New Orleans Mental Health Diversion Programs
If you or a loved one was arrested in New Orleans during a mental health crisis, Louisiana law may allow the case to be diverted into treatment instead of traditional prosecution. New Orleans cases are generally handled in Orleans Parish courts — this guide explains how diversion works there, who qualifies, and what happens after.
Louisiana law that applies in New Orleans
La. C.Cr.P. art. 893 — Deferred imposition of sentence.
- La. R.S. 13:5351 et seq. (specialty courts)
Citations pending attorney review.
How a New Orleans case moves into diversion
- 1. Arrest & booking. After a New Orleans arrest, the case is filed with Orleans Parish prosecutors. Jail mental health staff may flag a condition at intake.
- 2. Defense request. Your attorney gathers treatment records and asks the court or prosecutor for diversion or mental health court referral.
- 3. Evaluation & plan. A clinician confirms the diagnosis and proposes a treatment plan for the court to review.
- 4. Supervision. You follow the plan with regular check-ins with the Orleans Parish court or program staff.
- 5. Dismissal. Successful completion can lead to dismissed charges and possible record sealing.
Who may qualify in New Orleans
Courts commonly consider a diagnosed condition such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression; whether it contributed to the alleged offense; whether treatment is likely to help; and public safety. Veterans may also be eligible for veterans treatment court where available. For the full Louisiana breakdown, see the Louisiana diversion guide.
New Orleans diversion FAQs
Does New Orleans have a mental health diversion program?
Criminal cases from New Orleans are typically heard in Orleans Parish courts, where diversion is governed by La. C.Cr.P. art. 893 (Deferred imposition of sentence) and local court and prosecutor policy. Availability depends on the charge and program capacity — a local defense attorney can confirm current options.
Where are New Orleans criminal cases heard?
Most New Orleans arrests are prosecuted in the Orleans Parish criminal courts. Some minor offenses may go through municipal court. Mental health court dockets, where available, are usually run at the county level.
Who qualifies for mental health diversion in New Orleans?
Courts commonly look for a diagnosed mental health condition (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, major depression, and others) that played a role in the offense, a treatment plan likely to help, and no unreasonable public safety risk. Some serious or violent charges may be excluded under Louisiana law.
Can felony charges in New Orleans be diverted?
It depends on Louisiana law and the specific charge. Some Louisiana programs accept certain felonies; others are limited to misdemeanors. A New Orleans diversion lawyer can review whether your charge is eligible.
What happens if I complete diversion in New Orleans?
Successful completion of a Louisiana diversion program often leads to dismissal of the charges, and may open the door to sealing or expungement of the arrest record.
How do I find a mental health diversion lawyer in New Orleans?
Look for a criminal defense attorney who regularly practices in Orleans Parish courts and has handled diversion or mental health court cases. You can request a match through this site at no cost.