We hope your biggest regret while visiting New Orleans this summer is eating too much gumbo.
But we understand that New Orleans has its fair share of festivities that can sometimes get out of hand.
Even if you’re from out of town, Crescent City Law can help you if you’ve been arrested or received a summons for court during your vacation. Read on to know what you can expect.
What can I be arrested for?
The party scene in New Orleans is known worldwide, and the lack of open container laws within the city limits lets people walk around with drinks in their hands freely.
But that doesn’t mean that all laws go out the window. On the contrary, there are a number of charges visitors get arrested for:
- Disturbing the peace
- Possession of Marijuana
- Underage drinking/Minor in Possession
- DUI/DWI
- Public urination
- Public intoxication (public drunkenness is tolerated until you violate another person’s space or act offensively)
- Assault and battery / bar fights
- Resisting arrest / fighting with an officer
- Domestic Battery/Battery on a Dating Partner
If you find yourself arrested while visiting NOLA, remember that you do have rights. Do not resist arrest, but tell the officers you want to speak to a New Orleans attorney before answering questions. You have a right to silence, use it!
Other Do’s and Don’ts
Alcohol clouds your judgment, which is why we’ve provided some more do’s and don’ts for your visit to the Crescent City:
DO:
- Cooperate with law enforcement. If you are publicly intoxicated and are approached by law enforcement, do as you’re told. It might even lower the likelihood that you will get arrested. If they ask for your name and address, you may provide it, but you do not have to provide any additional information.
- Be respectful of other people. Respect their space and their belongings. DO NOT touch someone else without their consent. Pay your bartender, your cab driver, your waitress, etc.
DON'T:
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Do Not drive drunk
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Do Not do drugs
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Do Not Urinate in Public
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Do Not touch the NOPD horses with permission!
Basic info you should know about arrests in New Orleans
If you are arrested, you will probably be taken to the Orleans Justice Center at 800 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA, 70119.
There, you will be photographed, finger-printed, and provided an orange jumpsuit to wear. After you’ve been booked, you can use the phone call to call a lawyer, friend or family member. (You can find out if someone has already been processed by visiting the Sheriff’s Inmate Query.
To pay your bond, all you need is a co-signer (who can be anyone) to help pay your cash bond. But remember: once you’re let out on bond, this does not mean your case is over. Do not leave town immediately.
This is the time to get in touch with a New Orleans attorney who can help you figure out your next steps. Once you’ve secured an attorney and worked out the details together, your attorney may even be able to waive your presence in court.
Contact Crescent City Law today
Let’s keep your New Orleans vacation as carefree as possible! At Crescent City Law, we have years of experience working with people who have been arrested while visiting. We’re happy to help you work through whatever crime you’ve been charged with. Give us a call today at 504-264-9492 to schedule your free consultation.
