Table of contents:
Overview of the Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office
The Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office is the prosecutorial agency for the 19th Judicial District of Louisiana. It is responsible for prosecuting all criminal cases in East Baton Rouge Parish, which is the most populous parish in the state.
The office was established in 1843 and has a long and distinguished history of serving the people of East Baton Rouge Parish. The current District Attorney is Hillar C. Moore, III, who was elected in 2020.
Organizational Structure
The District Attorney’s Office is organized into several divisions, each of which is responsible for a specific type of case. These divisions include:
- Violent Crimes Division
- Domestic Violence Division
- Juvenile Division
- Felony Division
- Misdemeanor Division
In addition to these divisions, the office also has a number of specialized units, such as the Cold Case Unit and the Vehicular Crimes Unit.
Current District Attorney and Key Staff
The Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office is led by District Attorney Hillar C. Moore III, an experienced prosecutor dedicated to upholding justice and ensuring public safety.
District Attorney Hillar C. Moore III
Hillar C. Moore III was elected as the 32nd District Attorney for the 19th Judicial District Court of Louisiana in 2020. Prior to his election, Moore served as an Assistant District Attorney in the same office for over a decade, where he gained extensive experience prosecuting a wide range of criminal cases.
Key Staff Members
The District Attorney’s Office is supported by a team of highly skilled and dedicated professionals, including:
- First Assistant District Attorney: Darisha K. Williams
- Chief of Trials: Ryan L. Daniels
- Chief of Investigations: Rodney Watson
- Director of Community Engagement: Taylor Ashley
Priorities and Goals
District Attorney Moore has Artikeld several key priorities for his administration, including:
- Reducing violent crime
- Improving public safety
- Restoring trust and confidence in the criminal justice system
- Providing support and resources to victims of crime
Major Cases and Prosecutions
The Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office has a strong track record of successfully prosecuting major crimes, including violent offenses, drug trafficking, and public corruption. The office’s approach to these cases is comprehensive, involving thorough investigation, meticulous preparation, and aggressive courtroom advocacy.
The office’s major cases have had a significant impact on the community, resulting in safer neighborhoods, reduced crime rates, and increased public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Notable Prosecutions
- Operation Clean Sweep: A multi-agency investigation and prosecution that targeted drug trafficking organizations operating in Baton Rouge. The operation resulted in the seizure of large quantities of drugs, cash, and weapons, as well as the arrest and conviction of dozens of individuals.
- The State of Louisiana v. Derrick Todd Lee: The prosecution of Derrick Todd Lee for the murders of several women in Baton Rouge. Lee was convicted and sentenced to death in 2004.
- The State of Louisiana v. Clay Higgins: The prosecution of former St. Landry Parish Sheriff Clay Higgins for malfeasance in office and perjury. Higgins was convicted in 2019 and sentenced to nine months in prison.
Community Outreach and Engagement
The Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office is committed to fostering a strong relationship with the community it serves. The office recognizes that collaboration with residents is crucial for effective crime prevention and victim support.
Through various initiatives, the office actively engages with community organizations, schools, and individuals. These efforts aim to address community concerns, build trust, and promote public safety.
Crime Prevention
The office collaborates with local law enforcement agencies and community groups to implement crime prevention programs. These programs focus on educating the public about crime trends, promoting neighborhood watch initiatives, and providing resources for vulnerable populations.
Victim Support
The office’s Victim Services Division provides comprehensive support to victims of crime. This includes crisis intervention, legal assistance, emotional counseling, and referrals to community resources. The division also works closely with victim advocacy organizations to ensure that victims’ rights are protected.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office faces several challenges, including the increasing complexity of cases, limited resources, and the need to address systemic issues in the criminal justice system. To overcome these challenges, the office has implemented a number of strategies, including prioritizing cases, utilizing technology, and partnering with community organizations.
Prioritizing Cases
The office has developed a system to prioritize cases based on their severity and the potential impact on the community. This system helps the office to allocate its resources effectively and to focus on the cases that are most likely to have a positive impact on public safety.
Utilizing Technology
The office has also invested in technology to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. For example, the office uses a case management system to track the progress of cases and to share information with other agencies. The office also uses data analytics to identify trends and patterns in crime, which can help to inform its decision-making.
Partnering with Community Organizations
The office has partnered with a number of community organizations to address the root causes of crime and to provide support to victims. For example, the office has partnered with the Baton Rouge Police Department to create a community policing program that involves officers working closely with residents to identify and address crime problems. The office has also partnered with the Baton Rouge Area Violence Reduction Coalition to provide support to victims of violent crime.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office adheres to the highest legal and ethical standards in carrying out its duties. Our unwavering commitment to due process and fairness guides every aspect of our operations.
Due Process and Fairness
We firmly believe that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, deserve fair and impartial treatment under the law. Our office follows established legal procedures to ensure that the rights of both victims and defendants are protected.
Ethical Dilemmas
Ethical dilemmas arise when the law or regulations present conflicting choices. Our office has developed comprehensive policies and procedures to address such situations. We seek guidance from legal counsel, consult with ethics committees, and engage in thoughtful deliberation to make informed decisions that uphold the integrity of the justice system.
