Tourists in Trouble in New Orleans

 With its vibrant culture and rich history, it's no wonder tourists flock to New Orleans year after year. The food is delicious, the music is live, and the drinks are free-flowing. Before COVID-19, tourism accounted for more than 19 million visitors and over 10 billion dollars in spending for the city. While many think that New Orleans is a city without rules, that is hardly the case.

 

New Orleans has a few quirky laws. Some of these odd laws draw crowds like the "go cups" in the French Quarter. However, some of these obscure laws meant to protect local businesses and restaurants can get visitors to the cities into trouble. For example, public urination has various penalties associated with it depending on where you relieve yourself. The pandemic has added an extra layer of complexity to local laws, such as changing mandates on where you can eat and drink to ensure public health.

 

Tourists in Trouble

If you had a little too much fun during Mardi Gras or down on Bourbon Street, you may find yourself facing some legal troubles. You're not alone. Many visitors find themselves on the wrong side of the law in New Orleans simply because they didn't understand the rules of the city they were visiting.

 

Public Intoxication in the French Quarter

The numerous celebrations in New Orleans offer local law enforcement many opportunities to charge well-meaning tourists with public intoxication. Business travelers leaving conventions and college students leaving bars are all at risk of a public intoxication summons or even jail. 

 

You could be charged with public intoxication even if you aren't drunk. This is because the New Orleans Municipal Code uses ambiguous language, giving final judgment to the arresting officer for what they consider public intoxication. No breathalyzer test is required for an officer to cite you for public intoxication in New Orleans.

 

Public intoxication is a municipal offense in New Orleans. This results in a misdemeanor on your record if charges are carried out. While this won't affect your record the same way as a felony conviction, there may still be long-term consequences. Misdemeanors will appear on any future background checks. This could affect your ability to get a job, obtain a professional license, or even rent a new home.

 

If you have been charged with public intoxication in New Orleans, you should speak with a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible. The Law Office of Lance J. Robinson can help you understand the charges, protect your rights, and advise you on appropriate actions to take. Ignoring the citation and any court summons could lead to more charges, a bench warrant for your arrest, or even jail time.

Simple Battery Charge in NOLA

Considered a violent crime, a tourist facing a simple battery charge in New Orleans can feel overwhelmed. This serious crime comes with the potential for fines and jail time. It's critical that you turn to a qualified Louisiana lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of your case.

 

You can be charged with simple battery for throwing a punch or getting into a fight. In New Orleans, simple battery is defined as the act of deliberately applying force or violence to the body of another person in an insulting or offensive manner. Minor violence that results in few injuries is typically considered simple battery. However, if injuries become more severe later on, it's possible to raise the charge to aggravated battery.

 

The Law Office of Lance J. Robinson makes reducing or dismissing your charge of simple battery a priority. If you live outside of Louisiana, you won't need to stay in the city while we handle your case. We'll negotiate with the city attorney, appear for you in court, and plead not guilty on your behalf. You'll get peace of mind that your case is being handled aggressively and efficiently.

 

Usually Your Appearance is not required- Absentia

A major worry you may experience when facing criminal charges in New Orleans is just how you will appear in court when you don't live in the city. When you work with the Law Office of Lance J. Robinson, your attorney can represent you in court on your behalf. 

 

For many misdemeanors, municipal, or traffic cases, your attendance is not required even when entering a plea of not guilty. For a tourist in trouble, this means you can return home and continue your life while a skilled local attorney in New Orleans, LA, handles your legal issues. 

 

Expungement

It's possible to erase your arrest or conviction from the public record through a process known as an expungement. The process of expungement can prevent your history from appearing on a criminal background check. You'll be able to move on with confidence, knowing that a past mistake from a visit to New Orleans won't affect your future.

 

If you want to take this next step, you should work with a skilled New Orleans expungement lawyer. They'll be able to file the proper paperwork and represent your case in court. Their local knowledge of the complex legal system in Louisiana will ensure your case is handled quickly.

 

Your Experienced Lawyer New Orleans, LA

If your time in the French Quarter resulted in legal action, we want to help. The Law Office of Lance J. Robinson has defended tourists like you for over 25 years. We'll investigate your case thoroughly and update you every step of the way. We'll ease your stress and worry, letting you head back home to your life.

 

Don't fight your legal battle alone. Turn to the Law Office of Lance J. Robinson to plan your defense. Call us today at (504) 427-6210 for a free, confidential consultation.