On this page
- Why do so many Jefferson Parish cases end up in Gretna?
- Is my Gretna case in Mayor's Court, Second Parish Court or the 24th JDC?
- What happens at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center after an arrest?
- How long does the DA have to charge me in the 24th JDC?
- Which Gretna charges do we defend?
- Why does a former prosecutor make a difference in Gretna?
- How far is our office from the Gretna courthouse?
Why do so many Jefferson Parish cases end up in Gretna?
Because Gretna is the parish seat. Nearly every serious criminal case in Jefferson Parish, from Kenner to Grand Isle, passes through a handful of buildings in Gretna:
- The 24th Judicial District Court in the Thomas F. Donelon Courthouse, 200 Derbigny St., which hears every felony in the parish
- The Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office, also at 200 Derbigny St.
- Second Parish Court, 100 Huey P. Long Ave., for West Bank misdemeanors and traffic
- The Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, 100 Dolhonde St., the parish jail
If you live in Gretna, your case is close to home. If you live elsewhere in the parish and face a felony, you will be making the trip here.
Is my Gretna case in Mayor's Court, Second Parish Court or the 24th JDC?
It depends on who charged you and with what. Gretna has its own police department, and city cases may go to Gretna Mayor's Court, which public directories list at 740 2nd St. Always confirm the location printed on your ticket.
State misdemeanors from the West Bank, including most first and second offense DWIs, are heard in Second Parish Court. Felonies go to the 24th JDC. A charge can also start in one court and move to another if the DA upgrades or reduces it.
If you are not sure which court you are in, call (504) 905-8399 and read us what your paperwork says. We will tell you where you need to be and when.
What happens at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center after an arrest?
After booking at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, the next big event is the first appearance before a judge. Louisiana law requires it within 72 hours, not counting weekends and legal holidays.
At that appearance the judge advises the person of their rights and sets or reviews bail. Judges look at the seriousness of the charge, criminal history, risk of flight and danger to the community. Family members can help by gathering proof of a job, a stable address and ties to the community before the hearing.
A lawyer at this stage can present the reasons for a reasonable bond. See bail and bond hearings and how bail works in Louisiana.
How long does the DA have to charge me in the 24th JDC?
If you are in jail, the Jefferson Parish DA generally has 60 days to file a felony charge and 30 days for a misdemeanor. If you are out on bond, the limits are 150 days for a felony and 90 days for a misdemeanor.
If the DA misses the deadline without just cause, a jailed defendant must be released, or a bond obligation is discharged. The case can still be filed later in some situations, so it is not the same as a dismissal. Once charges are filed, arraignment should follow within 30 days.
We track these dates from day one. They can create real pressure points in a case, especially when someone is sitting in jail.
There are also limits on how long a case can sit after charges are filed. The state generally must begin trial within 2 years on a felony and 1 year on a misdemeanor. If you file a motion for a speedy trial, those windows get much shorter.
Which Gretna charges do we defend?
We defend misdemeanors and felonies across Gretna and the West Bank, including:
- DWI. See our Gretna DWI lawyer page. A third offense is a felony with 1 to 5 years.
- Drug charges. See our Gretna drug lawyer page. Distribution within 2,000 feet of a school, church or other protected place can raise the maximum prison term by half.
- Gun charges. Courthouses remain off-limits even under Louisiana's 2024 permitless carry law.
- Probation violations in the 24th JDC
- Assault and violent crimes and theft
Why does a former prosecutor make a difference in Gretna?
Barry knows how the other side prepares because he did that job. As an Orleans Parish Assistant District Attorney, he tried felony cases as first and second chair. He also worked as a public defender with the 17th JDC Public Defender's Office, and during law school he interned for Judge Robert Pitre of Jefferson Parish.
That mix helps him spot weak evidence, bad stops and procedural mistakes early. No lawyer can promise an outcome, but Barry works to use every one of those openings to push for a dismissal, a reduced charge or an alternative to jail.
How far is our office from the Gretna courthouse?
Our office at 4224 Florida Ave. in Kenner is about 25 to 30 minutes (roughly 16 miles) from the 24th JDC. We serve clients from Old Gretna, Terrytown, McDonoghville, Timberlane and the rest of the West Bank, including Harvey and Marrero.
You can meet us in Kenner or by phone or video. Phones are answered 24/7, and the first consultation is free and confidential. Call (504) 905-8399, or see our Jefferson Parish page.