Mardi Gras season is in New Orleans once again. Parades are rolling through Metairie, Slidell and the French Quarter and we are just getting our feet wet for the next two and a half weeks of celebration. If you had the opportunity to go to Krewe du Vieux on Saturday night, or Little Rascals in Metairie on Sunday, you simply got a taste of the crowds that will descend upon the Big Easy. These parades were mainly for locals and residents of Orleans, Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes, but the next two weekends will have really large crowds in New Orleans. At Crescent City Law, we want to ensure that all parade-goers and Carnival celebrators enjoy themselves without worrying about their safety.
Getting Around New Orleans During Mardi Gras
We suggest that you make your parade and transportation plans in advance. Here is the 2015 Mardi Gras parade schedule for your convenience.
- While making plans, you should keep street closures and transportation interruptions in mind.
- Parking close to the parade routes will be difficult. Give yourself extra time and patience to find a spot. Never park in a driveway, in front of a fire hydrant, or in a parade zone!
- The St. Charles Streetcar shuts down at least 2 hours before the parades and will be closed for hours afterward. Find alternative transportation such as a taxi, Uber, or sober friends. Uber claims it has 150 new permits that they are rolling out over the course of the next several weeks so you should have an easier time catching an UberBlack or UberSUV car throughout Mardi Gras.
- Walking and biking are two safe and quick ways to get around the city during the parades. Not only will you avoid traffic, but if you plan to drink any alcohol at all (or don’t plan on it, but leave the possibility open that you will), you will keep the roads safe, your life out of danger, and your criminal history clean.
Don’t Drink and Drive During Mardi Gras
Contrary to the myth, you can still get arrested during Mardi Gras. You do not want to run the risk of a DWI in New Orleans as it may come with heavy fines, jail time, loss of license or probation period. If you do happen to find yourself booked by the NOPD or JPD for a DWI, you should call an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Crescent City Law is available to take your call nights and weekends.
The Do’s & Don’ts of Mardi Gras
There are a number of rules and laws that will help ensure you have a festive, fun, and safe Mardi Gras. Here are just a few to keep in mind:
- Do not bring firearms or weapons of any kind to a parade. It is illegal and ensures safety for those around you. No one should have a gun or weapon with the kinds of crowds that happen around Mardi Gras.
- Do not touch NOPD horses. Not only should you cooperate with all law enforcement and security, but please stay away from the horses. They are not pets. They are law enforcement. If you really want to touch on the horses, ask the rider for permission beforehand.
- Do pay attention to parking signs. You do not want to get towed or cause a commotion by parking in a handicap spot, short-term parking, private parking or on a parade route.
- Do not plan to rope off any public property. New Mardi Gras rules prohibit people from roping off areas during the parade. Law enforcement will tell you to take it down. This includes all neutral grounds, or medians.
- Do not get naked. Whether you are on Bourbon Street or at the beginning of an Uptown parade, it is illegal to get naked.
- Do not go to the bathroom in public. Public urination is another way to ensure you’ll get arrested during Mardi Gras 2015.
Getting Arrested at Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is fun. It’s a time and place where everyone acts like there are no worries in life. If the fun gets out of hand, you might end up in handcuffs. If you are arrested, do not resist arrest. Even if you did nothing wrong. You may be asked for information aside from your name and address. You are not obligated to speak. You do want to tell the arresting officers that you would like to speak to a lawyer. If you are brought to Central Lockup you can call a friend, family member or a New Orleans lawyer. As experienced criminal defense lawyers, Crescent City Law is available to speak with you or someone you know who has been arrested at Mardi Gras to help get them out of jail. We are very familiar with the procedures and the last thing we want is for your Mardi Gras to be ruined by a simple mistake. Please call (504) 264-9492 or e-mail us day, night, weekends, including Mardi Gras, and we are happy to help you. Happy Mardi Gras!
