Kenner & New Orleans Criminal Defense Attorney
Charged With a Crime?Get a Former Prosecutor on Your Side.
Barry S. Ranshi used to build cases for the Orleans Parish DA. Now he uses that playbook to find the holes in the State's case against you.
You talk to Barry,not a call center.
criminal law
One phone call now, or a record that follows you for life.
A conviction doesn't end when the case closes. It shows up on job applications, apartment screenings and background checks for years. This is the moment that decides how your story ends.
If you wait and hope it goes away
- The State keeps building its case, and nobody is pushing back
- DWI? Your 30-day window to fight the license suspension runs out
- Something you say to police or friends gets used against you
- Video, witness memories and records start to disappear
- You walk into court without a plan
If you call Barry right now
- A former prosecutor starts picking apart the State's case
- Deadlines like your license hearing get handled in time
- You stop talking. Barry does the talking for you.
- He fights for dismissal, reduced charges or diversion
- You get a real plan and peace of mind, tonight
Answer 3 questions. See where you stand.
Not sure how serious this is? Tap your answers and get a straight read on what matters right now. Nothing you tap is stored or sent anywhere.
What are you facing?
When did this happen?
Is this the first time you've been charged?
Here's where you stand.
General information only, not legal advice. Every case is different.
The clock started the moment you were arrested.
To save your license after a DWI
That's all the time you have to request a hearing to fight the automatic suspension. Miss it and that chance is gone.
To police, friends or social media
Anything you say can be used to build the case against you. Let your attorney do the talking.
Barry is available to take your call
Nights, weekends and holidays. Evidence fades fast, so the sooner Barry reviews the stop, the search and the testing, the better.
Free consultation. No obligation to hire.
Whatever the charge, call Barry first.
Felony and misdemeanor defense in state and federal court. Tap your charge to see how Barry defends it, or call him directly at (504) 905-8399.
DWI / DUI Defense
1st, 2nd and 3rd offense. Barry knows how Louisiana builds DWI cases, from the traffic stop and field sobriety tests to breath test maintenance logs, and how to challenge them.Drug Charges
Possession & distributionFederal Crimes
E.D. & W.D. LouisianaAssault & Violent Crimes
Assault, battery, weaponsDomestic Violence
Charges & protective ordersTheft & Shoplifting
Misdemeanor & felony theftWhite Collar Crimes
Fraud & financial chargesSex Crimes Defense
Discreet, aggressive defenseJuvenile Defense
Protect your child's futureExpungement
Clear your Louisiana recordTraffic Tickets
Call before you payGun & Weapons
Illegal carrying & possessionSee every charge we defend
Felony and misdemeanor, state and federal. Probation, bail, warrants and more.He's worked every side of the courtroom.
Most defense lawyers have only ever seen a case from one side. Barry has worked for the judge, for the prosecution and for the defense. He knows exactly where the State's cases are weakest.
- Staff Attorney to an Orleans Parish Criminal Court JudgeReviewed criminal pleadings and advised the court on evidence and procedure. Helped the court reverse a wrongful second-degree murder conviction, later affirmed by the Louisiana Supreme Court.
- Assistant District Attorney, Orleans ParishInvestigated and tried felony cases as first and second chair. He's seen how the State builds a case from the inside.
- Public Defender & Trial Attorney17th JDC Public Defender's Office, then recruited by one of New Orleans' largest criminal defense firms. Won writs in the appeals courts and the Louisiana Supreme Court.
- Managing Partner, The Barry S. Ranshi Law FirmFocused exclusively on criminal defense across Southeast Louisiana.
"People facing charges are usually good people who made a mistake. I make sure they keep their dignity, and I make sure they don't get railroaded by the system."
Rated 4.8 out of 5 across 92+ reviews.
“My name is Shawn, I had two outstanding traffic tickets. I hired Barry S. Ranshi to appear in court for me due to I lived out of state. I only expected him to appear for me so I can pay the fines. He called me one week later and told me that he got the tickets thrown out, no fines. I am more than satisfied!! Thank you Mr Barry and associates!!”
“Very knowledgeable about the case wasn't expecting outcome so soon on first offense. Thank you and Jon and Mr Barry for taking my case.”
“I am familiar with Mr Ranshi and his law firm. They are a team of hard working professionals.”
Your defense starts with one call.
He digs into the evidence
Police reports, video, testing records and the legality of the stop and search.
He builds your strategy
Dismissal, reduced charges, diversion or the best possible resolution.
He fights for you in court
Aggressive representation at every hearing, then help with expungement if you qualify.
Defending clients across Greater New Orleans.
From our Kenner office, Barry defends criminal charges in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, St. Charles, Tangipahoa, Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, plus federal court. Find your parish or city for local courts, booking and next steps.
Straight answers about Louisiana criminal law
After an Arrest
Stay calm, do not resist, and say clearly that you want to remain silent and want a lawyer. Under La. C.Cr.P. Art....
Learn moreDWI Penalties
A first-offense DWI in Louisiana is a misdemeanor with a $300 to $1,000 fine and 10 days to 6 months in jail, often...
Learn moreDWI License Suspension
After a Louisiana DWI arrest, a first test failure (BAC 0.08% to 0.149%) brings a 180-day administrative suspension,...
Learn moreExpungement Guide
In Louisiana, you file a motion to expunge in the court that handled your case. Arrests without a conviction can...
Learn moreHow Bail Works
In Louisiana, most people charged with a crime are entitled to bail before trial. A judge must see the arrested person...
Learn morePaying a Traffic Ticket
Not before you understand the consequences. Paying a Louisiana ticket ends your chance to fight it, and a traffic...
Learn moreQuestions people ask before they call.
Can I really call at night or on the weekend?
Yes. Barry is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends and holidays. If you or someone you love was just arrested, call (504) 905-8399 right now.
How much does the first consultation cost?
Nothing. Your initial consultation is free and confidential, and you're under no obligation to hire Barry afterward.
I was arrested for DWI. Can I still drive?
Temporarily, yes. Your arrest starts a 30-day window to contest the automatic suspension of your license, and you'll be issued a temporary license for that period. Call now so that deadline doesn't pass you by.
Is a DWI a felony in Louisiana?
A first or second offense DWI is usually a misdemeanor. A third or subsequent DWI is a felony with much harsher penalties. A high BAC, a child in the vehicle or prior convictions can all increase what you're facing.
Should I talk to the police or the prosecutor?
Not without your attorney. Statements you make can be used to build the case against you. Talk to a defense lawyer first.
Where do you take cases?
Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, St. Charles, Tangipahoa, Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, plus federal court in the Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana. The office is in Kenner, and in-person and remote consultations are available.
Can my record be cleared?
Many Louisiana arrests and convictions are eligible for expungement. Barry even helped rewrite Orleans Criminal Court's expungement procedure. Call and he'll tell you if you qualify.
Don't face the State alone.
The prosecutor already has a plan for your case. Get a former prosecutor working on yours. Free, confidential and available 24/7.
Can't talk out loud right now?
Send your info and Barry's team will call you back. Confidential.