Did you or your friend get arrested during Mardi Gras? Here are some helpful FAQs that can assist you or your friend if you have been arrested during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Mardi Gras Arrest FAQs
MY FRIEND GOT ARRESTED DURING MARDI GRAS, WHAT NOW?
During this hectic time NOPD has an efficient system for arresting, booking and carting people off to temporary holding cells or to Central Lockup given the timing and place of the arrest. They will be processed and depending on the charges, within 48 hours a judge will determine whether you he/she will be freed on bail unconditionally or with conditions.
WHERE IS CENTRAL LOCKUP?
The Orleans Parish Central Lockup is the only prison within Orleans Parish and it is located on:
800 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70119
Although there are other jails and detention centers located in the other six parishes that make up the metropolitan New Orleans area.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY FRIEND HAS BEEN PROCESSED?
The best way to find out if your friend has been processed is to call Orleans Central Lockup at (504) 827-6777 or your friend will be allowed a phone call after he/she has been processed, so wait patiently until you receive a call from your friend.
IS A HEARING WITH A JUDGE NECESSARY TO SET BAIL?
When a misdemeanor is involved, the amount of bail is usually immediately set from a bond schedule. However, a hearing is necessary to set bail for most felonies, which can extend the process from just a few hours to a day or longer.
WHAT COUNTS AS A MISDEMEANOR?
- Possession of Marijuana
- First offense DUI/DWI
- Bar Fights
- Urinating in Public
- Domestic Violence
- Criminal Damage to Property
WHAT COUNTS AS A FELONY?
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Possession
- Burglary
- Aggravated Battery
- Aggravated Assault
- Armed Robbery
- Murder
IS THERE A CHANCE MY FRIEND CAN BE RELEASED EARLY?
During Mardi Gras, depending on the charges, there is a possibility that your friend could be released without bail and issued with a Court Attendance Notice. This is a small piece of paper informing you of the court and date you are required to attend.
HOW DO I BOND SOMEONE OUT OF CENTRAL LOCKUP?
A co-signer (a co-signer can be anyone as long as they have the cash bond) is able to help a defendant in New Orleans post bond by either paying a cash bond or working with a bail bond agent. If using a bail bond company keep in mind that most of them are closed during Mardi Gras, so you might have to wait until Mardi Gras to be able to reach them.
WHAT ARE SOME RECOMMENDED BAIL BOND COMPANIES IN NEW ORLEANS?
2767 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 827-1000
136 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 822-5993
3- Steve’s Bail Bonds
2741 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 821-8161
WHAT DOES MY FRIEND NEED TO DO ONCE HE/SHE IS RELEASED?
Once your friend has been released, he/she must give us a call at 504-488-3722 to get our criminal defense lawyers involved as soon as possible to protect his/her rights, and maintain his/her freedom. We may be able to help him/her get the charges dismissed or reduced, and in many cases, can handle the case without him/her even having to go to court.
If you or someone you know is in need of help during or after Mardi Gras, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Attorneys at Burgos and Associates by phone at 504-488-372 or by filling the online contact form.