Table of contents:
Office Overview
The St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office is the prosecutorial authority for the 22nd Judicial District Court, encompassing St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana.
Led by District Attorney Warren Montgomery, the office is responsible for investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses, representing the State of Louisiana in criminal matters, and providing legal advice to law enforcement agencies within the parish.
Mission, Vision, and Values
The mission of the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office is to “seek justice, protect the innocent, and ensure public safety.”
The office’s vision is to be “a leader in the pursuit of justice, dedicated to protecting the rights of all citizens and upholding the rule of law.”
The core values that guide the office’s work include integrity, professionalism, accountability, and compassion.
Prosecution Division
The Prosecution Division is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the State of Louisiana. The division’s attorneys represent the state in court, present evidence, and argue for the conviction of the accused.
The types of cases handled by the Prosecution Division include:
- Violent crimes, such as murder, rape, and robbery
- Property crimes, such as theft, burglary, and arson
- Drug crimes
- White-collar crimes, such as fraud and embezzlement
The process for prosecuting a criminal case begins with the investigation of the crime by law enforcement. If the investigation results in an arrest, the case is presented to the District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney’s Office then reviews the case and decides whether to file charges. If charges are filed, the case is assigned to a prosecutor.
The prosecutor is responsible for preparing the case for trial, which includes interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, and filing motions. The prosecutor also represents the state in court, presents evidence, and argues for the conviction of the accused.
Civil Division
The Civil Division represents St. Tammany Parish in all civil litigation matters. We are responsible for defending the Parish against lawsuits, prosecuting civil claims on behalf of the Parish, and providing legal advice to Parish officials on a wide range of civil law issues.
The Civil Division handles a variety of civil cases, including:
- Contract disputes
- Personal injury claims
- Property disputes
- Employment law matters
- Environmental law matters
When handling civil litigation, the Civil Division follows a structured process that includes:
- Investigating the facts of the case
- Filing a complaint or answer
- Conducting discovery
- Preparing for trial
- Trying the case
- Appealing the case, if necessary
Victim Services Division
The Victim Services Division of the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office provides comprehensive support and assistance to victims of crime throughout the criminal justice process.
Our dedicated team of victim advocates works closely with victims to ensure their rights are protected, they are informed about the status of their case, and they receive the necessary resources and support to navigate the often complex and challenging legal system.
Services Provided
- Case Management: Victim advocates provide personalized guidance and support throughout the criminal justice process, including assisting with victim impact statements, court appearances, and restitution.
- Emotional Support: Advocates offer emotional support and counseling to victims, helping them cope with the trauma and stress associated with victimization.
- Referrals and Resources: The division provides referrals to a wide range of community resources, including counseling, medical care, and financial assistance.
- Safety Planning: Advocates work with victims to develop safety plans to protect them from further harm.
- Court Accompaniment: Advocates accompany victims to court appearances, providing support and ensuring their voices are heard.
Role in Supporting Victims
The Victim Services Division plays a vital role in supporting victims of crime by providing a compassionate and empathetic approach to justice. Our advocates empower victims to actively participate in the criminal justice process, ensuring their rights are respected and their needs are met.
Through our comprehensive services, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment for victims, allowing them to heal from the trauma of victimization and reclaim their lives.
Community Outreach
The St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office is committed to building strong relationships with the community it serves. Community outreach is an essential aspect of the office’s mission to prevent and reduce crime.
The office offers a variety of programs and initiatives to engage with the community, including:
School Programs
The District Attorney’s Office partners with local schools to provide educational programs on crime prevention, drug awareness, and other legal issues. These programs aim to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to make responsible decisions and avoid criminal activity.
Community Forums
The office hosts community forums to provide residents with a platform to discuss crime-related issues and concerns. These forums allow the District Attorney and his staff to hear directly from the community and tailor their efforts to meet the specific needs of each neighborhood.
Neighborhood Watch Programs
The District Attorney’s Office supports Neighborhood Watch programs, which encourage residents to work together to prevent crime in their communities. The office provides training and resources to help Neighborhood Watch groups establish and maintain effective programs.
Importance of Community Partnerships
Community partnerships are essential for preventing and reducing crime. By working together with community organizations, businesses, and residents, the District Attorney’s Office can create a safer and more just community for all.
Administrative Division
The Administrative Division provides essential support to the District Attorney’s Office, ensuring its smooth and efficient operations. It plays a pivotal role in managing the office’s resources, maintaining a skilled workforce, and harnessing technology to enhance productivity.
Budgeting
The division oversees the development and execution of the office’s budget. It ensures that financial resources are allocated effectively to meet the office’s operational needs, including salaries, equipment, and training programs.
Human Resources
The division is responsible for recruiting, hiring, and managing the office’s staff. It ensures that the office has a team of highly qualified and dedicated professionals to fulfill its mission.
Technology
The division manages the office’s technology infrastructure, including computer systems, software applications, and communication networks. It ensures that the office has access to the latest technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity.
