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Southern Decadence: Don’t Get Yourself Arrested in New Orleans

Southern Decadence in New Orleans is where you want to be this weekend if you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or just looking to have a great time with a greaty party over Labor Day Weekend (Note: New Orleans Ranked 8th for Labor Day Travel Destinations). New Orleans is known for its partying, and the party doesn’t stop at all this weekend. People come from all over the United States just to enjoy the sites, the sounds, the party, the food and I’m sure a little more than that. As a criminal defense lawyer in New Orleans, I know firsthand what kind of trouble tourists get into in the French Quarter and other parts of New Orleans. I’d like to touch upon a few reminders of what not to do when you are in New Orleans for Southern Decadence:

 

  1. Nudity: Avoid it. Read more from my “How to Play it Safe at Mardi Gras” blog post about why nudity is illegal and you may get arrested in New Orleans quicker than you can scream Lady Gaga.
  2. Firearms: It is best not to bring firearms or any other weapons of any kind regardless of the laws. When there is a lot of booze and drugs involved in a party, the idea of a weapon in anyone’s hands is scary. Anything can happen, emotions can fly, and people (including yourself) can get hurt.
  3. Law Enforcement: Cooperate with them. The New Orleans Police Department will not put up with anything and you do not want to spend your beloved weekend at the Orleans Parish Prison. If you are being drunk, rude and loud, and someone has kicked you out of an establishment, do not fight. Do not complaint to a police officer.
  4. Bourbon Street: Do not bang on cars, taxis, or any other moving vehicle such as a street carriage, scooters, NOPD horses, or bicyclists. Be respectful of those around you. New Orleans is a city where people live. Even in the French Quarter. Even on Bourbon Street.
  5. Prostitution / Solicitation: It is illegal. Whether you choose to seek it, participate or offer it, you are committing a crime. Save your money for the bar.

If you do find yourself in an unexpected predicament, then please feel free to call me or e-mail me as I’m available for a free consultation and I am an experienced New Orleans criminal defense lawyer. The same laws and rules of Mardi Gras apply for laws of today. Yes, you can walk around with a drink (‘go-cup’), but if you are in the French Quarter avoid the glass bottles. Yes, you can stay out until the sun comes up, but avoid being alone in parts of the city that are unknown to you.

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