ENROLLED
2020 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 38
BY REPRESENTATIVE ROMERO AND SENATOR AB RAHAM
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To commend Bennett R. Lapoint, assistant district attorney of Jefferson Davis Parish, on his
retirement.
WHEREAS, Bennett R. Lapoint became the first member of his family to attend
college when he was accepted into McNeese State University; while at McNeese State
University, he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and graduated with
magna cum laude honors; after completing his undergraduate studies, he chose to continue
his education at the Louisiana State University School of Law and graduated with a Juris
Doctor degree in 1980; and
WHEREAS, upon earning his J.D. degree, Mr. Lapoint immediately returned to his
hometown of Lake Arthur, Louisiana, to practice law; in 1980, he was appointed to serve on
the Jefferson Davis Indigent Defender Board and ultimately served as chairman of the board
until January 1, 1991; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lapoint continued his law practice until 1990, and in 1991, he was
appointed as a full-time assistant district attorney in the Thirty-First Judicial District by
Michael C. Cassidy, district attorney; Mr. Lapoint served as assistant district attorney until
January 31, 2020, and during his tenure, he also served as first assistant district attorney; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lapoint's primary focus during his time as assistant district attorney
was the handling of narcotics cases, and he is recognized throughout the state of Louisiana
as a leading authority on search and seizure; he helped educate a number of prosecutors and
law enforcement officers on the laws relating to narcotics cases; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lapoint was also responsible for drug asset forfeiture cases,
including the largest narcotics seizure in Louisiana history, valued at $3.4 million, which he
argued all the way to the United States Supreme Court; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Lapoint's service went beyond prosecution; he initiated the drug
intervention program in Jefferson Davis Parish which allows young, first-time drug
offenders to obtain treatment in lieu of jail time for simple possession of narcotics;
successful completion of the intervention program allowed participants to avoid a felony
conviction on their records; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lapoint recognized that addiction is an illness that requires
treatment rather than incarceration and he was very proud of the young men and women
who, through successful completion of the intervention program, were able to regain control
of their lives; Bennett R. Lapoint has been a truly exemplary servant to the people of
Louisiana, and his work as assistant district attorney in the Thirty-First Judicial District is
undoubtedly deserving of recognition.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
commend Bennett R. Lapoint on the occasion of his retirement as assistant district attorney
of Jefferson Davis Parish; does hereby express most sincere appreciation for his efforts to
help reform communities afflicted by drug abuse; and does hereby extend hopes and wishes
for his continued good health and prosperity as he begins a new journey in retirement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Bennett R. Lapoint.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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