A person arrested and charged with a crime is the defendant in a criminal court case. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty, either by their decision to plead guilty or by a verdict of guilty rendered by a judge or jury at the end of a trial.
Criminal defendants have the right to hire a licensed attorney of their choice to present a defense, if they choose, and to advocate for their constitutional rights. If a defendant cannot afford a private attorney, a lawyer from the local public defenders’ office will be provided upon order of the court.
The court also will provide language interpreters for criminal defendants unable to communicate in English.
Office Location
- Main Office
- 619 South White Street
- New Orleans LA 70119
- (504) 822-2414