By Sarah Phillips, Phillips Law – Criminal Defense Attorney Serving New Orleans & Jefferson Parish

Hi, I’m Sarah Phillips with Phillips Law, based right here in the beautiful city of New Orleans, Louisiana. While our practice focuses on criminal defense and personal injury, we also handle traffic violations, DWI charges, and misdemeanors—especially in Jefferson Parish, where, frankly, the courts tend to be a little more efficient than in New Orleans.

If you’ve got a traffic or misdemeanor case in First Parish or Second Parish Court, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through the courthouse locations, what to expect, and some helpful tips that could save you time—and headaches.

Jefferson Parish Courts: First Parish vs. Second Parish

First Parish Court – Metairie

Address: 924 David Drive, Metairie, LA

If your case is in First Parish Court, consider yourself lucky. Here’s why:

  • Free parking – And plenty of it

  • Less crowded – Generally a smooth in-and-out experience

  • Simple layout – Easy to navigate

Tips for First Parish Court:

  • Arrive 15–20 minutes early to get settled

  • Do NOT bring cell phones, smartwatches (like Apple Watches), or headphones. These are considered potential recording devices and will not be allowed.

  • If you’re not sure where to go, just ask one of the bailiffs—they’re friendly and helpful

  • Your attorney will usually meet you inside or already be there representing you

Second Parish Court – Gretna

Address: 100 Huey P Long Avenue, Gretna, LA

Second Parish Court handles many DWI, traffic, and misdemeanor cases—and while we love the charm of Gretna, it does come with a few challenges.

Parking Warning:

  • Paid parking only—and it fills up fast

  • Do not skip payment—we’ve seen boots and tow trucks far too often

  • Bring a credit or debit card to use the parking machines

  • If nearby parking is full, use the main courthouse garage just a block or two away

Tips for Second Parish Court:

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early to account for parking

  • No phones or electronics—same rules apply as in First Parish

  • Avoid bringing metal items like tweezers, nail clippers, or pepper spray—they’ll get flagged at security

  • Again, if you’re unsure where to go, ask a bailiff or check in with your attorney

Do You Need to Go to Court Yourself?

If you’re already a Phillips Law client, there’s a good chance you won’t need to appear in court for a traffic or misdemeanor charge—we can often handle those appearances on your behalf. But in some cases (especially when testimony or negotiation is required), you may need to show up.

Whether you’re required to appear or just want to understand your case better, we hope this guide helps you feel more confident about navigating the process.

Not a Client Yet? Let’s Talk.

If you’ve got a traffic, DWI, or misdemeanor case in Jefferson Parish—whether it’s in First Parish (Metairie) or Second Parish (Gretna)—and you want help avoiding court appearances, fighting your charge, or simply understanding your options:

Call us at (504) 434-7000 or visit www.nolacriminaldefense.com

We offer free consultations, and we’ll let you know if your case is a good fit for our firm.