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Safety in the French Quarter While Visiting for Mardi Gras

When you visit New Orleans as a visitor for Mardi Gras or another one of our big events and festivals, the French Quarter is the place for fun, food, and music. Sadly, crime happens in New Orleans (too) and as we get close to the start of the parades, the media emphasizes the misconduct in the French Quarter because Bourbon Street is the city’s prime tourist attraction.

There is crime all over the United States and the world. As a law firm devoted to helping residents and tourists in New Orleans, Crescent City Law would like to make sure that you stay as safe as possible when visiting the Crescent City. Here are the most important points to remember to ensure a safe and fun-filled trip to the Big Easy.

What the News Reports

Sidney Torres IV, former owner of a local trash company, has developed an aggressive advertising campaign claiming that New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has failed to lower the crime in the French Quarter. His idea is to send a message to the Mayor’s office and City Council to help keep residents and tourists safe in the Quarter.

An example of the recent crime wave occurred this past Saturday night, January 10th, just before 11:00 p.m., and just blocks from Pat O’Brien’s. Two couples who were in their twenties were robbed at gunpoint in the 300 block of Burgundy Street as they were getting into their car. A gunman approached them, demanded all of their belongings and stole their cash. The victims complied, and the robber ran away. Residents and travelers to New Orleans should not have to worry for their safety after the finish a meal or night out in town.

Another example happened January 13th when a gunman approached three young men and women demanding their property before running away just one block from Bourbon Street.

Staying Safe in New Orleans

Despite crime reports in the media, New Orleans is also a leading destination for tourists because of the famous bars, delicious restaurants, and jazz music. This leads to crowds inside establishments and even more crowded streets. There are a number of ways you can stay safe in New Orleans:

  • Stick to the path of most resistance. Travel where there are other people, businesses and street lights.
  • Sticking with a group is essential to staying safe in New Orleans. Whether you are a resident or you are traveling in New Orleans for business or pleasure, if you plan to walk, walk with someone else. If you do have to travel alone in New Orleans, then make sure you walk in the daytime as much as you can, walk on busy well-lit streets such as Decatur Street, Royal Street, Chartres Street or Bourbon Street, and walk where there are open businesses. You are less likely to get harassed, robbed or assaulted if with a group.

Do’s & Don’ts of the French Quarter

As Mardi Gras approaches, more people will be packing into the French Quarter. Crescent City Law would like to offer this list of Do’s and Don’ts while frequenting the French Quarter, whether for Mardi Gras, or any other time of year:

Do

  • Keep personal belongings to a minimum while walking the streets of the French Quarter
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Keep both eyes up and monitor who is around you.
  • Take taxi-cabs or Uber rides if possible to get from one of town to another
  • Ask a hotel to hail you a taxi-cab rather than trying to walk to find one on a dark street
  • Stay sober, if possible. Yes, you will probably enjoy a few cocktails, but if you plan to stay safe in the French Quarter, you should stay alert and awake.
  • Call the local law enforcement or 9-1-1 if something doesn’t seem right, or you see something that looks suspicious.

Don’t

  • Wear expensive jewelry when you are out on the streets of the French Quarter
  • Follow strangers anywhere, not even if they tell you they have a limo waiting for you.
  • Venture off onto dark streets, preferably north of Bourbon Street. If you plan to travel to the other side of Canal Street from the French Quarter, consider a pedi-cab, taxi-cab or Uber ride.
  • Do illegal drugs. Not only are they illegal, but it will impair your judgments possibly making you a target for a robbery or assault crime.
  • Carry cash. Just like you shouldn’t have an expensive jewelry on you, cash is a criminal’s best friend. If you must carry cash, keep it at a minimum. Or, consider wearing a waist wallet.

Mardi Gras Crimes

Mardi Gras is a special time of year here in New Orleans. Not all crimes happen by criminals and sometimes a “good time” leads to some mistakes. If you do find yourself in trouble with the law, it is a good idea to call a local criminal defense attorney experienced with Mardi Gras crimes who can get you out of jail. Crescent City Law welcomes your call as we understand that sometimes we all make mistakes, and we do not want your mistakes to ruin the rest of your life. If you are taken to Central Lockup at the time of your arrest, you should tell the officers you want to speak to a lawyer. Crescent City Law is available nights, weekends, and off-site and you can call or e-mail for your free initial consultation today (504) 264-9492.

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