Considering the catastrophic damage that Hurricane Ida caused in the state of Louisiana and other matters outlined therein, Chief Judge Brown has issued General Order No. 21-12 on September 4, 2021, providing that:
1. All deadlines and delays, including prescriptive and peremptive periods, in cases pending or to be filed in this Court are hereby suspended for thirty (30) days commencing from August 26, 2021.
2. All criminal trials are excluded from the time requirements of the Speedy Trial Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3161, beginning on August 26, 2021 and continuing for thirty (30) days thereafter.
3. All grand jury proceedings in this district are suspended beginning on August 26, 2021 and continuing for thirty (30) days thereafter, subject to change upon motion from the government and further orders of the Court.
4. With regard to criminal matters, due to the Court’s reduced ability to obtain an adequate spectrum of jurors and the effect of Hurricane Ida on the ability of counsel and Court staff to be safely present in the courtroom, the time period of the postponements implemented by this general order will be excluded under the Speedy Trial Act, as the Court specifically finds that the ends of justice served by ordering the postponements outweigh the best interest of the public and any defendant’s right to a speedy trial, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(A).