Louisiana public defenders struggle to cover expenses, audit report says

Twelve of Louisiana’s 42 local public defender offices spent more money than they received in fiscal year 2024, highlighting the long budget struggle of public defense overall.

By: Julie O'Donoghue

Outlets: Louisiana Illuminator

Published: September 8, 2026

Words: 570

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 4 days ago

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More than a quarter of Louisiana’s 42 local public defender offices spent more money than they received during fiscal year 2024-25, highlighting the yearslong budget struggles of public defense overall.

The 24th Judicial District office, which covers Jefferson Parish, had the largest cost overrun, spending $1 million more on public defense than it took in during the fiscal cycle that ended June 30, 2025, according to a Louisiana Legislative …

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