Clarification: DWI Charges  

 STAFF REPORT 

 CLARIFICATION: WHO MAY DISMISS A DWI CHARGE? 

Last week’s Gazette article concerning DWI arrests and dismissals has prompted several telephone calls, including questions about who has the authority to dismiss a DWI prosecution. 

Under Louisiana law, the district attorney’s office controls the prosecution of criminal charges, including DWI charges. In the Third Judicial District, the current district attorney is John Belton, and his chief felony prosecutor is Lewis Jones.