Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Criminal Process

🚔 You've Been Arrested—Now What?

You're cuffed. Booked. Sitting in a jail cell or waiting for your phone call.
Your adrenaline is pumping and your thoughts are racing. What happens next?

Whether you're facing misdemeanor charges in Lincoln Parish or felony accusations in North Louisiana, the legal process after an arrest can feel overwhelming—and fast. But understanding the steps ahead can help you protect your freedom.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we walk clients through this process every day. Here's what you need to know if you—or a loved one—has just been arrested in Louisiana.

⚖️ Step 1: Booking and Jail Intake

After arrest, you'll be transported to the nearest jail or detention facility.
There, police will:

• Take your fingerprints and mugshot

• Confiscate personal items

• Enter your information into the jail database

• Possibly hold you without a bond set yet

Don't talk to anyone but your lawyer. Every word can be recorded or used against you.

📞 First move: Call a criminal defense lawyer. Often your arrest will be outside of business hours. DONT TAKE THE CHANCE OF CALLING AN OFFICE (even ours.) Call a family member and have them call us at 318.232.4000, we'll start working on your bond immediately.

🧑‍⚖️ Step 2: The First Court Appearance (72-Hour Hearing)

If you're being held, you must appear before a magistrate or judge within 72 hours (excluding weekends/holidays).
This is known as a 72-hour hearing, and it serves to:

• Inform you of the charges

• Determine if and how much your bond will be

• Appoint a public defender if you don't already have an attorney, this attorney will only serve for your bond hearing until they are formally appointed, often at your arraignment.

🛑 Important: The judge will not evaluate guilt at this stage. Their only job is to decide whether to keep you locked up or release you on bond.

💸 Step 3: Bail and Bond Options in Louisiana

If a bond is set, you have a few choices:

• Cash bond (pay full amount)

• Commercial surety bond (through a bail bondsman)

• Property bond (put up real estate as collateral)

• Personal surety (a family member's promise backed by proof of income)

⚠️ Judges may deny bail in serious felony cases or for repeat offenders. That's why it's critical to have your attorney at the hearing advocating for a reasonable bond.

📆 Step 4: Arraignment – Entering Your Plea

Once formally charged, you'll be scheduled for arraignment—usually within a few weeks.
Here's what happens:

• You'll be read your charges

• You'll plead “Guilty” or “Not Guilty”

• The judge may review bond conditions

• A trial date or pretrial hearing will be set

Pro Tip: Most people plead “Not Guilty” initially—even if they plan to negotiate a plea later.
This gives your attorney time to review evidence and challenge weaknesses in the case.

🔍 Step 5: Building Your Defense (And What We Do Differently)

After arraignment, the legal process truly begins. This is where a skilled criminal defense attorney makes all the difference.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we:

• Request full discovery from the prosecution

• Review bodycam, police reports, witness statements

• File motions to suppress evidence or reduce charges

• Negotiate with prosecutors—or prepare for trial

Every case is unique, and our job is to build leverage—whether that means getting your charges dropped, reduced, or going to court ready to win.

📞 What You Should Do After You're Arrested in Louisiana

Here's a short checklist:

✅ Say nothing to police without your lawyer present
✅ Contact a local criminal defense attorney ASAP
✅ Do not miss your court dates
✅ Avoid drugs or alcohol while out on bond (you may be tested)
✅ Keep copies of everything: citations, receipts, bail paperwork

🛡️ Let Lawrence Law Firm Fight for You

We've represented hundreds of people across Ruston, Grambling, Monroe, and the North Louisiana area. Whether you're facing drug charges, theft, assault, or DUI, we know how the system works—and how to make it work for you.

We don't just show up in court. We get ahead of your charges, fight unfair procedures, and push back against weak evidence.

📲 Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Don't wait for things to “just work out.” They usually don't.

📞 Call 318.232.4000
🖥️ Or [schedule a free consultation] online.

If you've been arrested in Louisiana, you need an attorney right now—not later.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if I can't afford bail?
A: We can file a motion to reduce your bond or request a bond hearing to challenge the amount.

Q: Will I go to trial?
A: Not always. Many cases are resolved with dismissal, plea deals, or reduced charges before trial.

Q: Do I need a lawyer even if it's just a misdemeanor?
A: Absolutely. Misdemeanors can still carry jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent record.

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.