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LOUISIANA RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Woman says evidence was used against her in illegal interrogation

James G. Knipe, III

BATON ROUGE – A Baton Rouge woman is suing a division of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections for allegedly wrongfully suspending her driver's license.

Chelsea D. Ransom filed suit against the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, License Control and Driver Improvement Division in the 19th Judicial Court on Aug. 10.

Ransom was arrested on driving while intoxicated, improper right turn and reckless operation charges on March 21.

The plaintiff's license was suspended and she requested an administrative hearing on June 26, the suit says. On July 26, the administrative law judge affirmed the Department of Public Safety and Corrections' proposed suspension of the plaintiff's driving privileges.

The plaintiff alleges that during the hearing, evidence and statements were presented that were obtained during custodial interrogation, after Miranda warnings were issued and after she requested counsel. Ransom claims the statements and evidence were tainted by the illegal interrogation.

Ransom filed for a motion of reconsideration and/or rehearing on July 11. The plaintiff alleges the motion was denied on Aug. 3.

The defendant is accused of violating constitutional and statutory provisions, being in excess of the statutory authority of the agency, unlawful procedure and arbitrary and capricious or clearly unwarranted exercise of discretion.

The plaintiff requests the suspension of her driving privileges be recalled because the defendant is unable to offer sufficient proof to sustain the suspension.

The plaintiff is represented by James G. Knipe, III of Manasseh, Gill, Knipe and Belanger, P.L.C.

The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Kay Bates.

Case no. 614552.

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