New Orleans Misdemeanor Defense Attorney

Have you been arrested or served a citation for a misdemeanor?

Many New Orleans tourists and visitors learn that one simple mistake can land them in court facing criminal charges. A bad decision, misunderstanding, or overzealous police officer can ruin your trip to New Orleans. Our New Orleans misdemeanor defense attorney, Elizabeth B. Carpenter can help.

Of course, people who live in New Orleans can also find themselves with a misdemeanor arrest or citation – a disagreement with a neighbor or someone accuses you of trespassing or battery. There are a variety of ways people can find themself in a New Orleans Municipal Court.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor offense in New Orleans, the good news is that such offenses are typically considered a less serious crime.  The bad news is that such cases can still carry a maximum penalty of $500 in fines and/or 6 months in jail. As such, it is often a good idea to have an experienced New Orleans criminal defense lawyer on your side when charged with a municipal offense.

Municipal Court vs. Criminal Court

In New Orleans a misdemeanor offense is generally litigated in New Orleans Municipal Court. These offenses are initiated by the city of New Orleans rather than the state of Louisiana.  Generally, municipal offenses are violations of a city criminal ordinance, however, the laws and penalties usually mirror Louisiana State Laws. Municipal court violations are initiated by a summons or arrest.

More serious misdemeanors are litigated in New Orleans Criminal District Court. Some of these crimes are misdemeanor stalking, domestic abuse, misdemeanor sexual battery, harassing communications, etc…

Judge Trial vs. Jury Trial

Under the Louisiana Law, misdemeanor offenses where the penalty is a fine up to $500.00 or 6 months of jail time, or both go to trial before judge.

Alternatively, Louisiana has what is called a “Duncan Misdemeanor” where the penalty is a fine over $1,000.00 or imprisonment for more than 6 months. These cases are tried by a jury of 6 jurors, and the verdict must be unanimous.

The laws related to this procedure are found under the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 779.

We Will Serve as Your Advocate

Attorney Elizabeth B. Carpenter can help you with any misdemeanor case in the New Orleans area.  She is a New Orleans Misdemeanor Attorney who wants to defend you with the least amount of inconvenience for you.  Whether you are arrested for simple possession of marijuana, public intoxication, minor in possession of alcohol, lewd conduct, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, underage drinking, simple battery, assault or any other misdemeanor violations, she can probably serve as your counsel you without the necessity of you taking off from work.

Attorney Carpenter also represents local New Orleanians who find themselves in a bit of trouble in the French Quarter, Uptown or Downtown. She will work with you and keep you informed every step of the way. Crimes charged in municipal court are not as serious as felonies, but they are offenses that can have a detrimental effect on your future.

Contact: New Orleans Misdemeanor Attorney

If you are seeking legal assistance, contact our law firm for a quick phone consultation. 504-599-5955