| Advisory opinion request as to whether David Peralta, Parish President of St. Bernard Parish, may use campaign funds to pay for his legal fees for criminal charges. |
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Martin E. Regan, Jr., an attorney representing David Peralta involving criminal charges, asks if Mr. Peralta may pay for criminal legal services using campaign funds. Mr. Peralta was elected as Parish President of St. Bernard Parish in 2012 and is running for re-election in the fall.
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La. R.S. 18:1505.2I provides that campaign funds may not be used for any personal use unrelated to the candidate's campaign or his holding of public office. This Subsection also provides that excess funds may be used for a future campaign; returned to contributors on a pro-rata basis; given as charitable contributions as provided in 26 USC 170(c) or contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations; or in support of or opposition to a proposition, political party, or candidate.
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Decline to render an advisory opinion.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
Jennifer Land |
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