HOW THE JUSTICE SYSTEM CAN HELP:

If someone hurts you or threatens you, call 911.
When the police arrive they will ask you
questions. Clearly tell them exactly what happened. If you
have injuries or damaged property, show the officers.
If a crime was committed, the police will arrest the abuser or issue a summons to appear in court.
Ask the police for a Family Violence Information Sheet
with the item number and the name of the court. Ask for the
officers' names.
You are entitled to receive one FREE copy of the police report, according to Section 90-125
of the Code of the City of New Orleans, LA. The police report may
be picked up from the second floor of Police Headquarters at 715 S.
Broad Ave. Call 658-5455 for information.
If the abuser is arrested on a State charge:
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The abuser will go to court within 24 Hours and the
judge will set a bond amount. The Judge may also order the abuser
to stay away from you.
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A victim advocate will attempt to contact you.
You may ask for a victim advocate at any time in court or at the
District Attorney's Office.
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The District Attorney's Office will receive the police report about the incident.
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An Assistant District Attorney will contact you to talk about your case.
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The case may go to trial.
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You and other witnesses may testify at the trial.
To obtain a Civil Protective order for Domestic Abuse, call Project SAVE at 310-6872.
A Protective Order can be obtained by all victims of domestic abuse
free of charge. Among other things, it can order the abuser not
to abuse or harass you and stay away from your home or place of
employment.
To obtain further legal assistance with your divorce,
child custody, or other civil law problems, Project SAVE attorneys will
refer you to New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation (NOLAC) to obtain
legal services.
Protective Orders (Peace Bonds, Stay Away Orders,
and Temporary Restraining Orders) are issued by a court ordering the
abuser to stay away from you. Always keep a copy of the order
with you. Take a copy of the order to your local district police
station to make them aware of the situation. If the abuser
violates the order, call the police (911) immediately and contact the
court that issued the order as soon as possible. It is a crime to
violate a protective order |
CONTINUED:

If the abuser is arrested on a Municipal charge or issued a Municipal summons:
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The abuser must be in court on the next working day for
arraignment. The abuser can post bond and be released from jail
before the arraignment.
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At arraignment, the Judge may order the abuser to stay away from you and may change the bond amount.
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The trial will be set about 30 days after the
arraignment. A victim advocate will attempt to contact you before
the trial to talk about your case and to help you through the court
process.
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The case may go to trial in 30 days or at any set date within a year of the incident.
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When you go to court, ask to speak with a victim
advocate. There is a victim advocate in each courtroom every day
that court is in session. The victim advocates are there to help
you in court an to help you get other services in the community that
may want.
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You and other witnesses may testify at the trial.
Police reports, pictures and other documents will be important.
The victim advocate will help you prepare for court.
You can find out if the abuser has a State charge or a
Municipal charge by calling the Intake and Processing Center at the
Criminal Sheriff's Office at 827-6754 (24-hours) or by asking the police.
In either type of case, State or Municipal, you can
speak with a victim advocate at any time. Victim advocates can
answer your questions, provide information, and assist you in many
ways. For State cases, call the District Attorney's Victim
Witness Division at 658-9700. For Municipal cases call 658-5700.
If anyone is pressuring you to "drop the charges" please call a victim advocate or the police for assistance.
Why would you want to talk to a victim advocate?
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to find out what is going on with your case
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to talk about your feelings
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to get emergency financial assistance
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to find out what your rights are
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to arrange for the victim advocate to be in court with you
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to learn about services available to you and your children |