PROSECUTION

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Pretrial Intervention

While some offenders pose a risk to citizens, in certain cases the community is best served by giving a nonviolent offender an opportunity to avoid conviction and incarceration. That second chance comes through the Pretrial Intervention Program.

Eligible defendants have an opportunity to enroll in and complete the program as an alternative to being charge and adjudicated. Participation is voluntary and not conditioned on pleading guilty.

When a defendant enters the program, they sign an agreement tailored to them and their situation. The agreements feature achievable goals and are structured to help the defendant avoid behavior likely to lead to future arrests. Conditions may include restitution and community service.

Upon successful completion of the program the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office will dismiss the charges against the defendant. However, if the defendant is charged with driving while intoxicated, the law requires the District Attorney to maintain an arrest record and all records concerning the placement into the Pretrial Intervention Program for a period of five years from the date of the arrest.

Pursuant to the agreement signed by the defendant, the defendant will not file a motion or rule to expunge the arrest or investigative file until the defendant is notified in writing that they have completed both the active and inactive phases of the Pretrial Intervention Program.

As a general rule, information gathered in the course of the Pretrial Intervention Program process is considered confidential. The information gathered in the course of the program application or participation should not be admissible as evidence in the case for which the defendant was charged, or in any subsequent civil, criminal or administrative proceeding.
 

court locations

Courts are on the 4th and 6th floors of the Rapides Parish Courthouse

News

District Attorney Phillip Terrell’s Office Convicts Eddie Ray Jackson in First Murder Trial Since Covid-19 Shut Down Jury Trials

Late Saturday afternoon, District Attorney Phillip Terrell’s office convicted Eddie Ray Jackson of killing James Melton in February 2017. A unanimous jury found the defendant guilty-as-charged of second degree murder and attempted armed robbery with a firearm. In response to the conviction, District Attorney Phillip Terrell stated, “This was a particularly brutal case perpetrated by a violent defendant who showed no remorse. I am happy that we were able to provide some much needed closure to the Melton family who stuck with our office throughout the prosecution of this case.” The case was prosecuted by Christopher Bowman and Johnny Giordano, Rapides Parish Assistant District Attorneys. The defendant will be sentenced on May 3rd. On that day, Judge Beard will give the defendant the automatic life sentence required by Louisiana law. Additionally, the defendant can receive a sentence of not less than 10 nor more than 54 and a half years on the Attempted Armed Robbery with a Firearm conviction.

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MESSAGE FROM PHILLIP TERRELL

Personal Message from District Attorney Phillip Terrell To The Citizens Of Rapides Parish In this time of national emergency and uncertainty, I want to assure each of you that my office will remain open and operating and is here to assist each of you. If any of you or your family members should encounter: 1) Price gouging; 2) Financial scams; or 3) Any other fraudulent activity related to the COVID-19 crisis; I have set up our office email, info@rapidesda.org, to serve as a hotline for you to report such activity. My office will immediately coordinate the appropriate response with the appropriate law enforcement agency be it Federal or State. Together as a community, and with God’s help, the good people of Rapides Parish will get through this. Please be courteous and respectful to everyone and let’s take care of each other. Fear Can Not Survive, Where Faith Exists. God Bless Phillip

COVID-19

District Attorney Phillip Terrell and his staff want the citizens of Rapides Parish to understand that during this crisis his office can be reached through following numbers: Main Office Number 318.473.6650 Main Office Fax Number 318.442.9276 IV-D Child Support Office 318.442.9200 IV-D Child Support Fax Number 318.442.9286 Victims Support Services 318.625.3392 Victim Support Services Fax Number 318.704.6077 The Office of the District Attorney can also be reached through our FaceBook Page at https://www.facebook.com/rapidesda and our web site at http://www.rapidesda.org

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