The coronavirus can't keep Mardi Gras down.
This season, as you may have heard, will be different from the carnivals of the past. Our parades and balls are canceled and social distancing is highly encouraged, if not enforced. But we are still here and ready for a great time celebrating the beginning of spring as millions have done before us in the last few thousand years.
Unfortunately, crime can, and does, happen when large groups of people come together, even for such a joyous reason. Whether you, a friend, or a family member are accused of a crime, you need to know what can happen to you if you are accused and arrested in New Orleans.
Most importantly, you need to have a plan in place to get you out of trouble, if trouble should arise.
Common Mardi Gras Crimes
What do you think of when you hear about the Carnival season? Are you picturing the beads, dancing in the streets, and wine that flows like, well, wine? Can you hear the jubilant music and the rising voices of those here to let loose? Are you aware of what goes on behind the scenes?
Over a million people come to the French Quarter to party, drink, and come together in celebration, but any tourist-intensive area will draw intentional or unintentional criminal behavior. The French Quarter just happens to be home to most crimes during this time.
Common Mardi Gras crimes include, but are not limited to:
Burglary, robbery, theft
Physical and sexual assault
Public disturbances
Property damage
Illegal drug activity
Public intoxication
Even crimes such as murder have been reported, though it is the only crime that is declining instead of increasing in the area every year. Usually, around 70% of reported crimes involve some sort of theft, from pickpocketing to armed robbery. The chances for rape have increased almost 40% over the years.
Crime happens the most in the area between two notable streets: St. Louis and Toulouse and various criminal acts occur the most between 5 and 10 p.m. but decline rapidly after midnight when authorities begin sending people home.
It isn't only the local police officers monitoring crime. The FBI and officers from other parishes may be on every corner. The chances of being caught are increasing while the consequences for these crimes consist of the usual penalties with an added embarrassment for insulting such an important and precious event.
Related Consequences
Only 1% of New Orleans residents actually live within the French Quarter, making tourists the perpetrators of most of the crime. Many of these tourists come from other states and even other countries. This can complicate prosecution and disrupt your life in a much more significant way if you are caught or accused.
You can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending upon the crime you are accused of committing. A misdemeanor may cost you a fine and probation time while a felony charge could put you in prison for years and dramatically increase the fines and court costs you will be responsible for.
Any of these crimes will be permanently placed in your criminal record and will follow you for the rest of your life. If you are not from New Orleans, you may not be able to leave the state for a while, depending on your charges. You also may be required to come back routinely for court appointments and meetings with a lawyer.
Basically, committing a crime during Mardi Gras is not a great idea and most courts offer no leniency when alcohol is involved. If you find yourself in the center of criminal accusations and are arrested, you need to get out of jail as soon as possible to contact one of our excellent local attorneys.
Find Yourself In Trouble?
Bad Boyz Bail Bonds will be ready for your call 24/7. We have direct experience with Mardi Gras crime, and we offer affordable payment plans to fit almost every budget. Our goal is to confidently, and confidentially, get you out of jail immediately while making sure that you understand everything about your arrest and what could happen to you in the justice system.
Trouble can still happen during Mardi Gras celebrations in the time of COVID-19. Contact us at Bad Boys Bail Bonds for a quick release. Call us anytime at (225)229-7218 for protection. We love our community and we are here for you.
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