As Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill continue to call for state and federal investigations into the Orleans Parish grand jury that indicted Murrill in July, a local attorneys' group is stepping up to provide legal assistance to those grand jurors.
The Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers has launched a legal support committee aimed at helping grand jurors who are facing those potential investigations.
"LACDL takes no position on the merits of the case against the Attorney General, or whether the Attorney General’s indictment or the dismissal of that indictment were proper," the organization's leaders said in a statement. "However, the Attorney General, Governor, and Congressman Clay Higgins have all called for criminal investigations into the grand jury, and the Attorney General has suggested that she intends to investigate members of the grand jury.
"LACDL believes that any criminal investigation should include protections for the potential witnesses and targets of that investigation to ensure that they understand their legal rights. Grand jurors do not choose to serve but are instead compelled into service by our state laws. The secrecy of their proceedings is enshrined in the Louisiana Constitution. If state and federal authorities in fact convene investigations of the scope publicly described by the Attorney General, the Governor, and Congressman Higgins, these grand jurors will face an unprecedented level of scrutiny."
Grand jury members who want to consult with a lawyer may call the LACDL Grand Jury Committee Hotline at 504-233-7750. The hotline will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. All consultation will be provided for free.
"Every member of the grand jury is entitled to legal support under these extraordinary circumstances," LACDL officials said.
Offer comes as Landry, Murrill continue calls for investigations into AG's indictment
Offer comes as Landry, Murrill continue calls for investigations into AG's indictment
