What to Do If You’re Arrested While Visiting New Orleans

Got arrested on vacation in New Orleans — what do I do now?

Planning a trip to New Orleans often conjures images of vibrant music, mouth-watering cuisine, and the festive spirit of Mardi Gras. However, for some visitors, an unexpected arrest can abruptly change what was meant to be an enjoyable vacation into a stressful legal ordeal. If you find yourself arrested while visiting New Orleans or anywhere in Southeast Louisiana, it’s crucial to understand the steps you need to take to protect your rights and navigate the complex legal process ahead.

This guide will walk you through what to do if you are arrested while visiting New Orleans, explain your rights under Louisiana law, and highlight how working with an experienced Orleans criminal defense attorney through Bloom Legal Network can help you manage your case effectively—even if you are out of state.

Arrests in New Orleans — What Visitors Need to Know

New Orleans is a city that draws visitors from around the world with its legendary Mardi Gras parades, lively Bourbon Street nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. While most trips are filled with fun and celebration, the city’s energetic atmosphere can sometimes lead to unexpected encounters with law enforcement officers. Whether you’re enjoying a festival or simply exploring the French Quarter, it’s important to recognize that New Orleans has its own set of laws and procedures that visitors must follow. 

If you find yourself arrested, knowing what to expect and how to respond can make all the difference. An Orleans criminal defense attorney can be a crucial ally, helping you navigate the legal system and protect your rights. Understanding the role of law enforcement, the potential consequences of an arrest, and the support available to visitors will help you safeguard your future and enjoy your time in New Orleans with greater peace of mind.

Step One: Stay Calm and Cooperate — But Know Your Rights

Being arrested in a city as lively and bustling as New Orleans can be overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with local law enforcement procedures. Whether you are in the French Quarter, Metairie, or Jefferson Parish, it is essential to keep your composure. The first and most important step is to stay calm and cooperate with the Orleans police or any law enforcement officers involved. Resisting arrest or acting aggressively can lead to additional charges and complicate your situation.

At the same time, it is vital to remember that you have rights. You are not obligated to answer any questions without an attorney present, and you should not consent to any searches unless the officers have a warrant. Specifically, you have the right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Knowing and asserting these rights can protect you during the arrest process and beyond. Always hear legal advice from your attorney before making any statements to law enforcement.

Bloom Legal Network specializes in connecting visitors with skilled Louisiana criminal defense attorneys who understand how to assert your rights effectively with New Orleans police officers and throughout court hearings. This legal support can be invaluable in ensuring you receive fair treatment and due process.

Step Two: Don’t Plead Guilty Without Legal Counsel

After an arrest, especially for minor offenses like public intoxication or disturbing the peace, law enforcement or the court may offer you a quick plea deal to resolve the case rapidly. While the prospect of a swift resolution might seem appealing—especially if you want to return home—it is critical not to plead guilty without consulting an attorney first. Many people have heard that accepting a quick plea deal will make the problem go away, but this is a misconception—such deals can have lasting consequences.

Accepting a guilty plea can have far-reaching consequences, including a permanent criminal record, which can affect your job prospects, immigration status, and ability to travel. You might also face hefty fines, court costs, mandatory classes, probation, or even jail time, even for seemingly minor offenses. For example, if you were arrested in St. Charles Parish or St. Tammany Parish, the implications of a plea deal could differ significantly from those in Orleans Parish.

An Orleans criminal defense attorney can help you understand the real impact of any plea offer and advise you on the best course of action. Bloom Legal Network can promptly connect you with an experienced local attorney who will protect your rights and help you make informed decisions.

Step Three: Understand the Charges

Visitors arrested while enjoying New Orleans often face charges related to nightlife or public conduct. Common offenses include public intoxication, simple battery (often resulting from bar fights), disorderly conduct, lewd behavior, drug possession—even of small amounts—DUI/DWI, and assault. These charges can carry serious consequences, and many tourists are surprised to learn that their behavior could lead to an arrest.

Each parish in Southeast Louisiana, from Metairie to Gretna, has its own enforcement practices and court procedures. This means that understanding the specific charges against you and how they are handled locally is essential. Depending on the charges, you may be required to post money for bail or bond, and the amount can vary based on the offense and local practices. Having a criminal defense attorney familiar with the Orleans police department and the local court system can make a significant difference in minimizing or even dismissing charges.

Bloom Legal Network ensures you are matched with an attorney who has experience handling arrests involving tourists in the exact parish where you were charged, giving you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

Arrest Scenarios and Procedures: What to Expect During the Process

If you are arrested in New Orleans, the experience can be both confusing and intimidating, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local law enforcement practices. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is responsible for upholding the law and ensuring public safety throughout the city, including popular destinations like Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. After an arrest, you will typically be taken into custody and processed at the Orleans Parish Prison, where your personal information and the details of your alleged offense will be recorded.

It’s essential to remain calm and follow the instructions of the police officers during this process. Charges can range from minor infractions to more serious crimes, and in some cases, detainees may even face escape charges if they attempt to leave custody without permission. Your case will move forward to court hearings at the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, where you will have the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. Having an experienced attorney by your side during these proceedings can make a significant difference, ensuring your rights are protected and that you have the best possible defense against the charges you face.

Step Four: Don’t Ignore the Charges After You Leave Louisiana

Many visitors arrested while visiting New Orleans mistakenly believe that once they leave the state, their legal troubles will disappear. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Ignoring charges can lead to warrants for failure to appear, which can affect your ability to get a job, obtain professional licenses, or even travel freely.

A Louisiana arrest can follow you for years, impacting various aspects of your life. The good news is that your Orleans criminal defense attorney can often represent you in court remotely, attend arraignments—including your arraignment, which is a key proceeding where you respond to criminal charges—file motions to dismiss or reduce charges, negotiate with prosecutors, and even assist with expungement of eligible records. This legal support can help you avoid unnecessary trips back to Louisiana and resolve your case efficiently.

Bloom Legal Network works with clients nationwide who have been arrested while visiting New Orleans or other parts of Louisiana, connecting them with attorneys ready to take the lead on their cases no matter where they live.

Step Five: Work with a Local Criminal Defense Attorney

When facing charges after being arrested while visiting New Orleans, it’s crucial to work with an attorney who understands Louisiana criminal law and the local justice system. A New Orleans criminal defense lawyer will know the specific court handling your case, the tendencies of local prosecutors, and how to navigate the process to your advantage.

They can help you request bond reductions, waive unnecessary court appearances, and develop the best strategy to resolve your case quickly—whether you are dealing with simple escape charges, more serious offenses, or even issues related to the Louisiana State Penitentiary or Orleans inmates.

The right legal representation can be the difference between spending time in jail or having your case dismissed or sealed. Bloom Legal Network connects you directly with vetted criminal defense attorneys throughout Louisiana, including New Orleans and Jefferson Parish, who are prepared to act swiftly on your behalf. The dedicated service provided by Bloom Legal Network ensures clients receive trusted support and commitment when facing legal challenges in New Orleans.

Consequences of Escape Charges: Why Fleeing Makes Things Worse

Attempting to escape from custody is a serious crime in Louisiana, and the consequences can be far more severe than the original charges. Recent events at the Orleans Parish jail, where nine out of ten accused inmates pleaded not guilty to simple escape charges after a high-profile incident, have underscored how seriously law enforcement and the courts treat these cases. Individuals like Robert Moody and Dkenan Dennis, who have been charged with escape, face not only additional criminal charges but also the possibility of longer sentences and stricter confinement, sometimes at facilities like the Louisiana State Penitentiary.

Escape charges can complicate your legal situation and make it much harder to achieve a favorable outcome. The legal process for these allegations is rigorous, and every detainee is entitled to due process and a fair hearing. If you are facing escape charges, it is critical to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through the process, defend your rights, and help you understand the full scope of the consequences. Taking the right steps now can help you avoid further penalties and protect your future.

Arrested While Visiting New Orleans? Don’t Wait to Get Help

Whether you were arrested during the excitement of Mardi Gras, a wedding in the Garden District, or a casual weekend in the French Quarter, facing an arrest is never part of the plan. However, what you do next can significantly influence your future.

Do not try to navigate the Louisiana legal system alone. From minor infractions to serious crimes, Bloom Legal Network is here to connect you with experienced Orleans criminal defense attorneys who know how to protect your rights, your freedom, and your record.

If you or someone you know has been arrested while visiting New Orleans, contact Bloom Legal Network today:

📞 Call us at 504-599-9997
📧 Email us at info@bloomlegal.com

Protecting Yourself and Your Future After an Arrest in New Orleans

Facing an arrest in New Orleans can be overwhelming, but taking immediate action is key to protecting your rights and your future. Reaching out to an Orleans criminal defense attorney as soon as possible can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and its eventual outcome. An experienced attorney can help you understand the charges against you, guide you through the court process, and work to minimize the consequences of your arrest.

Visitors should also take advantage of the support offered by the New Orleans Police Department’s community programs and other local resources. By staying informed and seeking professional legal assistance, you can ensure that an arrest does not have lasting negative effects on your life. 

If you or someone you know is arrested or facing allegations while visiting New Orleans, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted attorney for guidance and support. Taking these steps will help you protect yourself, your reputation, and your future, no matter what challenges you may face during your time in the city.