If you have been arrested in Lafayette, be careful what you say next. You are not required to answer questions or explain yourself, and doing so usually helps the state, not you. Politely ask for a lawyer and stop there. Then call us. The first move in a criminal case is often the one that decides how the whole thing goes.
An arrest in Lafayette can happen fast and change your life slowly, through a record that follows you long after the case is over. Charges here are brought by the Lafayette Police Department, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, or Louisiana State Police, and most people are booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. Where your case goes from there depends on how serious the charge is.
The Law Office of Heather C. Ford defends people across Lafayette and the surrounding Acadiana parishes, from a first misdemeanor to a serious felony. Whatever you are facing, the goal is the same, protect your record, your freedom, and your future.
Lafayette runs criminal cases through two different courts, and which one you are in changes everything about your exposure and your strategy. Knowing where your case belongs is one of the first things we sort out.
| Court | What it handles | What is at stake |
| Lafayette City Court
105 E. Convent St |
Most misdemeanors and traffic inside the city: DWI first and second offense, misdemeanor drug possession, simple battery, theft under $1,000, disturbing the peace, public intoxication, trespass. | Up to 6 months in jail, fines, probation, and a misdemeanor record. |
| 15th Judicial District Court
800 S. Buchanan St |
Felonies and serious or repeat cases across Lafayette, Acadia, and Vermilion parishes: felony drug charges, third-offense DWI, serious violent crimes, higher-value theft. | Years in prison, a felony record, and long-term loss of rights. |
See our pages on Lafayette City Court and the 15th Judicial District Court for how each one works.
We focus on the cases that most affect ordinary people, the serious misdemeanors and the lower-level felonies where a strong defense makes a real difference.
Knowing the road ahead takes some of the fear out of it. A Lafayette case generally moves through these stages, and there is an opening to help at every one.
People assume a lawyer only matters once you get to court. In reality, the most important work often happens early, before charges are even finalized, when evidence is fresh, witnesses are available, and there is still room to shape the outcome. Getting counsel involved in the first days after an arrest is the single biggest thing you can do to protect yourself, and there is no downside to a free, confidential conversation.
Not every case has to end in a conviction. Louisiana and the Lafayette courts offer paths that, for the right client, lead to treatment and a clean record instead of jail. We push for these wherever they fit.
A charge is not a conviction. The state has to prove every element, and the way it gathered its evidence has to hold up. We examine whether the stop and any search were lawful, whether your rights were honored, and whether the state’s proof is as solid as the police report makes it sound. Where it is not, that is leverage toward a dismissal, a reduction, or an acquittal.
Protect your record so a charge does not become a conviction that shows up on every background check.
Protect your freedom by fighting the charge and pursuing alternatives to jail where they fit.
Lose the fear of the unknown by having someone who knows the Lafayette courts walk you through every step.
The sooner you have someone in your corner, the more options you have. Call or text the Law Office of Heather C. Ford for a free, confidential consultation. Learn more about our Lafayette DWI defense, drug possession defense, and the courts we serve.
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Between myself and my family, we keep Heather busy! She is very professional and knowledgeable. I have spent a lot of money and ruined my driving record paying off speeding tickets but when I found Heather, I found that she is the best
My experience with the Law Office of Heather C. Ford was outstanding. I would recommend this team to anyone that has received a traffic ticket in the metro New Orleans area....
I found Heather online after searching for a traffic lawyer. Since I am not from the area, I was not 100% sure but went with my gut after reading the positive comments. And I was right! I am really pleased with Heather Ford's...
I was thrilled when Heather was able to get my ticket reduced to a non-moving violation and the judge waived fees. I never thought that was possible. I was certain I'd have to pay something. She's great...
Ms. Ford is all that I could ask for in an advocate.
My experience has been as pleasurable as can be expected when you need a lawyer.
Yes. Even a misdemeanor conviction in Lafayette City Court creates a criminal record that can affect jobs, housing, and licenses, and some misdemeanors carry up to six months in jail. A lawyer can often keep the charge off your record entirely.
Lafayette City Court handles most misdemeanors and traffic inside the city. The 15th Judicial District Court handles felonies and serious or repeat cases. The court your case is in changes the penalties and the strategy, which is why it matters early.
No. You are not required to answer questions, and explaining yourself usually helps the state build its case. Politely ask for a lawyer and stop. Then call us.
Sometimes, through diversion, a drug court program, an Article 894 deferral, or a later expungement, depending on the charge and your history. We will give you an honest read on what is realistic in your case.
Not necessarily. Many Lafayette cases resolve with probation, diversion, or treatment rather than jail, especially for first offenses. The outcome depends on the facts and how the case is handled.
We quote a flat fee up front during a free, confidential consultation, so you know where you stand before you decide anything.
Yes. The firm defends both traffic and criminal matters across Acadiana, from a speeding ticket to a felony. If you are not sure which yours is, we will tell you.
