United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana is one of three federal court districts serving the state of Louisiana (the others being the Middle Louisiana and Western Louisiana Districts.)
The Eastern District serves the 13 parishes located in the southeastern corner of the state, effectively New Orleans and its vicinity. This court handles a broad range of federal legal matters, including criminal cases, civil disputes, and constitutional challenges.
If you are accused of a federal crime originating in this area, your case will likely be handled in the Eastern District. The following overview is designed to provide key information about the court so you can make informed choices regarding your defense.
The Hale Boggs Federal Building and Courthouse is located at 500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. It is in the central business district and easily accessible from several highway exits.
It is a historic building in New Orleans, built in 1976 and designed in the Modernist architectural style. It was named in honor of Democratic Congressman Hale Boggs, who disappeared over Alaska in 1972.
Appeals from the Eastern District of Louisiana are typically taken to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
This court is responsible for reviewing decisions made by the district courts. If you disagree with the outcome of your case in the Eastern District, you can appeal to the Fifth Circuit for a review of the decision.
Geographic and Legal Jurisdiction of the Eastern District
The Eastern District of Louisiana encompasses 13 parishes, including Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, and Washington.
As noted, the court's sole location is in the Hale Boggs Federal Building and Courthouse, situated at 500 Poydras Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. This federal district court hears a variety of cases, both civil and criminal.
Its authority spans matters involving federal law, including constitutional issues, federal statutes, and disputes implicating federal jurisdiction. However, it does not typically handle cases involving violations of state laws or cases that are purely civil in nature.
Examples include high-profile criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits involving the government, class-action lawsuits, multi-district litigation, crimes involving interstate commerce or infrastructure, crimes involving financial institutions, crimes occurring on federal lands, and other violations of federal statutes.
By contrast, crimes involving violations of state laws in this region, such as theft, assault, or drug possession, are heard in the state court system rather than in federal court.
What is the Judicial Structure?
The Eastern District of Louisiana is currently staffed by nine active district judges, six senior district judges, and five magistrate judges. These judges, appointed for life, bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles, presiding over trials, issuing rulings on motions, and handling sentencing in criminal cases.
Magistrate judges assist with pre-trial matters, issuing warrants, trying misdemeanor cases, and other procedural functions. Senior judges, though semi-retired, continue managing cases to alleviate workload pressures.
Common Types of Federal Criminal Cases in the Eastern District
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana handles a wide variety of federal criminal cases. The most common include:
- Drug Trafficking and Distribution: These are cases involving the manufacture, sale, or transport of controlled substances across state or international borders.
- Firearms Offenses: Charges related to illegal possession, trafficking, or use of firearms.
- White-Collar Crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and other financial crimes.
- Immigration Violations: Offenses involving illegal reentry, false documentation, or smuggling of individuals.
- Public Corruption: Cases involving bribery, fraud, or abuse of public office.
- Cybercrimes: Hacking, identity theft, and other online-related offenses.
- Human Trafficking: Involving forced labor or exploitation.
- Federal Warrants: When a federal law enforcement agency, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has reason to believe you committed a crime, they have a right to ask the court for a warrant to search your property. If you are involved in a criminal investigation, federal law enforcement agents might show up at your door.
- Internet Crimes: Because commerce on the Internet almost always crosses state lines, Internet fraud is usually charged as a federal offense. These are very serious crimes that carry up to 20 years in prison for a first offense. Internet crimes include many different types, such as solicitation of minors and child pornography.
- Obstruction of Justice: This crime is described as acting in a way to impede or interfere with a government investigation or prosecution intentionally. Federal obstruction of justice charges are primarily designed to preserve the integrity of the criminal justice process. This statute applies to all stages of this process - from a federal law enforcement investigation to prosecution and sentencing.
- Violent Crimes: 18 U.S. Code 3559 governs the classification of federal felonies. Title 18 U.S.C. 1992 explicitly addresses the crime of committing terrorist attacks and other violence against railroad carriers and mass transportation systems affecting interstate and foreign commerce.
Benefits of Hiring a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Louisiana
Understanding the differences in rules and procedures between federal and state courts and the potential severity of federal penalties underscores the importance of hiring a federal criminal defense attorney.
Attempting to represent yourself or choosing an attorney with limited federal court experience can significantly increase the risk of conviction and harsh sentencing.
Therefore, it's crucial to hire an attorney with specific experience in the federal district courts to handle your federal case. Having a defense attorney experienced in the Eastern District of Louisiana provides numerous benefits, including:
- Knowledge of Local Practices: Attorneys familiar with the Eastern District understand its specific rules, procedures, and preferences, giving their clients a strategic advantage in case preparation and presentation.
- Relationship with Court Personnel: Experienced attorneys often have established professional relationships with judges and court staff, which can facilitate smoother case management and communication.
- Federal Trial Experience: Federal cases often involve advanced legal arguments and procedural matters, and most federal trials end in a conviction. A seasoned federal defense attorney is better equipped to build a strong trial strategy tailored to the unique aspects of the case and improve your chances of acquittal.
- Plea Deal/Negotiation Experience: Many cases in federal court are resolved through plea agreements before making it to trial. A well-versed attorney can negotiate on your behalf for reduced charges or lesser penalties. They can also evaluate the terms of a plea deal to ensure they are in your favor, negotiate for better terms if they are not, and give sound advice on whether you should accept a deal or proceed to trial.
For additional information, contact our federal criminal defense law firm, Eisner Gorin LLP, based in Los Angeles, California.
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