Winn Parish District Attorney Chris Nevils presented a very interesting program to the Kiwanis club, Tuesday, August 20.  He gave each member a handout that he received from the Natchitoches DA Billy Harrington. The first page was about domestic violence and the second page was the 2024 Legislative session highlights.

COVID greatly impacted the criminal justice system in Louisiana as well as other states. Because of people being forced to stay at home there was an increase in domestic violence involving family members. The Legislature passed a law that enhanced the sentencing range due to choking. Previously if one person tried to choke another person their sentence was the same as if they just punched the other person.   Domestic violence is hard to prosecute for many reasons including the fact that the abuser brings in the money so the victim is not willing to prosecute.

During Governor John Bel Edwards’ terms he tied the hands of the justice system to lower the incarceration rate in the state, the speaker indicated.

Nevils is part of a group that is trying to build a Central Louisiana juvenile facility in Pollock. They have the money to build but not to staff the facility after it is built. This facility would house juveniles from approximately 8 parishes. At the present time violent juvenile offenders are sent to Mississippi or south Louisiana because no one regionally will take them. 

In answer to a question he spoke about progressive DAs. These are actively engaged in non-prosecution. They are elected because they have the most money. In a fair fight, a law and order DA will win the election but not when it is based on how much money you have to use in your campaign. 

Nevils is a realist and knows there is not enough room in our jails for all the people who commit crimes. Therefore you have to pick and choose your battles.  He spoke about one sovereign citizen who believes there is no United States, no state of Louisiana, no law that he has to follow.  Because of his many felonies they were finally able to give him a life sentence at Angola. 

Another question asked was about the concealed carry permit. You no longer need a concealed carry in Louisiana, but if you do and you go to another state there can be reciprocity. If you have a gun in your vehicle and you are asked by a law officer at a routine traffic stop, if you have one you should say that you do.  

In answer to another question Nevils said he had worked well with Sheriff Cranford Jordan and he was very optimistic that he would work well with Sheriff Josh McAllister. 

Nevils believes that whatever job you have, especially in politics, you have to leave your ego at the door. Focus on your job and do the best you can.

The club thanked Winn Parish District Attorney Chris Nevils for a very informative program.