I Got Arrested on Bourbon Street… Now What?

Louisiana criminal defense attorneys explain what to do after a Bourbon Street arrest in New Orleans, Metairie, Jefferson Parish, and across Southeast Louisiana.

I got arrested while partying on Bourbon Street — will this ruin my life?

Bourbon Street in New Orleans is legendary. 🎭 From flying Mardi Gras beads to the electric late-night jazz clubs, it’s a place where locals and tourists alike come to celebrate and cut loose. But if your night in the French Quarter ends with handcuffs instead of Hurricanes, the celebration quickly turns into confusion, fear, and a heavy dose of regret.

For many visitors to Louisiana, an arrest is unexpected and deeply concerning. Whether you live in New Orleans, Metairie, or across state lines in Texas or New York, an arrest in Orleans Parish can have real, lasting consequences for your future.

So, what exactly happens after an arrest on this iconic street—and what should you do if you’re facing criminal charges after your trip to the Big Easy?

At Bloom Legal Network, we connect you with experienced Louisiana criminal defense attorneys who know the local courts, prosecutors, and judges in Southeast Louisiana. They can fight to protect your record, your freedom, and your future.

Why Bourbon Street Arrests Are So Common and What to Expect

The French Quarter is a dense, high-energy environment. With massive crowds, easy access to alcohol, and a heavy police presence, situations can escalate rapidly. Many visitors underestimate how strict enforcement can be in the French Quarter, especially during high-traffic times like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or Saints game weekends.

If you are facing a Bourbon Street arrest, the charge often falls into one of these common categories:

Most Frequent Bourbon Street Charges

Public Intoxication 🍺: Often one of the most common arrests. While alcohol is everywhere, being excessively intoxicated and disruptive can lead to a quick trip to jail.
Disturbing the Peace: This can cover a wide range of behaviors, from shouting and being overly disruptive to participating in fights or loud arguments.
Battery or Assault: Bar fights and physical altercations can lead to serious charges, even if you were defending yourself.
Drug Possession or Possession with Intent: Louisiana has strict drug laws. Even minor amounts of certain substances can lead to felony charges.
Underage Drinking or Fake ID Possession: The police strictly enforce the drinking age, and possessing a fraudulent ID is a crime in itself.
Solicitation or Prostitution-Related Charges: These vice crimes are often aggressively enforced by plainclothes officers in the area.
Carrying an Illegal Weapon: Strict rules apply to carrying firearms or other weapons, especially when consuming alcohol.

Don’t assume it’s “just a small charge.” A conviction for a misdemeanor like disturbing the peace or even public intoxication can impact jobs, professional licenses, housing, and travel plans. It’s crucial to seek experienced legal counsel immediately.

The Legal Process After an Arrest in New Orleans

If you’re arrested in the French Quarter, you will typically be taken to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office or a nearby police precinct for processing. From that moment, a complicated legal process begins:

4 Critical Steps in a Bourbon Street Case

Booking and Processing: Your personal information, fingerprints, and photo (mugshot) are entered into the system, creating a permanent record of the arrest.
Bond or Bail Hearing: A judge or magistrate will set a bail amount. Depending on the charge, you may be eligible for immediate release on bond or required to wait for a hearing.
Arraignment: This is your first formal court appearance, usually at the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. The charges are formally read, and you or your attorney will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
Court Dates and Negotiations: Your case will involve multiple court appearances, the filing of motions, evidence review, and plea discussions between your attorney and the prosecutor.

The Out-of-State Tourist Complication

If you are from out of town, the legal process presents unique challenges. Missing a mandatory court date in Louisiana can result in a bench warrant that follows you home, potentially leading to extradition and arrest in your home state.

Even if you don’t live in Louisiana, your Bourbon Street arrest will not disappear when you leave town. A defense lawyer in our Bloom Legal Network can work to minimize your required travel and appear on your behalf for certain motions, managing your case locally so you don’t have to keep flying back.

Why You Need a Local Louisiana Defense Attorney

Many people think they can simply explain the situation to the police or prosecutors and have the charge dropped. This is almost never the case and can, in fact, make things much worse.

The Dangers of Handling a Case Alone

Self-Incrimination: What feels like an innocent explanation might actually provide key evidence that strengthens the case against you.
Prosecutorial Tactics: Prosecutors rarely “go easy” on tourists or out-of-staters. They are focused on securing a conviction.
Navigating Local Courts: Legal procedures vary wildly from parish to parish. Having an attorney who practices regularly in Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and Orleans Parish understands the local customs, court staff, and judicial tendencies—a factor that can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

A skilled attorney’s job is to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, negotiate with the District Attorney for a dismissal or reduction of charges, and explore options for a clean record.

Protect yourself. Call Bloom Legal Network and get connected with a Louisiana criminal defense attorney who understands local procedures and can fight for your rights.

The Long-Term Impact of a Criminal Record

A night out in New Orleans might feel like a distant memory, but your criminal record travels with you. Even a misdemeanor conviction in Louisiana can show up on background checks nationwide, severely affecting key areas of your life:

Job Applications: Many employers, especially those in finance, healthcare, or government, conduct comprehensive background checks.
Professional Licenses: Licenses for teachers, nurses, and other regulated professions can be denied or revoked due to a criminal conviction.
Housing Opportunities: Landlords and rental agencies frequently check criminal records, making it harder to secure a lease.
Travel Visas and Immigration: For non-U.S. citizens, certain charges can lead to visa denial or issues with naturalization.

That is why seeking an expungement—a legal process to remove an arrest or conviction from public view—and mounting a strong legal defense are so critical in Southeast Louisiana.

Time is Critical: Don’t Wait to Contact an Attorney

In Louisiana, the legal process moves fast. Court dates, filing deadlines, and bail requirements happen quickly after an arrest. The sooner you contact an attorney, the more options you’ll have for a favorable outcome, including gathering evidence (like surveillance footage) before it’s deleted.

Don’t wait until your court date is around the corner. Reach out to Bloom Legal Network now to get ahead of your Bourbon Street case and ensure the best defense possible.

FAQs About Bourbon Street Arrests and Your Future

1. If I’m from out of state and got arrested on Bourbon Street, do I have to return to Louisiana for court?

Answer: In most cases, yes—you will be required to attend certain mandatory hearings, especially for felonies. However, an experienced Louisiana criminal defense attorney can often appear for you on minor charges and motions. Missing court without prior arrangements with your lawyer will usually result in a bench warrant that can follow you home, potentially leading to an arrest in your home state. An attorney can help reduce your travel requirements and manage your case locally.

2. Will a Bourbon Street arrest show up on my permanent record?

Answer: It depends on the final outcome. An arrest itself creates a record. A conviction will almost certainly appear on criminal background checks nationwide. However, an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Orleans Parish can fight to have the charges dismissed, reduced to a non-conviction, or eventually expunged, which is the best way to keep your record clean.

3. How serious are misdemeanor charges from Bourbon Street, like public intoxication?

Answer: Even a misdemeanor in New Orleans carries lasting consequences. While charges like public intoxication or disturbing the peace sound minor, a conviction can still lead to fines, probation, or jail time. Crucially, a conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can impact your future employment or professional licensing opportunities for years to come. A strong defense can make the difference between a one-time mistake and a lifetime of consequences.

📞 If you’ve been arrested in New Orleans, Metairie, Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, or St. Tammany Parish, don’t let one mistake on Bourbon Street define your future. Call 504-599-9997 or email info@bloomlegal.com to connect with a Louisiana criminal defense attorney through Bloom Legal Network. Protect your rights before it’s too late.