LAPLACE — The district attorneys of St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes are helping guide their counterparts across the state in an effort to create greater effectiveness through education, legislative involvement and information sharing.

23rd Judicial District Attorney Ricky Babin was elected this summer to serve as president of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association.

Babin — who represents St. James, Ascension and Assumption parishes, graduated from LSU with a law degree in 1992 and began his career with the 23rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office in 1995.

In 2002, Babin was appointed First Assistant District Attorney and served in that capacity until his run for the District Attorney seat in 2008.

Babin was elected in the 2008 election, and was re-elected without opposition in 2014. As Babin continues to represent this tri-parish area, he looks forward to playing a big role as an advocate for his constituents to ensure fairness in the criminal justice system as well as public safety.

St. John D.A. Bridget A. Dinvaut was elected to the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association’s Board of Directors.

The Association was established in 1973 to foster improvement within the Louisiana justice system and the office of the District Attorney by enhancing the effectiveness and professionalism of District Attorneys and their staffs.

It is composed of district attorneys, assistant district attorneys and district attorney investigators in Louisiana. It provides training and legal services for prosecutors.

The Association also develops and promotes legislation to strengthen the criminal justice system. Its members are available for testimony before legislative committees. Dinvaut holds the distinction of being the first elected female district attorney to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.