If it feels like your criminal case is dragging on forever, you’re not imagining things.
At James & Bradley Law Firm, we regularly get calls from frustrated clients in St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, Livingston Parish, and Slidell who are tired of court dates being pushed back again and again. Sometimes it’s months between hearings, and no one seems to have answers.
If you’re stuck in legal limbo, here’s what’s going on… And more importantly, what you can do about it.
Why Do Court Dates Get Delayed So Often?
There are plenty of reasons a court date might get continued, especially in the Louisiana criminal court system. Common causes include:
- Backlogged court dockets (especially post-COVID)
- Missing lab results or evidence
- Prosecutors not ready for trial
- Defense motions pending
- Witnesses unavailable
- Your attorney or the DA asks for a continuance
In some cases, your lawyer may be the one requesting the delay, for good reason. But if your court date has been rescheduled three, four, or five times and no one can tell you why, it’s time to start asking questions.
St. Tammany Parish: The 22nd JDC Moves at Its Own Pace
In St. Tammany Parish, criminal cases are handled in the 22nd Judicial District Court, which covers Covington and Slidell. While some judges move cases quickly, others routinely allow continuances, especially for the District Attorney’s Office when discovery or witness issues arise.
If you’re stuck in a holding pattern in St. Tammany, the attorneys at James & Bradley Law Firm can review your file and determine whether it’s time to file a Motion to Set for Trial or push back against unnecessary delays.
Washington Parish: Justice Delayed Can Still Be Justice Denied
Washington Parish, also part of the 22nd JDC, sees similar patterns. We’ve had cases continued for six months just waiting on lab results from State Police Crime Labs.
But delays shouldn’t be indefinite. If the state can’t move forward, we may be able to file a Motion to Dismiss for Failure to Prosecute or ask for a speedy trial ruling under Louisiana law.
Tangipahoa Parish: Backlogs and Bottlenecks
In Tangipahoa Parish (21st Judicial District), courts in Amite and Hammond are notoriously busy. Some misdemeanor and felony cases are delayed for over a year due to docket congestion.
While some delays can help your defense, others just keep you in legal limbo, unable to work, travel, or move forward with your life. James & Bradley Law Firm helps clients in Tangipahoa Parish demand progress by requesting status hearings, discovery compliance, or trial settings when appropriate.
Livingston Parish: Don’t Wait in Silence
Livingston Parish is also part of the 21st JDC. Even simple charges, like drug possession or theft, can take months to resolve if nobody pushes the issue.
If you’ve made every court date, followed your bond conditions, and still find yourself stuck in a cycle of delays, you don’t have to accept it. James & Bradley Law Firm has helped clients in Livingston request trial dates, file speedy trial demands, and even challenge dismissals when the state fails to meet its burden.
What You Can Do if Your Case Keeps Getting Continued
Here’s how you or your attorney can break the cycle:
- Demand Discovery: If the state hasn’t turned over the evidence, you can ask the court to set a deadline.
- File a Motion to Set for Trial: This puts pressure on the prosecution to be ready.
- Request a Speedy Trial: Louisiana law gives you the right to be tried within a certain time frame.
- Challenge Unnecessary Continuances: Especially if the state is the one causing the delay.
- Hire a Proactive Attorney: Not every lawyer pushes back. At James & Bradley Law Firm, we do.
Don’t Let Your Life Stay on Pause
You shouldn’t have to live with a criminal charge hanging over your head for years while the court system drags its feet. The longer your case sits unresolved, the more opportunities you lose, jobs, housing, peace of mind.At James & Bradley Law Firm, we fight to keep your case moving, protect your rights, and bring closure when the state delays without good cause.
Tired of Waiting? Let’s Get You Back on Track.
If your court dates keep getting pushed back in St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, or Livingston Parish, don’t wait for the system to fix itself. Let James & Bradley Law Firm take action on your behalf.
Call us today at 985-276-4740 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you move forward, because justice delayed shouldn’t mean justice denied.