Jefferson Parish Criminal Defense Attorney, Based in Kenner

Why a Kenner-based lawyer makes sense for a Jefferson Parish case

A Jefferson Parish case moves through Jefferson Parish courts, and our office at 4224 Florida Ave. in Kenner is in the middle of them. First Parish Court in Metairie is a short drive away, and the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna is about 25 to 30 minutes (roughly 16 miles) from our door.

Barry S. Ranshi's ties to Jefferson Parish go back to law school, when he interned for Judge Robert Pitre of Jefferson Parish and wrote legal memos on post-conviction relief applications. He went on to work as a court staff attorney, an Orleans Parish prosecutor and a defense lawyer, so he has seen how cases are built and how they fall apart.

If you or someone in your family was just arrested, call (504) 905-8399. We answer 24/7, and the first consultation is free and confidential.

East Bank or West Bank: where Jefferson Parish misdemeanors go

Jefferson Parish splits most state misdemeanor cases by which side of the river the arrest happened on. That one detail decides which courthouse you report to.

• First Parish Court, 924 David Drive, Metairie, LA 70003, handles East Bank misdemeanors, including most first and second offense DWIs, plus traffic matters. This covers places like Metairie, Kenner, Harahan and River Ridge.
• Second Parish Court, 100 Huey P. Long Avenue, Gretna, LA 70053, handles West Bank misdemeanors and traffic matters from places like Gretna, Harvey, Marrero and Westwego.

In these courts, a misdemeanor such as a first DWI or simple battery is usually tried by a judge, not a jury. Under current Louisiana law, a misdemeanor jury is only available when the charge carries more than 6 months in jail or a fine over $2,500. That makes preparation and motions practice even more important, because you are persuading one decision-maker.

Felony charges go to the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna

Every felony charged in Jefferson Parish is heard at the 24th Judicial District Court, inside the Thomas F. Donelon Courthouse at 200 Derbigny St., Gretna, LA 70053. Felony cases are prosecuted by the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office for the 24th Judicial District, which works from the same address.

If you need criminal records, the court's criminal records office is in Suite 1100, and visitors enter through the General Government Building. Plan extra time for parking and security on court days.

Felonies carry the highest stakes. In Louisiana, any crime that can be punished with hard labor is a felony. Our felony vs. misdemeanor guide explains the difference and what it means for your record.

A felony charge is not the end of the story. Some first-time felony defendants qualify for an Article 893 deferred sentence, where the conviction is set aside and dismissed after probation is completed. And if a felony goes to trial, the jury verdict must be unanimous.

From arrest to first appearance in Jefferson Parish

The parish jail is the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, 100 Dolhonde Street, Gretna, run by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Arrests can be made by the Sheriff's Office or by city police in places like Kenner, Gretna, Harahan and Westwego.

1. Booking at the correctional center in Gretna. Personal property is logged, and the person is fingerprinted and photographed.
2. A judge within 72 hours. Louisiana requires a first appearance within 72 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and legal holidays.
3. Bail is set or reviewed. The judge weighs the charge, criminal history, flight risk and danger to others. A defense lawyer can bring facts that support a lower bond.
4. The DA screens the case. If the person stays jailed, the State generally has 60 days to file a felony charge and 30 days for a misdemeanor, or the person must be released or the bail obligation is discharged unless the State shows just cause.
5. Court dates. The case is set in the 24th JDC for felonies, or in First or Second Parish Court for most misdemeanors.

For a closer look at the bond process, see how bail works in Louisiana.

City courts in Kenner and Harahan

Some Jefferson Parish cities run their own mayor's courts for city ordinance and traffic cases. If your ticket names one of these, it is not a parish court case.

• Kenner Mayor's Court, 415 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70062 (the Rivertown Exhibition Hall building). It hears city ordinance and traffic matters, and cases are prosecuted by the Kenner City Attorney.
• Harahan Mayor's Court, 6437 Jefferson Hwy, Harahan, LA 70123.

Other cities in the parish may have their own courts too, so check your citation closely. We handle these cases often from our Kenner office. See Kenner traffic ticket lawyer and Metairie traffic ticket lawyer for more.

If a family member was just arrested in Jefferson Parish

Call a defense lawyer first, then gather information. The early hours matter because bail is often set at the first appearance, and DWI cases start a 30-day clock to request an OMV hearing to protect the driver's license.

• Write down the person's full name, date of birth and the arresting agency.
• Do not discuss the facts on recorded jail calls, texts or social media.
• If it is a DWI, find the paper receipt the officer gave in place of the license. It works as a temporary license for up to 30 days.
• Collect proof of work, school and family ties for a bail hearing.

Our phone, (504) 905-8399, is answered day and night, including weekends and holidays.

Jefferson Parish communities and the charges we defend

We represent people across the parish, on both banks. Choose your area for local court details:

• East Bank: Kenner, Metairie, Harahan and River Ridge
• West Bank: Gretna, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and Terrytown

Charges we handle in Jefferson Parish include:

• DWI, with local pages for Metairie, Kenner and Gretna
• Drug charges in Metairie, Kenner and Gretna
• Domestic violence, theft and violent crimes
• Outstanding warrants and probation violations
• Juvenile cases for children under 17. Since April 2024, 17-year-olds are prosecuted as adults in Louisiana.