On Thursday, October 20, 2022, the ACLU of Louisiana and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) calling for an investigation into the lack of access to counsel within Louisiana’s prison system. The letter notes that interviews with local public defenders uncovered that jails throughout the state have denied incarcerated people access to counsel in alleged violation of both the United States Constitution and Louisiana law.

“We believe that every person in the United States who stands accused of a crime should be able to equally exercise the fundamental right to counsel,” said Wilson Sonsini partner and former Utah Supreme Court Justice Deno Himonas. “We are thankful to assist the ACLU of Louisiana on a pro bono basis to bring these issues to light in pursuit of justice for all,” added Wilson Sonsini Pro Bono Partner Luke Liss. 

The organizations are urging the DOJ to investigate these practices and, if warranted, pursue civil action against the facilities engaged in such practices. The letter’s signed supporters include Voice of the Experienced (V.O.T.E.), Voters Organized to Educate, Promise of Justice Initiative, Southern Poverty Law Center, East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Reform Coalition, Orleans Public Defenders, and Operation Restoration.

The letter is available online, along with a press release available here.