Orleans Parish - Criminal District Court

 

Orleans Parish Criminal District Court is a court located in New Orleans, Louisiana, that has jurisdiction over criminal cases in Orleans Parish. It is one of the busiest and most high-profile criminal courts in Louisiana.

 

Orleans Parish Criminal District Court has original jurisdiction over all state criminal cases in New Orleans, Louisiana, except juvenile matters.  However, many Orleans parish state misdemeanor offenses are referred by the Orleans Parish District Attorney to New Orleans Municipal Court.  Orleans Parish Criminal District Court also has appellate jurisdiction over some criminal matters originating in New Orleans Traffic Court and New Orleans Municipal Court.  The courthouse where most cases and business are conducted is located at 2700 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana (i.e.- the corner of Tulane and Broad).

 

Orleans Parish Criminal District Court is comprised of thirteen sections. Twelve elected district judges, Sections A through L, handle primarily felony cases, with one judge presiding over each section.  Section M, comprised of one elected district judge and four appointed commissioners, conducts 72-hour hearings and bond hearings among other duties.

 

The judges in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court are elected by the citizens of Orleans Parish and serve six-year terms. The court is responsible for ensuring that criminal cases are tried fairly and impartially, and that justice is served for both the accused and the victims of crimes.

 

Appeals from Orleans Parish Criminal District Court go to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal in New Orleans, Louisiana.

 

After several years working as an Orleans parish prosecutor, Stephen Hébert is now defending clients in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.

 

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