On this page
- Where it happened decides the court, not where you live
- Your St. Charles court date is across the river
- After an arrest: Sheriff's Office and Killona
- Refused the breath test? Here is what that means
- Why your BAC number matters so much
- If you drive for a living
- Other Destrehan charges we defend
- Talk to a former prosecutor today
Where it happened decides the court, not where you live
Your case is heard in the parish where the arrest happened. Destrehan sits right next to Jefferson Parish, so this matters more than people expect.
- Arrested in Destrehan, St. Rose or Norco? Your case goes to the 29th Judicial District Court for St. Charles Parish, felony or misdemeanor.
- Arrested a few minutes away in Kenner? That is Jefferson Parish. Felonies go to the 24th JDC in Gretna, most misdemeanors and DWIs go to First Parish Court at 924 David Drive in Metairie, and some city cases go to Kenner Mayor's Court.
The same charge can follow a very different path depending on which side of the parish line you were on. See our Kenner office and Jefferson Parish pages if your arrest happened there.
Your St. Charles court date is across the river
The 29th JDC is based at the St. Charles Parish Courthouse, 15045 River Road in Hahnville, on the west bank. For Destrehan residents on the east bank, that means crossing the Mississippi River for every court date.
After Hurricane Ida, the court temporarily used One American Place in Luling, and the courthouse has since had renovation work. Check your notice for the courtroom location. The 29th Judicial District Attorney's Office decides what charges to file and prosecutes them.
After an arrest: Sheriff's Office and Killona
Destrehan is unincorporated, so the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office makes arrests here. People who are booked are generally held at the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center, 5061 LA Highway 3127 in Killona, also on the west bank.
You have the right to see a judge within 72 hours, not counting weekends and legal holidays, where bail can be set or reviewed. Because our office is so close, we can often get involved quickly. Call (504) 905-8399 day or night. See bail and bond hearings.
Refused the breath test? Here is what that means
Refusing a chemical test after a DWI arrest triggers a 1-year license suspension for a first refusal, and 2 years for a second refusal within 10 years. A third refusal can be charged as a separate crime.
The good news is that you may be able to keep driving. If you refused or tested under 0.15%, you are immediately eligible for a restricted license once an ignition interlock is installed. But you must act fast. You have only 30 days from the arrest to request an administrative hearing, or the suspension takes effect automatically.
For more, read refusing a breathalyzer in Louisiana and the OMV hearing guide, or visit our DWI defense page.
Why your BAC number matters so much
On a first DWI, a blood alcohol level of 0.15% or higher changes the case a lot. The basic first offense range is a $300 to $1,000 fine and 10 days to 6 months in jail, much of which can be suspended.
At 0.15% to 0.199%, at least 48 hours must be served without benefit of probation, parole or suspension, and the license suspension stretches to 2 years. At 0.20% or more, the fine rises to $750 to $1,000, and an ignition interlock must stay in your vehicle for the full 2-year suspension.
That is why we look closely at how the test was given, when it was given and whether the machine and the officer followed the rules. Learn more in our guide to Louisiana DWI penalties.
If you drive for a living
A DWI can cost a commercial driver their job, even if the arrest happened in a personal car. Under federal rules that Louisiana enforces, a DUI in any vehicle disqualifies a CDL for 1 year, or 3 years if you haul hazardous materials. A second major offense means a lifetime disqualification.
Refusing a test is also a major offense for CDL holders. And federal rules do not let states hide a CDL holder's traffic conviction through diversion, so options that work for other drivers may not protect your CDL. Talk to us before you plead to anything, even a traffic ticket.
Other Destrehan charges we defend
Beyond DWI, we defend Destrehan clients facing:
- Drug charges
- Assault and violent crimes
- Domestic violence
- White collar and fraud charges
- Juvenile cases for children under 17 (since 2024, Louisiana charges every 17-year-old as an adult)
Talk to a former prosecutor today
Barry S. Ranshi served as an Assistant District Attorney in Orleans Parish before moving to the defense side. He focuses only on criminal defense and regularly handles cases in St. Charles Parish. Our office is at 4224 Florida Ave., Suite 6, in Kenner, about 15 to 18 minutes (roughly 12 miles) from Destrehan.
We serve Destrehan, St. Rose, Norco, New Sarpy and Luling. Prefer not to come in? We also offer remote consultations. For parish-wide details, see our St. Charles Parish criminal defense page.
Call (504) 905-8399, 24/7. The consultation is free and confidential.