NAPD Public Resources

In this open letter addressed to District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro, Jr., the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) expresses concern over the indictment of Taryn Blume, an investigator with the Orleans Public Defender’s Office (OPD). The NAPD argues that the indictment is an unjust attack on public defense, aimed at undermining the quality of representation for vulnerable individuals in New Orleans. They call for the dismissal of the indictment and urge citizens to advocate for justice, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of those accused of crimes and the role of public defenders in ensuring fair trials and due process. The letter highlights the circumstances surrounding Blume's case, where she is accused of impersonating a member of the District Attorney's Office to obtain records that were, in fact, publicly accessible. The NAPD defends Blume's actions as part of her legitimate duties and questions the motivations behind the indictment. They stress that the integrity of the criminal justice system relies on the ability of defense attorneys and investigators to perform their roles without fear of retaliation, urging the District Attorney to reconsider the charges and uphold the principles of justice.