Caddo District Attorney Voices Concern Over Proposed Juvenile Court Bill
by: D. D. Reese
Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart, Sr., is urging state lawmakers to reconsider Senate Bill 74, a measure that would give district attorneys across Louisiana the option to move juvenile cases from juvenile court to district court for hearings and trials.
Sponsored by Senator Alan Seabaugh and supported by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, SB 74 would allow prosecutors to request a venue change if they believe juvenile courts are not equipped to handle certain offenses. Stewart argues that the legislation is a response to specific issues in New Orleans and should not be applied statewide.
Earlier this year, voters rejected a similar measure that would have expanded the offenses for which juveniles could be charged as adults. During a Senate Criminal Justice Committee hearing, Seabaugh maintained that SB 74 differs from the previously rejected amendment, emphasizing that the bill focuses solely on venue.
“This bill supposedly is going to change what we call ‘venue,’” Stewart said. “It’s a solution to a problem that’s not there.”
Proponents of the bill say it would offer prosecutors greater discretion in determining where juvenile cases should be heard. Currently, district attorneys already have some authority to transfer cases involving 15-year-olds to adult court, particularly for serious violent crimes such as rape, homicide, carjacking, and armed robbery. SB 74 would expand the list of offenses to include burglary and battery.
While the bill addresses venue changes, Stewart expressed concern about the practical implications of shifting juvenile cases to district courts. He noted that juvenile court processes are guided by the Louisiana Children’s Code, which is distinct from adult criminal procedure. Juvenile cases are typically closed to the public and prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.
“The district court judges don’t have to use the Children’s Code,” Stewart said. “They would have to figure out the nuances... for the few times that you switch from one situation to the other.”
He also emphasized the infrastructure built around juvenile courts, including support services such as the Office of Juvenile Justice, truancy programs, drug court, and mental health court. Stewart questioned how these services could be effectively utilized if cases are moved to district court.
Deputy Attorney General Larry Freiman testified that the bill is a response to an increase in violent crimes committed by juveniles. He stated that the current juvenile system was not designed to address offenses such as shootouts, robberies, and homicides.
“If the DA feels that their juvenile judges are doing a great job, then they don’t have to move it. But if they think a case warrants it, they can,” Freiman said.
Stewart countered that Caddo Parish already has a dedicated juvenile court system that functions effectively, and adding new responsibilities to the district court could overwhelm an already burdened system.
The bill was recently presented to the Senate Finance Committee to review potential fiscal impacts. Senator Seabaugh testified that the bill would have no effect on the state general fund and any local financial changes would be minimal or indeterminable.
However, representatives from the Baton Rouge Public Defenders’ Office expressed concern that the legislation would strain personnel and budgets. Their testimony led to a discussion that resulted in the bill’s deferment.
Caddo Parish Juvenile Court Judges testified that district court is already short-staffed and would need additional sections and probation staff to manage transferred cases. A retired juvenile judge added that training district court judges on the Children’s Code would incur costs and could cause disruptions during the transition.
Senator Seabaugh ultimately deferred the bill to revise the fiscal note, stating he does not expect substantial changes despite concerns raised during the hearing.
DA Stewart stated he remains open to collaborating with lawmakers on comprehensive solutions aimed at crime prevention and youth intervention, rather than legislation that could further stress the judicial system.
The bill is scheduled to return to the Senate Finance Committee on Monday, May 19.
