2024KW0109 Nonprecedential Processed

State Of Louisiana v. Harold Butler

Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit · Filed February 8, 2024

Authorities cited

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State v. Laugand 759 So. 2d 34

Opinion text

STATE OF LOUISIANA

STATE OF LOUISIANA NO. 2024 KW 0109

VERSUS

HAROLD BUTLER FEBRUARY 8, 2024

In Re: Harold Butler, applying for supervisory writs, 22nd
Judicial District Court, Parish of St. Tammany, No.

602663.

BEFORE: WELCH, WOLFE, AND STROMBERG, JJ.

STAY LIFTED. WRIT GRANTED. While this situation is surely
frustrating for the district court and the State, forcing an
attorney to trial who is unprepared does not punish the attorney
for her lack of readiness, it punishes the defendant' s right to

present an adequate defense and violates his Sixth Amendment

right to effective assistance of counsel. See State v. Laugand,

99- 1124 ( La. 3/ 17/ 00), 759 So. 2d 34 ( per curiam). Therefore,

the district court' s ruling is reversed, the motion for mistrial
is granted, and this matter is remanded for further proceeding.

JEW

EW
TPS

T OF APPEAL, FIRST CIRCUIT

PUTY CLERK OF COURT
FOR THE COURT

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