On this page
- A defense lawyer who has worked inside the 17th JDC
- Courts that hear Thibodaux cases
- The Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex
- First felony charge? Ask about Article 893
- Clearing a Lafourche felony from your record later
- A second DWI in Lafourche Parish
- Charges we defend in Thibodaux
- From Kenner to Thibodaux
A defense lawyer who has worked inside the 17th JDC
Barry's career includes time as a criminal defense attorney in the 17th Judicial District Court Public Defender's Office, the office that defends people in Lafourche Parish who cannot afford a lawyer. Before that, he was a staff attorney to an Orleans Parish criminal court judge and an Assistant District Attorney in Orleans Parish.
That mix gives him a clear view of how cases move through the courthouse from charge to trial. Today he focuses only on criminal defense, and Lafourche is one of the parishes where he regularly handles cases. Senior Partner John J. Mason also practices in Lafourche Parish.
Courts that hear Thibodaux cases
Most serious cases from Thibodaux go to the 17th Judicial District Court, located in the Lafourche Parish Courthouse at 303 W. 3rd Street. Thibodaux is the parish seat. The 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office prosecutes cases there.
Some misdemeanor and traffic cases from inside city limits are handled by city court. Your citation or bond papers will list the correct court and date. Because Schriever sits across the line in Terrebonne Parish, an arrest there goes to the 32nd JDC in Houma instead. See our Houma criminal defense page for that court.
The Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex
People arrested by the Thibodaux Police Department or the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office are generally booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex, 2594 Veterans Boulevard in Thibodaux. It opened in January 2019 and replaced the old Lafourche Parish Detention Center, so older directories may still show the former address.
A judge must see anyone arrested within 72 hours, not counting weekends and legal holidays. If you are calling about a family member, gather the booking information and call us at (504) 905-8399, any time. We can explain the bail process and what to expect at the first hearing.
First felony charge? Ask about Article 893
For an eligible first felony, Louisiana's Article 893 lets the judge defer the sentence and place you on probation. If you finish probation successfully, the conviction is set aside and the case is dismissed. That has the same effect as an acquittal for most purposes and opens the door to expungement.
Article 893 is not available for crimes of violence, sex offenses involving a victim under 17, or drug offenses punishable by more than 10 years. Felony probation generally lasts up to 5 years. Our article on Article 893 and 894 set-asides explains how it works.
Clearing a Lafourche felony from your record later
A felony can be expunged after an Article 893 set-aside, or once more than 10 years have passed since you finished your sentence, probation or parole with no new conviction and no pending charge.
Many violent, sex and drug distribution felonies are not eligible. A few, like second degree battery, simple robbery and illegal use of weapons, may be expunged after a hearing once 10 years have passed. Expunged records are hidden from the public but remain available to law enforcement. Visit our expungement page to learn more.
A second DWI in Lafourche Parish
A second DWI is still a misdemeanor in most cases, but it comes with mandatory jail. The penalty is a $750 to $1,000 fine and 30 days to 6 months in jail, with at least 48 hours served without benefit of probation, parole or suspension.
Probation conditions are tougher too: at least 15 days in jail or 240 hours of community service, substance abuse and driver improvement programs, and an ignition interlock for at least 6 months. If your BAC was 0.15% or higher, at least 96 hours must be served and the license suspension runs 4 years.
Remember the 30-day deadline to request an OMV hearing. Our Louisiana DWI penalties guide lays out every offense level.
Charges we defend in Thibodaux
Whether you are a longtime Lafourche resident or a student at Nicholls State University, we can help with charges such as:
- DWI and traffic offenses
- Drug possession and distribution
- Theft, where the value of the property sets the penalty
- Sex crimes
- Assault and violent crimes
If your case goes to trial, every felony verdict must be unanimous. Cases that must be punished at hard labor use 12 jurors. And the state cannot wait forever: once a felony is charged, the trial generally must begin within 2 years. If the state misses that limit, the case may be dismissed, so we track it from the start.
From Kenner to Thibodaux
Our office is about 55 to 65 minutes (roughly 52 miles) from Thibodaux. We serve clients in Thibodaux, Raceland, Lockport and Chackbay, and throughout the rest of Lafourche Parish. For a parish overview, see our Lafourche Parish criminal defense lawyer page.
Distance does not have to slow your case down. We offer remote consultations by phone or video. Call (504) 905-8399 any time, day or night, for a free and confidential consultation.