In 1996, the Louisiana Legislature enacted Revised Statute 16:17, which created the position of Victim Assistance Coordinator within the office of the District Attorney. With the creation of this position, victims have a professional in the DA’s Office whose job it is to ensure that victims’ rights are honored. The coordinator is an advocate for the rights of victims both in the courtroom and in the office. The victim is kept informed about the process of the case. Most importantly, the Victim Assistance Coordinator program is an integral part of the effective and efficient prosecution of criminals. The coordinator will ensure that the victims’ rights are honored and that victims are treated with dignity and respect.

The Victim Assistance Coordinator is also the liaison between the prosecutor and the victim. The coordinator not only keeps the victim aware of upcoming court proceedings but explains the proceedings to the victim. In addition, the coordinator provides information to the community about victims rights and works with various community groups on behalf of the rights of victims in the community.

All victims have certain rights:

• The right to reasonable notice and to be present and heard during all critical stages of pre- and post-conviction proceedings;
• The right to confer with the prosecution prior to final disposition of the case;
• The right to refuse to be interviewed by the accused or a representative of the accused;
• The right to review and comment on any pre- or post-sentence report;
• The right to a reasonably prompt conclusion of the case;
• The right to seek restitution;
• The right to be informed of the release from custody or the escape of the accused or the offender.

If you as a victim need assistance please contact our Victim Assistance Coordinator.

Call: 504-297-5163

The 25th Judicial District, Parish of Plaquemines, District Attorney’s Office (DA’s Office) prohibits discrimination because of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, height, weight, or disability in accordance with all Federal, State or local regulations. Furthermore, the DA’s Office will take the necessary actions to ensure the fulfillment of this policy.

Citizen complaints of discrimination are accepted and decided in a fair manner. If you feel you have been discriminated against by a Prosecutor’s Office staff member, please submit your complaint in writing to:

25th JUDICIAL DISTRICT
PARISH OF PLAQUEMINES
DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
102 Avenue G
Belle Chasse, LA 70037

Policies Sexual Harassment

The Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office will not tolerate or condone any verbal, physical or sexual harassment of its employees by any other employee, visitor, or any other person.

Such prohibited behavior includes the following, but not necessarily limited to the following:

1.      Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and all other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or otherwise offensive nature, especially where:

2.      They make submission to such conduct either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment;

3.      Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for decisions affecting an individual’s employment;

4.      Such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment;

5.     Offensive comments, jokes, innuendoes, and other sexually oriented statements, objects, or pictures.

Any employee who believes that he or she is a victim of such harassment, or who observes such harassment, must immediately report the conduct to any one of the following authorized reporting persons: District Attorney, First Assistant, or any supervisor.