Moore to get tough on misdemeanor offenses

East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore III is set to crack down on people who don’t show up to court after misdemeanor offenses. Moore told the Baton Rouge Press Club today his office is set to launch a project in the next few weeks in which people who commit misdemeanor offenses, such as minor drug possession charges and DWI, will be booked in jail and forced to pay a bond. Moore says 40% of people who are arrested on misdemeanor charges show up for court hearings. By forcing misdemeanor offenders to come up with a bond, police get more help in making sure they show up for trial. Another anti-crime measure also set for launch is a new truancy center on Government Street, set to crack down on children who are skipping school. Moore says that one way of reducing crime is to crack down on truancy. —Timothy Boone