Getting arrested is stressful enough. But getting arrested again, while your first charge is still pending, can turn your legal situation into a serious mess. At James & Bradley Law Firm, we’ve helped countless clients across St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, and Livingston Parish navigate this exact situation. Whether you’re dealing with a second misdemeanor or a new felony charge, the court will take notice, and not in a good way. If you’ve recently been charged with another crime while already out on bond, here’s what to expect and how we can help.
You Could Lose Your Bond, Fast
The most immediate risk is to your bond on the original charge. In most Louisiana parishes, bond conditions include staying out of legal trouble. A second arrest could trigger:
- A bond revocation hearing
- A bench warrant for your original case
- Higher bond amounts or no bond at all
- Pretrial detention until both cases are resolved
Judges have little patience for repeat arrests while someone is already out on bond. If you’re facing this, James & Bradley Law Firm can act fast to protect your release and argue for continued supervision rather than detention.
How the Second Charge Affects the First
Don’t make the mistake of thinking your new case is separate. In most instances, prosecutors will use the new charge to paint a picture of repeat criminal behavior, even if the two offenses are unrelated.
This can lead to:
- Harsher plea offers
- Less sympathy from the court
- Probation ineligibility
- Increased jail time exposure
If you’re in St. Tammany Parish, for example, prosecutors with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office may amend their position based on the new arrest. A deal that was once on the table can quickly disappear.
Will the Two Cases Be Combined?
It depends. In some cases, especially if the charges are similar or arise from related conduct, the prosecutor may consolidate the cases. That means both charges get handled together in front of the same judge or jury.
But in many cases, especially in parishes like Tangipahoa and Livingston, the cases may proceed separately in different court divisions or on different timelines. This can create scheduling nightmares, conflicting conditions, and more room for error. Having a single legal team like James & Bradley Law Firm manage both cases is key to making sure your defense is coordinated and strategic.
What If I’m on Probation or Diversion?
If your first charge placed you on probation, pretrial diversion, or a drug court program, the second charge could be grounds for immediate removal.
In Washington Parish, for example, diversion participants must stay completely arrest-free. A new charge, even one that’s ultimately dropped, can be enough to remove you from the program and reinstate the original prosecution.
We’ve helped clients in this position file motions to remain in diversion or probation, negotiate modified agreements, and in some cases, beat the second charge entirely to preserve their participation.
The Importance of Having a Defense Attorney: Now More Than Ever
When you’re facing multiple active charges in Louisiana, the legal strategy becomes more complex:
- What should you handle first?
- Should you testify in one case but not the other?
- Will your prior statements hurt you?
- What’s the best way to negotiate with the DA on both charges?
These are critical questions, and the wrong answers can cost you your freedom. At James & Bradley Law Firm, we develop a coordinated defense that protects you on all fronts, not just in isolation.
Arrested Again While Out on Bond? Don’t Wait for Things to Spiral.
If you’ve been charged with a second crime while your first case is still pending in St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, or Livingston Parish, time is not on your side. Call James & Bradley Law Firm today at 985-276-4740 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. We’ll review both cases, take control of the situation, and fight to protect your rights before things get worse.