NEW ORLEANS, LA – Inspired by the recent indictment of Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill following a dispute over letters warning city officials about potential legal consequences, a New Orleans official announced plans Thursday to seek criminal charges against a state trooper who stopped him last Saturday and informed him that speeding could result in a ticket.
According to the complaint, the trooper’s statement created an “atmosphere of intimidation” by suggesting drivers could face consequences for violating Louisiana traffic laws.
“I was simply trying to enjoy my drive,” the official said. “Then this trooper starts threatening me with citations if I continue breaking the speed limit. That’s not public safety, that’s harassment.”
The filing reportedly argues that warning someone about the legal consequences of their actions is itself a far more serious offense than the actions being warned about.
Sources say the grand jury’s next agenda includes reviewing whether judges should stop announcing prison sentences before defendants have a chance to be surprised by them.
