Legal Question in Criminal Law in Louisiana

My brother is homeless in New Orleans and was given a ticket for "illegal parking" when they found him sleeping on the street somewhere. Sometimes he stays with friends, but on this night, they found him on the street. He didn't pay the parking ticket as his odd jobs that he does weren't enough to pay it and still buy food. He was later picked up for not paying the ticket and has now been in jail for nearly a month with no court date set. I've heard that they are doing this sort of thing to crack down on the homeless in New Orleans. Is it normal to have a person in jail for so long without a court date set for such minor charges? Can something be done to speed up the process to move him through the system. We would like to encourage him to leave New Orleans and find a better place, perhaps live with someone until he gets a better job, but this can't be done while his case is standing still.


Asked on 12/04/10, 2:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nick Pizzolatto, Jr. Pizzolatto Law Office

There is a way to speed it up. Go to the prosecutor and court and let them know that you will take your brother in and give him a place to stay and a job. That is the fastest way to take care of your brother's problem and you will be doing a humane thing. If more people were like you and took care of their family members like they did 30 years ago and beyond, this country would be in far better shape. I wish you and your brother the best.....

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Answered on 12/09/10, 3:21 pm


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