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.