Today, with gratitude to the diligent efforts of Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections Secretary James M. LeBlanc and his staff, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer circulated a “bench book” to every Louisiana state judge with jurisdiction in criminal cases as a resource in sentencing decisions. Chief Justice Weimer stated, “Because most incarcerated offenders will eventually be released, sentencing requirements during incarceration should be tailored—as much as possible—to reducing the likelihood of committing crimes after incarceration. The safety of our citizens requires this, and incarcerated offenders who can learn strategies to rid themselves of drug addiction or who develop new job skills are key groups who stand to benefit by later transforming themselves into productive members of society.”
The Louisiana Supreme Court has partnered with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections (DPS&C), the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, and the Louisiana Public Defender Board along with other stakeholders in the criminal justice system to disseminate information on services offered by DPS&C to eligible incarcerated individuals designed to assist in their reentry into society after incarceration.
What began as a request by DPS&C Secretary LeBlanc to Chief Justice John L. Weimer to remind state judges of the minimum time frame for successful completion of DPS&C’s drug treatment intensive incarceration program expanded into an initiative ensuring that state judges had current information about available rehabilitation and treatment programs offered by DPS&C. These include programs at various correctional facilities across the state for both men and women, such as substance abuse treatment programs, reentry court programs, transitional work programs, and Young Adult Programs. Information prepared and updated by Secretary LeBlanc was reviewed by a working group comprising judges as well as representatives from district attorneys, public defenders, and law enforcement. The final product is a “bench book” provided to state judges as a resource for use in sentencing decisions.
Governor Jeff Landry’s administration fully supported the creation of this bench book for judges and other criminal justice stakeholders across the State. Governor Landry commended DPS&C, the Louisiana Judiciary, and other vital criminal justice stakeholders for their hard work, stating that this bench book is an excellent new resource towards moving Louisiana forward towards a more prosperous future.
Chief Justice Weimer remarked, “This demonstrates that when those of us in public service work together, the public benefits. That is something I have strived to do since becoming Chief Justice, specifically partnering with other public officials in matters of mutual interest to benefit the public that we serve.”
In addition to Chief Justice Weimer and Secretary LeBlanc, participants in this collaborative effort included 22nd JDC Judge William Burris; Loren Lampert; past Executive Director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association (and now a judge); and Louisiana Public Defender Rémy Starns.
According to Chief Justice Weimer, “The aim here was to broadly share this information with stakeholders in the criminal justice system. This bench book serves as a guide for judges to choose programs most effective for each offender's particular circumstances. The larger goal is whenever possible to end the cycle of release, re-arrest, and re-incarceration and instead rehabilitate offenders into productive tax-paying citizens.”
Chief Justice Weimer concluded by thanking Secretary LeBlanc, Judge William Burris from the Louisiana District Judges Association along with Loren Lampert and Rémy Starns for participating in this important project which he hopes will ultimately benefit citizens by improving public safety.
A copy of the bench book can be found on the website of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
Louisiana Supreme Court Mission: To preserve judicial integrity; build public trust; provide effective administration within its authority; ensure proper court performance; maintain high professional conduct among bench and bar.
For more information visit lasc.org or contact Louisiana Supreme Court Public Information Specialist/Coordinator Trina S. Vincent at tvincent@lasc.org or (504) 310-2590.
-30-