Arrested in New Orleans, But Live Out of State? Here’s What To Do.

Visiting New Orleans is meant to be a memorable experience—but not because of an unexpected arrest. Whether you were here for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, a business trip, or just passing through, getting arrested in a city where you don’t live creates a complicated legal situation. Whether it was a misunderstanding, a lapse in judgment, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, an arrest in New Orleans can turn your trip to New Orleans into a legal nightmare. Once the initial shock wears off and you’re released, reality sets in: you’re now facing criminal charges in a different state, under a legal system you may not understand, and you’re hundreds or even thousands of miles away from the courtroom.

Many people in this situation feel lost and unsure of what to do next. Can you go home? Do you have to come back to New Orleans for court appearances? Will this affect your job, your record, your future? You might be hoping the problem will go away on its own—but in Louisiana, it won’t. The good news? You’re not alone, and there are clear steps you can take to protect your rights, manage the situation, and work toward the best possible outcome. Here’s exactly what to do after being arrested in New Orleans when you live out of state.

Hire a New Orleans Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

The first and most important step after being arrested in New Orleans is to hire a local criminal defense attorney. If you’re already back home, trying to manage a case in New Orleans from another state without the right legal help can quickly spiral out of control. An experienced New Orleans defense attorney can begin protecting your rights right away. A New Orleans-based criminal lawyer will know the New Orleans courts, prosecutors, and judges and can help navigate the process to minimize disruption to your life.

If you’ve been arrested in New Orleans but live out of state, hiring a local attorney is critical. A New Orleans-based criminal defense lawyer can:

• Appear in court on your behalf in many situations, possibly sparing you additional travel.
• Negotiate with local prosecutors familiar with Louisiana law.
• Guide you through local procedures and help ensure your rights are protected.
• Work to minimize the impact of the arrest on your record and future.

Tip: Don’t wait until your court date is near—early intervention can mean a better outcome.

Know Your Court Dates and Responsibilities

Missing a court date in New Orleans can result in a warrant for your arrest and complicate your situation. Once you’re released, the court should provide you with information on when and where to appear. If you’re not sure, your attorney can confirm all upcoming deadlines and possibly waive your appearance and appear on your behalf for certain hearings Don’t ignore this. Missing a court appearance can lead to a bench warrant and more legal trouble.

Warning: Do not assume your case is resolved or ignore it because you’re out of state. Criminal charges in Louisiana can follow you home.

Gather and Preserve Any Evidence

After an arrest, time is critical when it comes to preserving evidence. Memories fade, videos get deleted, and digital records can be lost. As soon as possible, begin collecting any materials that could support your side of the story — even if they seem minor.

Start by reviewing your phone, emails, and calendar. Look for:

• Receipts or location data that show where you were before, during, or after the incident.
• Text messages, emails, or DMs that provide context about what happened — such as conversations with friends, details about events you attended, or anything showing your intentions or mindset.
• Photos or videos taken by you or others that might visually confirm your version of events.
• Witness names and contact information — even if they’re friends, tourists, or event staff who were nearby, their statements could be key.
• Social media posts or stories (yours or others’) that place you in a certain location or environment at the time in question.

Once gathered, organize and store everything in a safe place, and do not delete anything, even if it feels embarrassing, incriminating, or irrelevant. Then, share all of it with your attorney — the more information they have, the better they can craft a strong and accurate defense.

Avoid Speaking About Your Case Publicly

Now that you’ve been arrested, anything you say can be used against you—and that includes text messages, social media, and emails. It’s natural to want to explain what happened to friends and family, but be cautious about posting anything online or discussing details publicly. Instead, speak only with your attorney. They can guide you on what to say (or not say) and help you avoid unintentional self-incrimination.

Prepare for Possible Next Steps

Your case may involve:

• Court hearings: Depending on the charges, these could be in-person or handled through your attorney.
• Pre-trial diversion programs: Some cases—especially for first-time offenders—can be resolved through programs that avoid conviction.
• Fines, probation, or classes: If convicted or as part of a plea deal, you may be required to complete community service, pay fines, or attend court-approved classes, even if you live in another state.

Your attorney can work to negotiate conditions you can fulfill remotely and ensure compliance so that your record stays clean—or at least doesn’t worsen.

Ask About Remote Representation Options

If you’ve already returned home or live far from New Orleans, you may be wondering if you need to fly back to New Orleans for every court appearance. The good news is — you often don’t have to. Many courts now allow certain hearings to be handled remotely via video or through your attorney alone. This can save you time, stress, and the cost of returning to New Orleans, especially if you’re only facing a misdemeanor.

Understand That Louisiana Law Is Unique

Louisiana follows a legal system based on the Napoleonic Code, which is different from the common law system used in other states. That means certain legal processes, terminology, and even the way charges are handled can differ dramatically from what you may be used to in your home state. This makes it especially important to work with a local New Orleans criminal defense attorney who understands the Louisiana court system. Laws vary significantly from state to state. What you or a friend might have experienced elsewhere may not apply in Louisiana. Let your attorney guide you through the next steps based on local law and court expectations.

Follow Up and Stay Engaged in Your Case

Even if your lawyer can handle most court appearances, it’s essential to stay in touch with your attorney and stay engaged in your case. Missing a court appearance or failing to follow through on legal obligations can result in a warrant for your arrest and make the situation worse.

Be prompt in providing documents, attending virtual meetings, and following your attorney’s advice. Ignoring court dates, paperwork, or instructions can lead to a bench warrant, which could turn a manageable situation into a much bigger problem.

Don’t Ignore a Criminal Charge in New Orleans

Choosing to ignore a criminal charge in New Orleans is a mistake that can lead to serious, long-lasting consequences. Some visitors to New Orleans may assume that returning home means the matter will simply disappear—but that’s far from the truth. Unresolved criminal charges follow you, no matter where you go.

Here’s what you risk by failing to take action:

• Arrest Warrants: If you miss a scheduled court appearance, a judge may issue a warrant for your arrest, which can lead to being taken into custody at any time—even in another state.
• Increased Penalties: Ignoring the charge doesn’t make it go away. In fact, it often results in steeper fines, a longer jail sentence, or both.
• Criminal Record Damage: Even an unresolved charge can appear on your record, affecting job opportunities, professional licenses, housing, and travel—especially when crossing borders.

The reality is simple: the longer you wait, the worse the consequences become. By working with a skilled New Orleans criminal defense attorney, you can protect your rights, address the charge head-on, and potentially minimize the fallout.

What to Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney for Out-of-Town Cases

Not every attorney is equipped to handle the complexities of representing clients from out of town. If you’re facing criminal charges in New Orleans but live out-of-state, choosing the right attorney is crucial. Here’s what to consider:

1. Proven Experience Representing Out-of-State Clients

Seek out attorneys who regularly work with clients who don’t live in New Orleans. These attorneys understand the nuances of remote case management, including court appearances, documentation, and staying in sync across time zones. Their familiarity with the process can help reduce your travel and streamline your case.

2. Clear and Consistent Communication

When you can’t walk into your attorney’s office, communication becomes even more important. Choose a lawyer known for being responsive, organized, and proactive about keeping clients informed. A reliable attorney will ensure you understand every step of the legal process, no matter where you are.

3. Strong Local Knowledge and Courtroom Connections

A defense attorney who knows the New Orleansl legal system—judges, prosecutors, and court procedures—can make a significant difference. Local insight often leads to faster resolutions, more favorable plea deals, and a more strategic approach to defending your case.

Time Is Critical. Contact Craig Mordock Today!

If you’ve been arrested while visiting New Orleans, don’t wait — early legal intervention can make all the difference.. Missing a court date or handling your case incorrectly could result in warrants, fines, or even extradition — all from hundreds of miles away. Craig Mordock has helped countless out-of-state visitors navigate the Louisiana court system.

Craig Mordock is the criminal defense attorney you want on your side. With over 25 years of experience in Louisiana criminal law and a reputation for aggressive, strategic defense, Craig has handled countless cases for out-of-state clients and can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from unnecessary travel and stress

Don’t let one mistake—or one misunderstanding—derail your life. Contact Craig Mordock today for a confidential consultation and start building your defense with an attorney who knows the New Orleans legal system inside and out.

📞 Call Craig at 504-304-2335.
📍 Serving out-of-state clients with the experience and local knowledge you need.