State v. Barra, 500 So. 2d 926

Lead Opinion

The defendant, Jerry J. Barra, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, a violation of R.S. 40:967. The defendant pled not guilty at his arraignment. Subsequently, the defendant requested that the District Attorney produce a copy of the initial incident report of the New Orleans Police Department. The trial court granted this request and the State now files the present writ application complaining of this ruling.

The defendant is entitled to a copy of the initial incident report pursuant to LSA-R.S. 44:3(A)(4). If the district attorney has a copy of the initial report in its possession, upon the defendant’s request it must produce that document. If the district attorney does not have a copy the defendant may be required to contact the police department to obtain a copy.

In the instant case the trial court was well within its discretion in ordering the district attorney to provide the defendant with a copy of the initial incident report.

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Rehearing

APPLICATION FOR REHEARING

REHEARING DENIED.

The response issued by this court in K-6774 governs the issue of how a defendant should obtain a copy of the initial police report, prior to a final verdict in the case.

As per the Uniform Rules — Courts of Appeal 4-8 and 2-16.3 the case of Darryl Evans, K-6274 has no jurisprudential value in relation to the instant case. However, this court’s response in the instant case has been designated for publication and therefore may be cited in any future writ applications, briefs, or arguments.

Case Details

Case Name: State v. Barra

Court Name: Louisiana Court of Appeal

Date Published: Jan 21, 1987

Citations: 500 So. 2d 926; 1987 La. App. LEXIS 8529; No. K-6774

Docket Number: No. K-6774

Court Abbreviation: La. Ct. App.