| Advisory opinion request regarding whether matters involving the Terrebonne Children's Advocacy Center (Center) or Victim's Assistance Program (Program) within 32nd Judicial District require the District Attorney's Office and/or Judge Juan Pickett to recuse themselves, considering that Bernadette Pickett, an assistant district attorney, is the spouse of Judge Pickett, the director of the Center and a supervisor of the Program. |
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Both the Center and Program are services provided by the Office of the District Attorney for the 32nd Judicial District. As an assistant district attorney and the director and supervisor of the Center and Program, Mrs. Pickett has contact with victims of crimes that may go before her husband's court. She has signed off on Dismissing Affidavits for victims of crimes. Her signature on these affidavits only notes that the victim has requested to drop the charges. However, the District Attorney's Office has set up a "Chinese wall" to prevent her direct involvement in cases before Judge Pickett.
Ms. Pickett does not have the authority to "employ or terminate" staff members, nor does she have the authority to promote or advance employees. On matters regarding employment, pay, advancement, discipline etc. she defers to Kevin Guidry in his position as administrator for the Program and the Center.
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Adopt the proposed advisory opinion.
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| Assigned Attorney: |
Brett Robinson |
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