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.