he determines if our office will seek prosecution, the case is then assigned to one of the other assistant district attorneys to proceed with the preparation of the case.
Additionally, some cases are presented to the Grand Jury to determine if prosecution is warranted. Other cases are assigned for further investigation by the D.A. Investigative Section. In all cases, the First Assistant District Attorney, in conference with the District Attorney, will review the matter before it reaches the trial section for prosecution.
Felony Section
A felony, as defined by Louisiana law, is a crime of grave or more serious nature than a misdemeanor, such as murder, rape, or aggravated assault. Such crimes can be punished by death or imprisonment at hard labor.
These cases are handled through the Trial Section (assistant district attorneys assigned to prosecute felony and misdemeanor cases) of the Criminal Division. For more information concerning felony cases, contact legal assistants Diana Wallett or Jeannine Elliott at (337) 948-0551.
Misdemeanor Section
A misdemeanor, as defined by Louisiana law, is a crime other than a felony, such as simple battery, criminal damage to property or simple possession of marijuana. These crimes may be punished by a fine, penalty, forfeiture or imprisonment.
Misdemeanor cases are prosecuted through the Trial Section (assistant district attorneys assigned to prosecute felony and misdemeanor cases) of the Criminal Division. For more information, contact legal assistant Lindy Lally at (337) 948-0551.