How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer in New Orleans

Why does the lawyer you choose matter so much?

Your lawyer shapes how your case is handled from bail to the final outcome. A criminal case is full of decisions: whether to talk to the prosecutor before charges are filed, which motions to file, whether to accept an offer and whether to go to trial. Each decision depends on judgment and experience.

There are many capable defense lawyers in the New Orleans area. The goal of this checklist is not to tell you who to hire. It is to help you find a lawyer who fits your case and whom you trust.

1. Does the lawyer focus on criminal defense?

Ask what share of the lawyer's practice is criminal defense. Criminal law has its own procedures, deadlines and strategies. A lawyer who handles criminal cases every day is more likely to know the current law, such as the 2024 changes to DWI license suspensions or the 2026 changes to bail and DWI penalties.

Good questions to ask:

• "How much of your practice is criminal defense?"
• "Have you handled cases like mine, with this type of charge?"
• "Do you handle both felonies and misdemeanors?"

If your case involves federal charges, ask specifically about federal court experience. Federal cases follow different rules, including advisory sentencing guidelines and no parole. Barry Ranshi focuses exclusively on criminal defense, for both felony and misdemeanor charges, and is admitted in the federal courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana and the Southern District of Texas.

2. Does the lawyer know the courts where your case will be heard?

Your case will be heard in a specific court, and each court has its own practices, schedules and people. In our area, that could be Orleans Parish Criminal District Court on Tulane Avenue, the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna, Jefferson Parish's First or Second Parish Court, the 22nd Judicial District Court in Covington, a mayor's court, or the federal court in New Orleans.

Location matters for practical reasons, too. A lawyer who is close to your courthouse can get there quickly for an emergency bail hearing or an early setting. Our office is in Kenner, about 20 to 25 minutes from Orleans Parish Criminal District Court and about 25 to 30 minutes from the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna, depending on traffic.

Ask the lawyer whether they regularly appear in that court and how they handle cases there. A lawyer who knows the court can give you a more realistic picture of the process. Our locations page lists the parishes and courts we serve.

3. Does the lawyer understand how prosecutors think?

A lawyer who has worked as a prosecutor has seen how cases are built from the inside: how police reports are reviewed, how charging decisions are made, and which weaknesses make a prosecutor more willing to reduce or dismiss a charge. That perspective can help shape defense strategy and negotiations.

Not every good defense lawyer was a prosecutor, and prosecutor experience is not a guarantee of any result. But it is a fair question to ask. Barry Ranshi served as an Assistant District Attorney in Orleans Parish, trying felony cases as first and second chair. He also worked as a public defender, as a staff attorney to an Orleans Parish criminal court judge, and as a trial and appeals attorney at a large New Orleans criminal defense firm. Read his full attorney profile.

4. Can you actually reach the lawyer when it matters?

Arrests happen at night, on weekends and on holidays. Deadlines, like the 30-day window to request an OMV hearing after a DWI arrest or the 72-hour first appearance after an arrest, do not wait for business hours. Ask:

• "Can I reach you after hours if something urgent happens?"
• "Who will I be talking to day to day, you or someone else?"
• "How quickly do you usually return calls?"

The Barry S. Ranshi Law Firm answers calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays. You can reach us at (504) 905-8399.

5. Does the lawyer explain things clearly?

You should leave a consultation understanding three things: what you are charged with, what the possible penalties are and what the next steps look like. If you leave more confused than when you arrived, that is a warning sign.

A good defense lawyer is honest about risks. Be cautious of anyone who promises a specific result. No ethical lawyer can guarantee an outcome in a criminal case. Ask instead how the lawyer will keep you informed, how often you will hear from them and how decisions will be made together.

Pay attention to how the lawyer listens, too. Your case is about your life, your job and your family. A lawyer who takes the time to understand what matters most to you, such as keeping a commercial license, protecting a professional license or avoiding a gun ban, can aim for outcomes that actually help you.

6. Is there a free consultation?

A free, confidential consultation lets you ask questions and get a feel for the lawyer before you commit. Use it. Bring your paperwork, such as a citation, bond papers, court notices or a license receipt after a DWI arrest. Write your questions down in advance so you do not forget them under stress.

Also ask about fees. How fees are structured, what they cover and whether a payment plan is possible are all fair questions. A lawyer should explain the fee clearly before you hire them.

Our firm offers free initial consultations, in person at our Kenner office or remotely, with no obligation to hire us.

What questions should you ask in your first consultation?

Here is a short list you can bring with you:

1. What exactly am I charged with, and what is the penalty range?
2. What deadlines are coming up?
3. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the state's case, based on what you know now?
4. What outcomes are realistic, such as a dismissal, a reduction, a deferred sentence or a trial?
5. Can this be expunged later?
6. Who will handle my case and how will we communicate?
7. What will this cost, and what does that include?

Our FAQ page answers many common questions, and our guide to what to do after an arrest covers the first steps.

Ready to talk to a lawyer?

Finally, trust your instincts. You will share personal and sometimes embarrassing details with this person, and you will rely on their advice under pressure. If something feels off, it is fine to keep looking. Hiring a lawyer is your decision, and a good lawyer will respect the time you take to make it.

Whoever you choose, choose soon. The early days of a case are when evidence is easiest to gather and deadlines are easiest to protect. If you would like to talk with Barry Ranshi, call (504) 905-8399 any time for a free, confidential consultation. You can also learn more about our firm and our legal team, or browse the criminal defense practice areas we handle.