Volunteer Opportunities

· Magistrate Court Volunteer Project

· Attorney Volunteers

MAGISTRATE COURT VOLUNTEER PROJECT

Magistrate Court. OPD represents indigent clients charged with criminal offenses in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. The office has undergone an entire structural change and now houses a full-time staff of public defenders and administrative personnel.

THE PROGRAM

The primary function of volunteers will be to conduct indigency determinations in Magistrate Court. That is, conduct a basic interview with the arrestee to determine whether they qualify for the services of a public defender based on their financial status. In addition, volunteers will assist public defenders with paperwork, create case files, and act as liaison between the arrestee, their family, friends, employers, landlords, etc. Volunteers will gain a first hand look at the inner-workings of a court system by working directly with our client population and observing deputy sheriffs, District Attorneys, police and other court personnel. First appearances in Magistrate Court occur from 9-11 a.m. and from 3-6 p.m., 7 days a week.

LOCATION

Orleans Parish Criminal District Court is located at the intersection of Tulane Ave and Broad St. OPD offices are across the street from the Courthouse at 2601 Tulane Ave, Suite 700.

EARNING CREDIT

The OPD Magistrate Court Program is a volunteer placement only.  We are happy to work with students who need to fulfill their volunteer graduation requirements and will provide any documentation to ensure that proper credit is received.

CONTACT

Interested volunteers should contact . Please indicate your schedule of availability when applying.

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ATTORNEY VOLUNTEERS

The Orleans Public Defenders' office is also looking for volunteer
attorneys for the OPD conflict panel.  If you are interested please fill out the conflict form.

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