Spoiler: They Don't — And Waiting Makes It Worse

😬 “I Was Arrested Months Ago and Haven't Heard Anything...”

It happens more than you'd think.

Someone gets arrested, maybe even bonded out. Then — silence. No court date. No paperwork. No calls from the DA.

So they wait… and wait… and eventually convince themselves:

“If they haven't filed anything by now, they're probably not going to.”

That's one of the most dangerous assumptions you can make in a Louisiana criminal case.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we've seen people wait themselves into deeper trouble — missed court dates, surprise warrants, even charges filed without their knowledge. Let's break down what really happens when you wait too long to act.

⏳ Just Because It's Quiet Doesn't Mean It's Over

In Louisiana, prosecutors have wide discretion and often file charges weeks or even months after an arrest — especially in drug cases, theft, or pending lab results.

They might delay because:

• They're waiting on evidence (e.g., fingerprint analysis, drug tests)

• The file got buried in a backlog

• They're planning to file a more serious charge later

⚠️ But once the charge is filed, you're responsible for showing up—even if you were never notified.

🧨 What Can Go Wrong If You Wait

• The DA files charges, but you never find out — and miss your court date

• A bench warrant gets issued, and you get arrested at home or work

• Your bond conditions expire, and you're no longer covered if a case is filed

• A delay hurts your chances at a favorable outcome (evidence disappears, witnesses vanish, etc.)

Waiting too long to act can cost you your freedom, your license, and your leverage.

📣 “But They Said They Might Not Press Charges…”

Here's the truth:

“Might not” ≠ “Won't.”

Police officers often say things like:

• “It's not up to me — it's up to the DA.”

• “If you don't hear anything in a month, you're probably good.”

• “Just stay out of trouble and it'll go away.”

But unless you've received a formal notice of dismissal, your case is still very much alive.

👨‍⚖️ What We Can Do — Even If Charges Haven't Been Filed Yet

At Lawrence Law Firm, we take pre-charge representation seriously. If you've been arrested, detained, or questioned, we:

• Contact the DA's office to monitor your file

• Proactively present evidence on your behalf

• Push for a refusal to prosecute before charges are filed

• Keep you informed — no surprises, no warrants

• Prepare a strategy so you're ready if and when charges come

You wouldn't wait until your house is on fire to call the fire department. Don't wait until you're indicted to call us.

📞 Waiting Isn't a Strategy — It's a Risk

📞 Call 318.232.4000 to speak with a criminal defense attorney in Ruston, Louisiana
🖥️ Or schedule your free consultation online.

If you were arrested or questioned and haven't heard back, call us before they call you.

🔄 Coming Up in the Common Mistake Series:

• Mistake #4: Pleading Guilty Just to Get It Over With

• Mistake #5: Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer

The blog published by Lawrence Law Firm is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing blog posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. Artificial Intelligence has been used to assist in formatting, topic selection, and organization, and while this information has been reviewed an attorney, this article should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.