It’s the talk at local courthouses and in the legal community.
Shreveport attorney Trina Chu was arrested on Tues. Aug . She is charged with illegally accessing and disclosing confidential court records.
While serving as a law clerk for then Second Circuit Chief Judge Henry Brown Chu allegedly copied sensitive court documents. Both Chu and Brown resigned their positions in July, 2018.
Chu recently qualified to oppose Second Circuit Judge Jeanette Garrett in the Nov. election. She previously ran unsuccessfully for Caddo district court judge against Charles Tutt.
Chu is, of course, presumed innocent until found guilty by a jury or a judge.
Obviously her arrest will severely damage her attempt to unseat Garrett. And her staying in the race will be a further black eye to the legal community.
Like any candidate, Chu can notify the Secretary of State that she wishes to withdraw from the race and complete the necessary paperwork. Then the Secretary of State notifies the Caddo Clerk of Court of the withdrawal and the candidate's name will not appear on the ballot.
If a request to withdraw is not timely made, the candidate's name will be on the ballot. But after a properly processed withdrawal, no votes for the candidate will be counted.
If Chu is convicted, then her license to practice law will be in jeopardy. Withdrawal from this race may ameliorate the impact of any conviction.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.