Category: Criminal Justice

Under Louisiana law, a misdemeanor is any offense that doesn’t carry hard labor or death. However, that doesn’t mean jail time is off the table. Depending on the specific charge, the penalties can vary widely: Standard Misdemeanors: Most municipal and state misdemeanors (like simple possession, petty theft, or public intoxication) carry a maximum penalty of […]

If you have ever had to set foot inside the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court at 2700 Tulane Avenue on a Monday morning, you know it is an experience unlike any other. The building is a striking piece of mid-century architecture, but inside, the atmosphere is pure, high-stakes adrenaline. Elevators are packed to capacity, corridors […]

When a loved one is arrested in New Orleans, the hours that follow can feel like an eternity of confusion and worry. They are taken to the Orleans Parish Justice Center (OJC)—the city’s main jail facility on Perdido Street—and thrust into a fast-moving, complex legal machine. For families looking on from the outside, the biggest […]

While the rest of New Orleans is slowly waking up to the smell of coffee and the sound of church bells, the scene at 2800 Gravelier Street—the Orleans Parish Justice Center—is entirely different. Sunday morning at the jail is often the busiest time of the week, and for families with a loved one behind bars, […]

You’re pulled over on a humid Louisiana night. After a few questions, the officer asks you to step out of the vehicle and blow into a breathalyzer. You might think, “If I don’t give them the evidence, they can’t convict me.” In Louisiana, that logic is a dangerous gamble. While you technically have the physical […]

If you’ve been navigating the Louisiana criminal justice system, you may have heard your attorney or a prosecutor use the term “Nolle Prosequi.” This is a Latin phrase meaning “to be unwilling to prosecute” or “will not prosecute.” In legal terminology, it signifies a formal decision by the prosecutor to discontinue or dismiss criminal charges […]

The first 24 hours after an arrest in New Orleans are often the most confusing. Families expect answers and defendants expect timelines, but inside Orleans Parish Prison (OPP), the reality is very different. Understanding what happens during those first 24 hours helps avoid panic and bad decisions. Step One: Transport and Intake After an arrest, […]

If you have court at 2700 Tulane Avenue, parking is not a small detail—it’s a strategic decision. Every week, people arrive flustered or late because they assumed parking near the courthouse would be “easy enough”. It isn’t. When your freedom is on the line, parking mistakes cost more than a ticket. Why Parking Matters More […]

One of the most costly mistakes people make after an arrest in New Orleans is assuming that all courts are the same. They aren’t. Showing up to the wrong court, preparing for the wrong process, or misunderstanding who has authority over your case can result in missed appearances and immediate bench warrants. New Orleans operates […]

Expungement in Louisiana For many people in New Orleans, a past arrest or conviction lingers long after the case is closed. Even if the charges were dropped, dismissed, or years old, they can still appear on public background checks and affect your ability to secure job opportunities, housing, and professional licenses. The good news is […]