Arraignment, Pre-Trial, and Trial
If you’ve been arrested or received a court summons in St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, or Livingston Parish, you’re probably wondering what happens next and what each court date means. Whether you’re facing a felony or misdemeanor, it’s important to understand the Louisiana criminal court process and what to expect at your arraignment, pre-trial conference, and trial.
This page breaks it down for you, step by step.
Arraignment in Louisiana Criminal Court
The court holds the arraignment as the first formal hearing after it files charges in your criminal case. This is where the judge reads your charges and asks you to enter a plea: guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- The judge confirms your identity.
- The prosecutor reads the charges or submits a bill of information.
- Your attorney enters a plea, usually “not guilty.”
- A future court date (pre-trial or motion date) is scheduled.
If you’ve been charged in:
- St. Tammany Parish, your arraignment is held at the 22nd Judicial District Court in Covington. 701 N Columbia St, Covington, LA 70433
- Washington Parish, arraignments are also at the 22nd JDC, but in Franklinton. 1002 Main St, Franklinton, LA 70438
- Tangipahoa Parish, your court date is at the 21st JDC in Amite. 110 N Bay St #100, Amite City, LA 70422
- Livingston Parish, the 21st JDC in Livingston will handle the hearing. 28445 Charlie Watts Road, Livingston, LA 70754
What Is a Pre-Trial Conference?
After arraignment, the court sets your case for a pre-trial conference or motion hearing. This is where the defense and the District Attorney meet to:
- Exchange discovery (evidence)
- File motions to suppress, exclude evidence, or dismiss charges
- Discuss plea deals
- Tell the judge if the case is ready for trial
These hearings often happen multiple times during the Louisiana criminal court process before a trial, especially in felony cases. Don’t assume the court has stalled your case. Your lawyer may be building a stronger defense behind the scenes.
Pre-trials in St. Tammany and Washington (22nd JDC) are typically held in person before your assigned division judge. In Tangipahoa and Livingston (21st JDC), each division manages its docket, and cases may move quickly or be reset multiple times.
What Happens on a Trial Date in Louisiana?
A trial date is when your case is scheduled to be heard by a judge or jury. Not every case goes to trial, but you must appear and be ready.
On your trial date:
- The judge will ask both sides if they are “ready.”
- If either side isn’t ready, the court may grant a continuance.
- If both are ready, the case proceeds to jury selection or a bench trial.
Don’t Miss Court. Don’t Go Alone. Missing a court date in Louisiana can result in a bench warrant, bond forfeiture, and even additional criminal charges. Whether it’s an arraignment in St. Tammany Parish or a trial in Livingston, staying informed and showing up is critical.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can:
- Appear in court for you (in some cases)
- Negotiate with prosecutors
- Protect your rights and your future
Serving the Northshore: St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Livingston & Washington Parishes
Our firm regularly represents clients charged with:
We know the local courts. We know the prosecutors. And we know how to fight for you. Call us at 985-276-4740 to hear from a member of our legal team.