Tagged News

• Louisiana judges must retire at 70, but that could change after May 16 election Play Video

  May 4, 2026 5:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As early voting kicks off, Louisianans will decide whether to raise the retirement age for judges. Under current state law, judges are the only elected officials with an age limit. Once a judge turns 70, they cannot run for reelection, though they can serve out the... more »

• Landry asks lawmakers: Do away with inspection stickers, fund LA GATOR, give him power over judges Play Video

  March 9, 2026 4:03 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Gov. Jeff Landry renewed his call Monday to eliminate the annual paper chase for Louisiana drivers: lining up for inspection stickers. Landry addressed lawmakers as they opened their 2026 session. In addition to eliminating the state's vehicle-inspection system, he also asked the Legislature to let more... more »

• Judicial pay panel recommends salary increase after warning that judges are losing purchasing power

  December 8, 2025 4:29 PM

  BATON ROUGE — A state panel on Monday suggested that legislators give pay raises to judges after an economist said members of the judiciary have less purchasing power than they did as a group in 1983. Loren Scott laid out four possible paths for members of the Louisiana Judicial... more »

• EBR judge, Gonzales council and more: See which local elections are on Saturday ballot Play Video

  July 11, 2025 5:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Four people are running for a seat on the 19th Judicial District Court that came open when Judge Wilson Fields was elected to Louisiana's First Circuit Court of Appeal. Each of the candidates is a Democrat. Those who qualified are Dele Adebamiji, Elzie Alford Jr., Vicky... more »

• Investigative Unit: Man who pleaded guilty to setting ex's home on fire gets trial due to judge's error Play Video

  May 21, 2024 5:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE — Christian King, a Texas lawyer seen on surveillance video setting fire to his ex's house in 2023, accepted responsibility for his crime Monday. He pleaded guilty to aggravated arson and was given a 20-year sentence with 17 of those years suspended by Judge Eboni Johnson Rose.... more »

• After questionable decisions from judges, expert says holding them accountable could take legislative action Play Video

  September 29, 2022 5:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE - After multiple stories from the WBRZ Investigative Unit highlighting questionable decisions from judges , an expert says lawmakers may need to get involved in order to reign in those judges. Retired Tulane law professor emeritus, Joel Friedman, said judges have a wide level of discretion to... more »

• Career criminals accused of wreaking havoc while out on bond; judges silent about their decisions Play Video

  September 23, 2022 5:19 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Two different judges in the 19th Judicial District court are silent over their decisions to issue bonds to career criminals that got out and are now accused of committing more violent crimes. Judge Fred Crifasi and Judge Eboni Johnson Rose are not saying anything about what... more »

• Louisiana District Attorney's Association working to fix broken system involving multiple bonds Play Video

  June 11, 2021 5:31 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana District Attorney's Association (LDAA) is working to address a problem that could put your safety as risk. The WBRZ Investigative Unit exposed suspects getting multiple bonds back in December . The situation is back in the spotlight after one of the suspects tied to... more »

• All Baton Rouge-area federal judges recuse themselves from LSU sexual misconduct lawsuits

  May 24, 2021 6:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE - All federal district judges in the capital city have recused themselves from ruling on on a pair of lawsuits related to LSU's Title IX scandal. Instead, a New Orleans federal district judge, Susie Morgan, has been appointed to handle the cases, according to The Advocate .... more »

• INVESTIGATIVE UNIT: Broken system allows alleged criminals multiple bonds Play Video

  December 9, 2020 5:00 PM

  BATON ROUGE - It's a problem that isn't new but is so serious your family's safety could be at risk. Part of a defendant's bond conditions includes not committing crimes while out on bond. However, the WBRZ Investigative Unit found time and time again people are arrested for committing... more »

• Following bail concerns, District Attorney wants full-time prosecutor at EBR jail Play Video

  May 7, 2018 6:45 PM

  UPDATE: Mark Russell's hearing has been continued until May 17. It was announced in court Tuesday that Russell was admitted to a local hospital. Authorities confirm they responded to a home on Baker Blvd this morning for an attempted suicide call. Arrest records show the address matches Mark Russell's... more »

• District Judges face Supreme Court for inappropriate behavior Play Video

  May 3, 2016 11:19 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - A pair of District Judges appeared before the Louisiana Supreme Court in New Orleans Tuesday to face possible sanctions for complaints of previous inappropriate behavior. West Baton Rouge Parish District Judge Robin Free is facing up to a year of suspension along with $11,000 in fines... more »