New Orleans Criminal Defense

Bridge City man booked in West Bank murder

Published: Tuesday, January 04, 2011, 6:05 PM    by the Times-Picayune

Quentin McClure, of 313 Lafitte St., was booked with second degree murder and with being a felon in possession of a firearm after being arrested without incident at his home Tuesday. McClure is accused being involved in the fatal shooting of Theodore Pierce, 37, who was found dead in the 200 block of Fourth Street shortly after 4:30 p.m. Sunday, said Col. John Fortunato, a sheriff's spokesman.

Pierce died from multiple gunshots wounds to the body, and police say they found shell casings from two weapons at the scene.

McClure has several prior arrests for narcotics possession, firearm possession and resisting arrest, authorities said.

Fortunato said investigators also are searching for Chasity Griffin, 21, of Denham Springs in connection with Pierce's death. Griffin is wanted for second degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Griffin also has several prior arrests for narcotics possession, assault and flight from police.

Pierce's girlfriend said he was on Fourth Street getting his car washed at the time of the shooting, and police initially said they were responding to a report of a gun battle in the neighborhood. Authorities have not released a motive.

Anyone with information on the shooting or who knows the whereabouts of Chasity Griffin is asked to contact Homicide Detective Travis Eserman at 365-5300 or Crimestoppers at 822.1111.

For more Information about contact a New Orleans Criminal Defense Laywer 

Jefferson Parish DWI Checkpoint

Louisiana State Police and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office have announced a DWI checkpoint in West Jefferson on Saturday. The Checkpoint is for the purposes of testing drivers to determine if they have been drinking and driving. The traffic stops start at 8 p.m. July 7th, 2012 in an unknown location on the Westbank of Jefferson Parish.

The Louisiana State blood alcohol limit is 0.08% of blood alcohol per volume as set forth in Louisiana Revised Statute 14:98. A person shown to have that blood alcohol concentration or higher will be automatic assumed to be intoxicated. A person has the right under Louisiana State Criminal Statutes to refuse to blow 2 times. On a third refusal the Police have the authority to take blood from a suspect.

It is unknown whether or not the police have a blanket warrant to take blood samples from drivers without the need for a particularized warrant. Remember not to waive your rights and the Louisiana State Department of Motor Vehicles has to give you do process before suspending your license.

One of the most controversial aspects of a DUI stop is the field sobriety test (FSTs). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has developed a model system for managing Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) training. They have published numerous training manuals associated with FSTs. As a result of the NHTSA studies, the walk-and-turn test was determined to be 68% accurate, and the one-leg stand test is only 65% accurate when administered to people within the study parameters.

New Orleans Criminal Defense Lawyer

Harold E. Weiser

Weiser Law Firm

3801 Canal St #205

New Orleans, LA 70119

(504) 358-2273

Termination of Marriage

Termination of Marriage: Love conquers all or Does It?

By Attorney Harold E. Weiser III of the Weiser Law Firm 3801 Canal Street #205 New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 504-358-2273

Take the case in La. in the early 1960’s of Betty and “Lucky” Louie concerning divorce. he asked her to return or he would file for a legal separation. Since Betty was unwilling to return to Louie at their domicile despite his request for her to do so, reconciliation seemed doomed. And Louie filled for a legal separation which was the legal road toward divorce under such circumstances in the early 1960’s. The court granted them a legal separation.  In court it was brought out that Betty’s mother did not think that Louie was good enough for her daughter. The father did not believe anyone was good enough for his daughter; furthermore, he declared her too immature to marry. The court granted Louie’s request for a Bernard Parish) and a year later Betty’s attorney filed for a divorce which was granted.  It seems that Louie’s love claimed that she was too young to fulfill the role as Louie’s wife was a self- fulfilling prophecy.   In other words, Betty followed her parents’ demand that she leave her husband and their domicile in order to reunite with her parents. And notwithstanding, she had flatly refused Louie’s request to return to him at their matrimonial domicile or accompany him to any other living arrangement whatsoever.

In order to understand what had happened prior to this marriage debacle the following narration is necessary. Betty and “Lucky” Louie had eloped from New Orleans (Orleans Parish) to a neighboring parish (St. Bernard) to get married. Betty was 18 years old and Louie was 21. However, after locating a justice of the peace in Chalmette (St. Bernard Parish) they were told that a marriage license was needed to have their dreams fulfilled.  So, “Lucky” Louie’s attempt at married was thwarted or at least delayed – giving him (and her) a second chance to reconsider. Without hesitation the following week the two love birds obtained a marriage license from the parish of their birth – Orleans.  Again without hesitation and with determination Betty and Louie returned to Chalmette and proceeded to tie the knot at the same Justice of the Peace This time they were successful.  At least for the immediate endeavor.

In spite of all this, their perseverance would soon turn into an endurance of no small consequence. Upon reaching their honeymoon suite at the Montelone Hotel in the famous Vieux Carre (French Quarter), the young bride decided to give her loving parents a telephone call to inform them of the good news.  Blown out of all proportions the news was received like the loss in Battle of Dunkirk in London in 1940 Her mother responded that it was totally unacceptable. Furthermore, she said that she would never speak to her daughter again if she did not leave that “rascle.”  Her father threatened to kill that “damn” college boy.  Obviously, the road to marital bliss was full of rocks and craters as well as treacherous in-laws.  Very soon La. divorce law was called upon to remedy the dreadful situation – which it did!

 For more information contact a New Orleans Divorce Attorney 

Metairie Divorce Attorney  Chalmette Divorce Lawyer  Divorce Lawyer New Orleans

New Orleans Police Department

Mistrust of New Orleans police affecting trials at Criminal District Court

Published: Monday, July 18, 2011, 2:30 PM

By Times-Picayune Staff The Times-Picayune

Times-Picayune archiveDistrict Attorney Leon Cannizzaro says he wants to show criminals what-for and restore public trust in a justice system dogged by scandal.

"I served on a jury this spring in what should have been an open and shut case but none of the jurors, black or white trusted the police work in the case. Many of the jurors have knowledge of how the NOPD conducts its business and the question came up repeatedly when we were considering police testimony.
"We finally convicted but only because we could do it by completely disregarding police work and testimony."
Join the conversation; reply to shinola.

New Orleans police arrest 51 people on drug, prostitution charges during undercover stings

New Orleans police arrested 51 people on drug and prostitution charges during stings between May 9 and June 3, Superintendent Ronal Serpas said Wednesday.

Eliot Kamenitz, The Times-PicayuneNew Orleans Police Department Superintendent Ronal Serpas discusses the arrests of 51 people who were taken into custody for drug and prostitution violation during recent sting operations. The mug shots of some of those who were arrested are behind him.

Speaking at a press conference with mug shots of dozens of those arrested displayed behind him, Serpas said those taken into custody bought and sold thousands of dollars worth of crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana and counterfeit drugs during the three-week operation.
Complaints from neighbors about illegal activity spurred the action in police districts across the city, Serpas said.
"People try to destroy the quality of life in neighborhoods" with drug dealing and other illegal activities, Serpas said. "We're not going stand for it. We're going to be aggressive."
Serpas also said that many of those arrested are no strangers to law enforcement.
"People are often repeat offenders," Serpas said as he thumbed through a stack of papers several inches thick that he said were the rap sheets for 11 of the 51 people arrested. He said if all those arrested had been included the stack would have been thicker than a ream of paper.

Drug suspect is being sought by NOPD The New Orleans Police Department is looking for a suspect they say bought drugs from undercover officers in a recent sting. Watch video

Commander Michael Harrison, who leads the NOPD's Specialized Investigations Division, said the undercover stings, with their audio and video recordings, are a better way to convict offenders.
"It is the best evidence we can present for criminal prosecution," he said.
In addition to the 51 people already arrested, two other suspects who bought or sold drugs during the stings remain at large. Police said information about the suspects will be released later Wednesday.

Reported by Times-Picayune

Mardi Gras and the NOPD

In dealing with festivities of this magnitude, the NOPD solicits the cooperation of the public which is essential for a safe and orderly season. 

 

Personal property, including clothing, should not be left in unattended vehicles.  If no alternative depository is available, personal property should then be locked in the trunk of the vehicle prior to parking.

 

Police officers will be visible along parade routes before, during and after the parades. Uniformed officers will engage in crowd control and plainclothes officers will be among the spectators for detection of crimes such as pickpocketing, etc.  Parade spectators are cautioned against carrying large sums of money or jewelry with them as purse snatchers and persons, who are adept at pickpocketing, seize the opportunity in crowd situations.  Spectators are reminded also it is illegal to drink from an open metal or glass container on or near parade routes.

There will also be an increased police presence in the Downtown, French Quarter, CBD and DDD areas. Officers will be patrolling on foot, on scooters, on segways, on motorcycles and the Mounted Unit will also be on patrol. Parking will be limited, so it is strongly suggested citizens utilize carpools, taxicabs or other forms of public transportation.  Illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed and towed. 

Article IV of the Mardi Gras Ordinance, entitled, “Throws and Throwing,” prohibit riders and maskers from tossing throws or favors to the rear and/or front of their floats or trucks.  It also prohibits them from throwing in the parade formation and disbanding areas.  This will be ENFORCED to provide for the safety of our citizens, especially children.  It is quite hazardous for trinket seekers to be in either the front or rear of floats and trucks, as well as in the formation and disbanding areas, which are heavily congested. 

 

Owners of property along parade routes are reminded that this Mardi Gras ordinance also prohibits the erecting of stands or platforms on the sidewalk, street and/or medians. The CHAINING OF LADDERS to public property, light standards, utility poles, and/or to each other, IS PROHIBITED.  ALL LADDERS used by parade spectators should be structurally sound.  No ladders, chairs, ice chests, chaise lounges, etc. should be placed in intersections, on medians or between curbs of public streets. The rule governing ladders is: LADDERS SHOULD BE PLACED AS MANY FEET BACK FROM THE STREET CURB AS THE LADDER IS HIGH.

  

MARDI GRAS is a show enjoyed by millions, and the New Orleans Police Department will utilize all resources to assure that it is as safe as possible for all to enjoy.

http://www.haroldweiser.com/

French Quarter Trouble

On Friday, February 18, 2011, at 2:20am, the victim, 22y/o W/M, and a friend observed an unknown white male acting aggressively toward two unknown females. The victim tried to intercede in the argument, but the suspect picked up a piece of broken flower pot and struck the victim. Responding officers apprehended the suspect, Derrick Prejeant, W/M, 3-28-74. Additional information on this arrest and/or any subsequent prosecution can be obtained via the Docket Master at www.opcso.org. If you have any information on this incident, please contact Det. Nolan at 658-6080. You may also call Crimestoppers anonymously at 822-1111. Remember to report any suspicious persons or activities you see in your neighborhood by calling 821-2222. In an emergency, call 911 immediately. Captain Edwin Hosli Eighth District
More Information on Criminal Law Contact Harold Weiser at http://www.haroldweiser.com/