If you’re facing criminal charges in Louisiana, you’re probably stressed, confused, and wondering why your case feels like it’s moving in slow motion. You show up to court again and again, only to hear the same thing. Continued. Reset. Come back next month. It’s frustrating. It feels unfair. And if you’ve never been through this before, you might be asking yourself:
Why is this taking so long?
Is this normal?
Is something wrong with my case?
Should I fire my attorney?
I hear these questions all the time. The truth is that criminal cases in Louisiana often move slower than people expect. Not because your attorney is dragging their feet, but because the system itself is overloaded, disorganized, and dependent on a lot of moving pieces.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through what really happens behind the scenes, why criminal cases can take months or even years in some situations, and what our legal team at Phillips Law does to keep your case moving in the right direction. Whether your charges involve domestic violence, assault, drug offenses, theft, or something more serious, the timeline depends on factors that are often out of your control.
If you want immediate help with your case, you can reach us at 504-434-7000 or visit our New Orleans Criminal Defense Attorney page.
Why Criminal Cases Take So Long in Louisiana
People assume their case should wrap up in a few weeks. But here’s the reality. Criminal cases in Louisiana, especially in places like Orleans Parish and Jefferson Parish, take time because of delays in the courts, the availability of witnesses and officers, unfinished discovery, prosecutor turnover, and strategic decisions made to protect you.
Let’s break down the five biggest reasons why your criminal case may be taking longer than you expected.
Reason 1: Louisiana Courts Are Overloaded
Courts in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish handle enormous caseloads. Judges often have 15 to 40 cases scheduled on a single day. That means your case is one of many competing for the court’s attention.
Some days, a judge may also be in trial. Trials take priority. If your case is scheduled on the same day the judge’s trial runs long, your case is automatically continued.
This happens more than you’d think. In one domestic violence case we handled, we waited months for a single motion hearing. Not because of anything our team did, but because of six different continuances caused by:
- A trial running late
- A police officer being out sick
- The judge attending a CLE seminar but forgetting to block the date
- A prosecutor being unavailable
- The officer being reassigned
We were ready every single time. The court was not. And you can’t force these pieces together.
Courts also prioritize cases differently. If you are out on bond and your case is not considered top priority, your hearing may get pushed back so the court can deal with:
- Defendants who are in jail
- Violent felony cases
- Time-sensitive matters
If your case involves charges like domestic violence, assault, theft, or drug offenses, and you’re out on bond, it is very common for your case to be pushed further down the list.
Reason 2: Discovery Takes Time
Discovery is everything the state must turn over to your defense team. This includes:
- Police reports
- Body camera footage
- Surveillance footage
- 911 calls
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- DNA results
- Fingerprint analysis
- Forensic reports
None of this shows up at once. Some of it can take months.
In many Louisiana cases, we wait on:
- NOPD
- Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office
- Crime labs
- Forensic analysts
- Hospitals and medical facilities
These are all separate agencies. They do not move at the same speed. And the judge cannot force a crime lab to speed up a DNA test. In one case we handled, the crime lab took more than six months to return a DNA report. That delay had nothing to do with the defense or the DA. It was simply the pace of the system.
This is one of the biggest reasons your case appears “stuck.”
Reason 3: The District Attorney’s Office May Not Be Ready
This one surprises people, but it’s incredibly common. The DA’s office may not have reviewed your file. They may not have spoken to the officer, the victim, or any witnesses. Your case might have been passed between multiple prosecutors because of turnover, reassignments, illness, or staffing shortages.
In Orleans Parish especially, high turnover is normal.
Let me give you a real example. In one aggravated battery case we handled:
- The first prosecutor never reviewed the file
- Then the DA couldn’t reach the victim
- The case was reassigned
- The new prosecutor got sick
- Then the officer couldn’t be located
That caused five continuances. Five. None of which were caused by us. But every time, the client understandably felt frustrated. This is exactly what happens behind the scenes while the state tries to get its own team together.
Reason 4: Negotiations and Resolutions Take Time
Not every battle is fought in the courtroom. In many cases, the progress you want actually happens behind the scenes. When we are pursuing a dismissal, a reduced charge, or a diversion program, your attorney needs time to gather evidence, negotiate, and build leverage.
For example, we represented a client charged with theft. The client had no prior record. We collected:
- Restitution proof
- Employment history
- Character letters
- Background information
We spent four months negotiating with the DA. Eventually, because we had built the right foundation, the case was dismissed. If we had rushed, that outcome would not have been possible.
Whether your case involves domestic violence, assault, drug crimes, or misdemeanor charges, negotiation is a process, not a moment.
Reason 5: Delays Can Be Strategic
Sometimes waiting works in your favor. Evidence can weaken over time. Witnesses might move or lose interest. Emotions can cool down. The state may fall behind on its own deadlines.
In one domestic abuse case, we knew the alleged victim was unpredictable. We continued the case strategically. A few months later, she moved out of state and told the DA she didn’t want the case to continue. The case was dismissed. That result wasn’t luck. It was strategy.
Patience can be a powerful defense tool.
If you are dealing with domestic charges, you may want to read more on our Domestic Violence page.
What Phillips Law Is Doing While You Wait
Many clients think nothing is happening when their case gets continued. But the truth is, we do more behind the scenes than you’ll ever see in the courtroom.
Here are the key things our team works on while your case is pending.
1. We push aggressively for discovery
We do not sit around waiting for evidence. We contact:
- The DA
- Law enforcement
- Crime labs
- Witnesses
We follow up. We track down missing reports. We file motions to compel when needed. We hold these agencies accountable.
2. We read and review everything
We don’t skim.
We analyze:
- Body camera footage
- Surveillance videos
- Police reports
- Lab certifications
- DNA and fingerprint analysis
- Witness statements
We look for inconsistencies, errors, illegal searches, or anything we can challenge.
3. We push the DA proactively
Your case is one file in a large stack for the prosecutor. Our job is to make sure your case does not get lost. We call. We email. We meet with them. We build relationships with prosecutors so your case stays visible.
4. We file motions to protect your rights
When something is wrong, we act. That includes:
- Motions to suppress evidence
- Motions to compel discovery
- Motions to exclude unreliable testimony
- Speedy trial demands when appropriate
Every motion is designed with one goal in mind. Strengthen your defense.
5. We keep you informed
One thing we pride ourselves on is communication. You will never be left wondering what’s going on.
If you are a current client, you can always reach us through the Clio for Clients portal or by calling 504-434-7000.
So How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in Louisiana?
The honest answer is: it depends. But here are general timelines based on the cases we handle in New Orleans and surrounding parishes.
Misdemeanors:
3 to 12 months.
These include charges like:
- Simple assault
- Simple battery
- Misdemeanor domestic abuse
- Theft under $1,000
If the case involves body cam footage, victim interviews, or lab testing, it may take longer.
Felony Cases:
6 months to several years.
These include charges such as:
- Felony domestic abuse
- Assault and battery
- Drug charges
- Gun crimes
- Theft and fraud
- Attempted murder
- Sex crimes
Felony cases take longer because the evidence is more complex, the penalties are higher, and the courts have limited time to handle them.
Cases with forensic evidence:
Often 6 to 18 months.
DNA, fingerprints, and lab testing all add significant delays.
Cases with uncooperative witnesses:
Timelines vary heavily.
Sometimes witnesses disappear or become unreachable. In those situations, delays may help the defense.
Every case is different. If you want a personalized estimate, call us for a free consultation or review our Assault and Battery or Expungements pages for more information about long term case consequences.
What You Can Do While Your Case Is Pending
You are not powerless during this time. Here’s how you can help strengthen your case.
- Stay out of trouble. Any new arrest will hurt your defense.
- Update your contact information. We need to reach you.
- Be responsive. If we call or message you, get back to us.
- Share updates. New job, school, or community involvement can help us negotiate.
- Ask questions. If you’re confused, tell your attorney.
Communication is key. And at Phillips Law, we’re here to support you through every step.
Conclusion: The Goal Is the Right Result, Not the Fastest One
No one wants a criminal case hanging over their head. You want your life back. I understand that. But fast is not always good. Fast can mean missing evidence, pushing too quickly for a plea, or losing the chance to get a better result.
Sometimes the best resolution takes patience. Sometimes the DA slips up. Sometimes a witness cannot be located. Sometimes the courts take longer than expected.
What matters is the outcome, not the speed.
If you’re frustrated, confused, or thinking about switching attorneys, you can call us at 504-434-7000. You can also learn more about our process on our New Orleans Criminal Defense Attorney page.
We’re here to help you get through this.
Legal Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes. If you are facing criminal charges, have been injured, or need legal assistance, contact Phillips Law at 504-434-7000 for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation. Reading this blog does not create an attorney client relationship.
