What You Should Consider When Selecting a New Orleans Criminal Attorney
More than 18 million people from all over the US visit New Orleansevery year. New Orleans is a great city to relax and enjoy popular cultural events, but overindulging during the festivities can have serious legal ramifications. Often, tourists are charged with public drunkenness or disturbing the peace during their stay and are unsure how this impacts them when they return home.
A DWI in Louisiana, for example, does not make you exempt from penalties and suspensions in your home state. In addition, ignoring court orders such as paying fines can result in your case being reported to the National Driver Registry and you being suspended in every state.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, contact the Law Office of Lance J.Robinson. We have helped more than 2,400 local and out-of-town residents, and our experience with the local criminal justice system can help you fight your charges. Many of our clients are from out-of-state, and in many cases, we represent them in court, so they don’t disrupt their lives by returning to New Orleans for a court hearing.
With misdemeanor charges, we often represent the client in court. Although felony charges are more complicated, we can stand on your behalf during the first court dates until the case is accepted or rejected, depending on the jurisdiction.
If any criminal charges were filed against you during your visit to New Orleans, you need an experienced and skilled attorney who knows the local court system. However, there are certain things you should consider when selecting a New Orleans criminal attorney.

Area of Expertise
Lawyers can specialize in a wide variety of practice areas. Therefore, you should choose a lawyer experienced in the area you need and who has worked extensively within the Louisiana lawsystem.
If you were charged with a misdemeanor or a felony in New Orleans, look for a lawyer or law office specializing in criminal defense law.
Level of Experience
As with any kind of business, some lawyers have more experience than others in criminal defense. The more cases a lawyer has handled that are similar to your particular case, the higher your chances of a successful outcome.
Lance J. Robinson is recognized as a Top 100 trial lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers organization.
Understanding of the Local Court System
You need an attorney who understands the local New Orleans court system and the local municipal code. The Law Office of Lance J. Robinsonhas been practicing law for over 25 years in New Orleans and other surrounding areas. We have worked on thousands of cases in New Orleans and have a lot of experience representing out-of-state clients.

Quality of Communication
The attorney-client relationship is critical for success in any legal case. Therefore, there should be good communication between you and your attorney. At the Law Office of Lance J. Robinson, we do an in-depth investigation for every case, and we are dedicated to representing you and your best interests.
Availability
With certain misdemeanor cases in New Orleans, it's essential to act quickly to begin building your defense. However, if you feel that your attorney is overbooked or not treating your case with the urgency it deserves, consider looking for another option. At the Law Office of Lance J. Robinson, we respect our client's needs and goals.
How to Avoid Getting in Legal Trouble in New Orleans
The best way to avoid any legal trouble in New Orleans is to be aware of the most common mistakes tourists make. The first one is drinking in the French Quarter. Public intoxication is one of the most common causes of arrest in New Orleans. The French Quarter is famous for its open-container laws, and it's perfectly legal to carry alcoholic beverages as long as they aren't in a glass or bottle.
However, many people underestimate how easy it is to be arrested for public drunkenness. If you have too many drinks and cause trouble, the police will charge you with public intoxication, and they aren't required by law to give you a breathalyzer test.
Another common cause of arrest for tourists is disturbing the peace, which includes violent, loud, or obstructive behavior. Sometimes, when large crowds gather during festivals in New Orleans, the police arrest people who are acting irresponsibly as a containment measure. As a general rule, avoid crowds where people are drunk or being too loud.
Urinating in public is considered disrespectful, and the misdemeanor offense of lewd conduct has surprisingly strict consequences in New Orleans, with perpetrators facing heavy fines and potential jail time. If you visit The Big Easy for an event or festival, plan bathroom breaks into your itinerary and scope out public restrooms or hospitality venues that offer pay-per-visit or day passes to use their facilities.

Contact the Law Office of Lance J. Robinson
Lance J. Robinson has worked as a criminal defense and injury lawyer in New Orleans since 1997. He has extensive knowledge of the New Orleans court system and Louisiana law and can help you build your defense, even if you reside in another state. Don’t risk your future. Contact our law firm for a complimentary consultation at [email protected] or (504) 465-0101.