Here in New Orleans, Ash Wednesday is an especially hard day for locals. It marks the end of the Carnival/Mardi Gras season and marks the beginning of lent. Given the large Catholic population, lent brings us an abundance of seafood and a more subdued city atmosphere…until it’s Festival Season, which is really right around the corner. This year’s Mardi Gras season saw some beautiful weather, despite the frigid temperatures, as well as some enormous parades, elaborate costumes and horrific traffic.
We’d love to hear from you, what was most memorable for you about this year’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans?
Increased Police Presence in the French Quarter
Given the recent rash of crimes in the city of New Orleans and surrounding areas like Jefferson Parish, citizens have been in uproar regarding the response times of the local police. The size of local police forces are shrinking, so in anticipation of the increased population during Mardi Gras, New Orleans brought in more Louisiana State Troopers in addition to deputizing officers from surrounding Parishes. According to Louisiana State Police, Colonel Mike Edmonson, crime wasn’t as bad this Mardi Gras as it has been in year’s past due mostly in part to the additional state troopers patrolling the French Quarter. Edmonson said, “We’ve had over 130 arrests, almost 235 charges, 13 weapons confiscated over the last two weekends.” That’s progress from years’ past.
Decreased Police Presence at Parades?
According to New Orleans Police Superintendent, Mike Harrison, at least 30 guns were confiscated during the two weeks of Carnival. While Louisiana is an open-carry state, it is against the law to bring any form of weapon to any parade route. Despite these efforts, at least two known shootings happened along the Uptown parade routes, both in the Lower Garden District area. On Sunday night, in the middle of the Krewe of Bacchus parade, gunshots were heard along the route on St. Charles Ave and Felicity Streets. Although, according to police, the shots were fired in the air, it scared many residents and visitors, and cleared out most of the area according to eyewitness accounts. The other shooting happened on Tuesday afternoon, Mardi Gras day, around 4:45p along St. Charles Ave. by Melpomene Street. Two men were treated for non-life threatening gunshot wounds to the leg and ankle. A man has been arrested in connection with this shooting.
What Types of Crimes Were People Arrested for in New Orleans?
As mentioned before, at least 235 people were charged with misdemeanors or felonies during the two-week Mardi Gras celebration in just New Orleans alone. Many of these may have been related to lewd conduct (urinating in public) and being drunk in public. I also found out that they were now arresting underage drinkers for trying to enter a 21+ business with a fake ID or just simply ID-ing those who look under 21 and arrested them for providing false identification. Underage drinking is a severe crime no matter what time of year it is and New Orleans law enforcement takes it seriously. I also heard about restaurants reporting “dine and ditch” patrons. In other words, guests at restaurants would dine in, but then reportedly leave before paying the bill. With the influx of people at some of these establishments, these diners probably thought it was an easy way to get free food as no one would notice them leave. On Saturday night, a 39-year old man was stabbed inside a Bourbon Street nightclub around 11:00p.m. Unfortunately, there wasn’t any additional information provided, but the victim is supposedly in stable condition.
Overall Sentiment of Mardi Gras 2016?
New Orleans is known for having the largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. For two weeks we’ve been partying, catching beads and seeing old and new friends! So, despite the crime that happens in the city (which happens outside of Mardi Gras also), what did most people think of this year’s Mardi Gras celebration? Well, for one, it never rained on anyone’s parade. All of the Metairie and New Orleans parades, for the most part, went off without a hitch. Of course, you can expect some delays, but there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. Even the shooting on Bacchus Sunday didn’t cause much delay at all. Mardi Gras Day brought out thousands of revelers in costume around the French Quarter and Marigny. Some of the wildest costumes and Krewes you can imagine were out and about enjoying the beautiful sunshine and magical day off from work. It was the perfect culmination to a beautiful Mardi Gras. Until next year…
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Crescent City Law is here to help you if you think you have a case against your traffic tickets or parking ticket. Again, it is not likely we can get a reduced or dismissed parking ticket but you can give us a call at (504) 264-9492 to see if there is a case or you can e-mail us. We are available nights, weekends and off-site and have translators available in Spanish, French, Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese.
