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Most people hope to not need them. But, when they do, they want the good ones on their side. To this end, New Orleans Magazine publishes an annual list of Top Lawyers; and, it, once again, named Stephen Hébert one of the top attorneys in criminal defense. The list was prepared by Detroit-based Professional Research Services.
Professional Research Services provided this explanation of its methodology: The voting was open to all licensed attorneys in New Orleans. They were asked which attorney, other than themselves, they would recommend in the New Orleans area. Each attorney was allowed to recommend up to three colleagues in each given legal specialty. Once the online nominations were complete, each nominee was carefully evaluated on the basis of the survey results, the legitimacy of their license and their current standing with the State Bar Association of Louisiana. Attorneys who received the highest number of votes in each specialty are reflected in the list.
This will be Hébert’s ninth appearance as a Top Lawyer. He previously appeared in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Hearsay evidence is a legal term that refers to an out-of-court statement or assertion made by someone other than the person testifying in court, which is offered as evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted in the statement. In other words, it is a statement made by a person who is not testifying in the current legal proceeding but is being presented in court to prove that what was said in the statement is true.
Hearsay evidence is generally not admissible in court because it is considered less reliable than firsthand testimony. The rationale behind the hearsay rule is that when someone repeats what another person said, there is a greater likelihood of inaccuracies, misinterpretations, or dishonesty compared to when a witness testifies based on their own firsthand knowledge.
However, there are exceptions to the hearsay rule, and in certain circumstances, hearsay evidence may be admitted in court. These exceptions vary by jurisdiction but often include statements made by a party-opponent, statements made for medical diagnosis or treatment, statements made under oath in a prior proceeding, and statements made in the regular course of business records, among others.
It's important to note that the rules regarding hearsay evidence can be complex, and their application may depend on the specific legal jurisdiction and the circumstances of the case. Attorneys and judges are responsible for determining whether hearsay evidence should be admitted or excluded in a particular legal proceeding based on the applicable laws and rules of evidence.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor offense in Jefferson Parish Second Parish Court, the decisions made early in your case can have lasting consequences. Stephen D. Hébert is an experienced Jefferson Parish criminal defense attorney who regularly represents clients in Second Parish Court in Gretna, where misdemeanor cases arising on the West Bank of the Mississippi River are prosecuted.
This page explains the role of Second Parish Court, the types of misdemeanor cases handled there, and why having an attorney with local Jefferson Parish experience matters.
What Is Jefferson Parish Second Parish Court?
Jefferson Parish Second Parish Court is located in Gretna, Louisiana, and has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal offenses and related matters arising on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish. If an arrest occurs in Gretna, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego, or other West Bank communities, the misdemeanor case will generally be filed in Second Parish Court.
Second Parish Court commonly handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal charges
- DWI and DUI offenses
- Traffic and license-related offenses
- Early proceedings in cases that may later be prosecuted as felonies in the 24th Judicial District Court
Although misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, convictions can still result in jail sentences, fines, probation, driver’s license consequences, and a permanent criminal record.
Common Misdemeanor Charges in Second Parish Court
Stephen D. Hébert defends individuals charged in Jefferson Parish Second Parish Court for a wide range of misdemeanor offenses, including:
- DWI / DUI (First and Second Offenses)
- Simple Battery and Domestic Battery
- Disturbing the Peace
- Resisting an Officer
- Simple Criminal Damage to Property
- Theft and Shoplifting
- Drug Possession and Paraphernalia Charges
- Traffic and Driver’s License Violations
Every charge presents unique legal and factual issues. Early involvement by a seasoned Second Parish Court defense lawyer can often lead to reduced charges, dismissals, or alternatives to incarceration.
Why Local Experience Matters in Second Parish Court
Each Jefferson Parish court operates differently. Procedures, prosecutors, and judicial expectations can vary significantly between courts. Stephen D. Hébert’s experience in Second Parish Court provides clients with insight into:
- How West Bank misdemeanor cases are charged and prosecuted
- What local judges expect from attorneys and defendants
- Effective strategies for negotiating with prosecutors
- When motions, suppressions, or dismissals may be appropriate
Understanding the local court culture is often the difference between a routine plea and a strategic resolution that protects a client’s future.
DWI and Misdemeanor Cases on the West Bank
A significant number of misdemeanor cases in Second Parish Court involve DWI arrests. In Jefferson Parish, DWI cases are divided by geography: East Bank cases are prosecuted in First Parish Court, while West Bank cases are prosecuted in Second Parish Court.
A misdemeanor DWI conviction may lead to:
- Jail time
- Significant fines and court costs
- Suspension or restriction of driving privileges
- Ignition interlock requirements
- Long-term insurance and employment consequences
Stephen D. Hébert closely analyzes DWI cases for unlawful traffic stops, improper field sobriety testing, breath or blood testing errors, and constitutional violations. Many DWI cases are defensible when examined carefully.
What Happens After a West Bank Misdemeanor Arrest?
After a misdemeanor arrest on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish, an individual may be booked into jail or released with a summons or bond. The case is then scheduled for arraignment in Second Parish Court, where charges are formally addressed and future court dates are set.
Early issues such as bond conditions, discovery requests, motions, and Article 701 time limitations can significantly affect the outcome of the case. Having a defense attorney involved from the outset helps ensure that deadlines are enforced and rights are protected.
Why Choose Stephen D. Hébert?
Stephen D. Hébert is widely respected throughout Louisiana for his criminal defense work. He is known as a “lawyer’s lawyer”—the attorney other lawyers call when they or their clients are facing serious criminal allegations.
Clients charged in Second Parish Court benefit from:
- Individualized attention and candid advice
- Strategic and aggressive defense representation
- Extensive experience in Jefferson Parish courts
- A focus on minimizing long-term consequences, not just resolving the immediate charge
Representation Throughout Jefferson Parish
While this page focuses on Second Parish Court on the West Bank, Stephen D. Hébert represents clients across all of Jefferson Parish, including First Parish Court (East Bank) and felony prosecutions in the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna.
Understanding where a case is filed—and why—can be critical to developing an effective defense strategy.
Speak With a Jefferson Parish Second Parish Court Defense Lawyer
If you are facing a misdemeanor charge in Jefferson Parish Second Parish Court, do not leave your future to chance. Early and experienced legal representation can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact Stephen D. Hébert to discuss your misdemeanor charge, your options, and how to protect your rights in Second Parish Court.
This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
If you are facing a misdemeanor charge in Jefferson Parish First Parish Court, the outcome of your case can affect your freedom, your driver’s license, your job, and your reputation. Stephen D. Hébert is an experienced Jefferson Parish criminal defense attorney who regularly represents clients in First Parish Court in Metairie, where misdemeanor cases from the East Bank of the Mississippi River are prosecuted.
This page is designed to help you understand First Parish Court, the types of misdemeanor cases handled there, and how an experienced local defense lawyer can protect your rights from the very beginning of the case.
What Is Jefferson Parish First Parish Court?
Jefferson Parish First Parish Court is located in Metairie, Louisiana, and has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal offenses and traffic-related cases arising on the East Bank of Jefferson Parish. If an arrest occurs in Metairie, Kenner, River Ridge, Harahan, or other East Bank areas, the case will typically be filed in First Parish Court.
First Parish Court commonly handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal charges
- DWI and DUI offenses
- Traffic offenses and license-related matters
- Preliminary proceedings before felony cases are transferred to the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna
Although misdemeanors are considered less serious than felonies, the consequences can still include jail time, fines, probation, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.
Common Misdemeanor Charges in First Parish Court
Stephen D. Hébert regularly defends clients in First Parish Court against a wide range of misdemeanor offenses, including:
- DWI / DUI (First and Second Offenses)
- Simple Battery and Domestic Battery
- Disturbing the Peace
- Resisting an Officer
- Simple Criminal Damage to Property
- Theft and Shoplifting
- Drug Possession (Marijuana and other controlled substances)
- Traffic and License Offenses
Each of these charges carries its own penalties and defenses. Early intervention by an experienced First Parish Court defense lawyer can often make a significant difference in how a case is resolved.
The Importance of Local Experience in First Parish Court
Jefferson Parish courts have their own procedures, prosecutors, and expectations. What works in one court does not always work in another. Stephen D. Hébert has extensive experience handling cases in First Parish Court and understands:
- How misdemeanor cases are screened and charged
- How local prosecutors evaluate cases
- What judges expect in court
- When cases can be dismissed, reduced, or resolved without jail time
Local knowledge matters, especially when negotiating plea agreements, filing motions, or identifying weaknesses in the State’s case.
DWI and Misdemeanor Offenses in First Parish Court
Many people first encounter the criminal justice system through a DWI arrest. In Jefferson Parish, DWI cases arising on the East Bank are prosecuted in First Parish Court, separate from West Bank cases handled in Second Parish Court.
A misdemeanor DWI conviction can result in:
- Jail time
- Heavy fines and court costs
- Driver’s license suspension
- Ignition interlock requirements
- Increased insurance rates
Stephen D. Hébert carefully examines every DWI case for illegal stops, improper field sobriety testing, breath test errors, and constitutional violations. Not every arrest leads to a lawful conviction, and many cases can be challenged.
What Happens After a Misdemeanor Arrest in Jefferson Parish?
After a misdemeanor arrest on the East Bank of Jefferson Parish, a defendant may be booked, released, or required to post bond. The case is then set for arraignment in First Parish Court, where formal charges are addressed and future court dates are scheduled.
Critical issues such as bond conditions, discovery, motions, and potential Article 701 time limits often arise early. Having a defense attorney involved from the start allows these issues to be addressed strategically, rather than reactively.
Why Choose Stephen D. Hébert for First Parish Court Cases?
Stephen D. Hébert is a respected Louisiana criminal defense attorney known for handling serious and complex cases. When lawyers themselves face criminal allegations or need referrals for difficult matters, he is often the attorney they call — a reputation earned through experience, results, and peer recognition.
Clients benefit from:
- Personalized attention and clear communication
- Strategic, aggressive defense planning
- Experience in Jefferson Parish courts
- A focus on minimizing long-term consequences, not just resolving the immediate case
Serving All of Jefferson Parish
This page focuses on First Parish Court in Metairie, but Stephen D. Hébert represents clients throughout Jefferson Parish, including cases in Second Parish Court (West Bank) and felony matters in the 24th Judicial District Court in Gretna.
No matter where your case is pending, understanding the specific court and its procedures is essential to an effective defense.
Speak With a Jefferson Parish First Parish Court Defense Lawyer
If you are facing a misdemeanor charge in Jefferson Parish First Parish Court, do not assume the case will “work itself out.” Early, informed legal representation can often prevent mistakes that follow a person for years.
Contact Stephen D. Hébert today to discuss your case, your options, and how to protect your rights in First Parish Court.
This page is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
The 24th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Jefferson is the primary trial court handling felony criminal cases and major prosecutions arising throughout Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Jefferson Parish is part of the greater New Orleans metropolitan area and includes communities on both the East Bank and West Bank of the Mississippi River.
As a Jefferson Parish criminal defense attorney, Stephen D. Hébert represents individuals charged with serious crimes in the 24th Judicial District Court, including felony offenses, drug crimes, and other high-stakes criminal matters. For an overview of defense strategies and your rights, visit the Criminal Defense page.
The 24th Judicial District Court has original jurisdiction over all felony criminal cases arising in Jefferson Parish, including arrests originating in Gretna, Metairie, Kenner, Harvey, Marrero, and surrounding communities, with the exception of certain juvenile matters. This court also has appellate jurisdiction over appeals from municipal and city courts within Jefferson Parish.
Felony Prosecutions in Jefferson Parish
All felony charges in Jefferson Parish—including violent crimes, white-collar offenses, weapons charges, and repeat-offense DWIs—are prosecuted in the 24th Judicial District Court. If you are facing a felony accusation, it is critical to understand the stakes involved and the long-term consequences of a conviction. For more information about felony offenses, visit the the Felony Defense page.
Many felony prosecutions in Jefferson Parish involve controlled dangerous substances, including possession with intent, distribution, manufacturing, and prescription fraud. If your case involves narcotics or drug-related allegations, see the Drug Crime Defense page for detailed information about how these cases are handled and defended in the 24th Judicial District Court.
DWI Cases and Related Felony Charges
While most DWI arrests in Jefferson Parish are initially handled in First Parish Court or Second Parish Court, certain DWI cases—such as felony DWIs or cases involving serious bodily injury or death—may proceed to the 24th Judicial District Court. For more information about defending drunk driving charges, including repeat-offense DWIs, visit the DWI Defense page.
Speedy Trial Rights and Article 701
Individuals arrested on felony charges in Jefferson Parish are protected by strict statutory time limits governing how long the State has to bring a case to trial. Article 701 of the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure provides powerful protections for defendants who remain incarcerated or whose cases are not timely prosecuted. To learn more about enforcing these rights in Jefferson Parish felony cases, see the Article 701 Speedy Trial page.
Location of the 24th Judicial District Court
The 24th Judicial District Court is located in Gretna, Louisiana, at the Thomas F. Donelon Building, formerly known as the Jefferson Parish Courthouse Annex.
Address: 200 Derbigny Street, Gretna, Louisiana 70053.
Originally constructed in 1969, the building was later expanded and underwent a complete renovation completed in 2007. Today, it serves as the central courthouse for Jefferson Parish felony prosecutions.
Appeals from Jefferson Parish Felony Cases
Appeals from the 24th Judicial District Court are taken to the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, also located in Gretna, Louisiana. This court reviews criminal convictions, pretrial rulings, and sentencing decisions arising out of Jefferson Parish felony cases.
Arrested in Jefferson Parish?
If you have been arrested in Gretna, Metairie, Kenner, Harvey, or Marrero, your felony case will be handled in the 24th Judicial District Court for Jefferson Parish. Early involvement by an experienced criminal defense attorney can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
Stephen D. Hébert is a highly experienced Jefferson Parish criminal defense lawyer who routinely handles felony cases, drug prosecutions, DWI-related felonies, and Article 701 motions in the 24th Judicial District Court. To discuss your case, your rights, and your defense options, contact Stephen Hébert today.
Click here for more information about the 24th Judicial District Court