FAQ Series: What Happens At My First Criminal Court Date?
- Hampton Law Firm ⚖️
- May 25
- 3 min read
Louisiana arraignment, pleas, court preparation, and what not to say.
A first criminal court date in Louisiana is usually not the trial. It may be an arraignment, an initial setting, a misdemeanor appearance, a felony arraignment, a bond-related setting, or another early procedural date depending on the court and the charge. Even when nothing dramatic happens, the date matters because missed court, careless statements, or uninformed decisions can create serious consequences.
At a Louisiana arraignment, the indictment or bill of information is read to the defendant in open court, and the court calls on the defendant to plead. Louisiana law recognizes four types of pleas at arraignment: guilty, not guilty, not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity, and nolo contendere where the court accepts it and the offense is not capital.9 Louisiana law also addresses how pleas are entered, including special rules for felony and misdemeanor cases. A defendant also has the right to counsel.
For many defendants, the most important practical point is this: do not plead guilty just to get the court date over with unless you have spoken with a lawyer and understand the consequences. A plea can affect jail exposure, probation, fines, driver’s license issues, immigration consequences, employment, professional licensing, firearm rights, future sentencing exposure, protective orders, and later expungement eligibility. A case that seems “minor” in court can have long-term consequences outside of court.
If you have a lawyer, ask before court what is expected to happen. The lawyer may enter a not-guilty plea, request discovery, discuss bond conditions, ask for a continuance, address a warrant, or begin negotiations. A not-guilty plea at an early setting often does not mean the case will definitely go to trial. It usually preserves rights while the defense investigates the facts, reviews evidence, and evaluates legal options.
If you do not yet have a lawyer, be careful about speaking in open court. Do not tell the judge the whole story. Do not argue with the prosecutor. Do not confess because you are nervous. Do not explain facts in the hallway to court staff, deputies, witnesses, or strangers. Courtrooms and courthouse hallways are not private places. What you say can travel quickly.
Bring the paperwork you have. That includes the citation, summons, bond paperwork, jail release paperwork, court notice, protective order, police paperwork, probation documents, prior court minutes if available, proof of classes or treatment, proof of employment or school, and any documents your attorney requested. If you have screenshots, messages, photos, videos, or witness names, bring them for your lawyer rather than waving them around in court.
Bond conditions are also important. A first court date may involve stay-away orders, no-contact orders, drug testing, alcohol restrictions, travel restrictions, firearm restrictions, GPS monitoring, curfews, or reporting requirements. Violating a bond condition can lead to arrest, revocation, or additional problems. If you do not understand a condition, ask your lawyer before you leave court.
First Court Date Issue | Louisiana Practical Guidance |
Arraignment | The charge is formally addressed and a plea is entered. |
Plea decision | Do not plead guilty without understanding the consequences. |
Discovery | Your lawyer may need police reports, videos, lab results, and witness information. |
Bond conditions | Follow every condition unless the court changes it. |
Courtroom conduct | Be early, respectful, quiet, and prepared. |
Missing court is one of the worst mistakes a defendant can make. If you miss court, a warrant may issue, bond may be affected, and the case may become harder to resolve. If an emergency prevents attendance, contact your lawyer and the court immediately. Do not simply ignore the date and hope it goes away.
Hampton Law Firm Note: Your first court date may be procedural, but it is not meaningless. Show up early, bring your paperwork, do not discuss the facts in the courthouse, and do not enter a plea without legal advice.
Judith L. Hampton
Attorney At Law
Hampton Law Firm
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