Highly Experienced Trial Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney, Former State Representative, and Former District Court Judge Pro Tempore Joe Marino is a partner at Marino & Ehle, LLC and a veteran criminal defense attorney with more than 30 years of courtroom experience in Jefferson Parish. His career has included service in the courtroom, the Louisiana Legislature, local government, and the judiciary, giving him a broad understanding of Louisiana criminal law and the justice system. Louisiana State Representative & Criminal Justice Committee Chairman Joe served two terms in the Louisiana House of Representatives and chaired the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice. As chairman, he presided over legislation involving criminal law, sentencing, corrections, law enforcement, courts, and public safety. He also served on the Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Civil Law and Procedure. Before serving in the Legislature, Joe was a Gretna City Councilman. In 2025, he was approved by the Jefferson Parish Council to serve as Interim Jefferson Parish Councilman.
Appointed Judge Pro Tempore by the Louisiana Supreme Court In 2023, the Louisiana Supreme Court appointed Joe to serve as a District Court Judge in Division “D” of the 24th Judicial District Court, where he presided over both criminal and civil matters. That judicial experience provided an additional perspective on courtroom preparation, advocacy, credibility, and judicial decision-making. Criminal Defense Experience Criminal defense has been the principal focus of Joe’s legal career. He has represented clients in matters ranging from misdemeanor and DWI charges to serious felony prosecutions, drug and firearm offenses, crimes of violence, sex offenses, attempted murder, and homicide. Joe has extensive experience in jury trials, motion hearings, bail proceedings, and probation matters throughout Jefferson Parish. His approach emphasizes careful preparation, close examination of the evidence, direct client communication, and readiness for trial when necessary.
Legal Leadership and Teaching Joe has served two terms as President of the Jefferson Bar Association and was on the board of the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is also a certified instructor for the Gretna, Kenner, and Westwego Police academies and has lectured at continuing legal education programs for the Louisiana State Bar Association. He has also been a guest lecturer at the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, and Tulane University Law School on legal issues.
Joe has earned an AV Preeminent® peer-review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards. His awards include: Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award, 2022, Dyslexia Resource Center Dyslexia Legislative Champion, 2021, STAR Legislative Champion, 2019, Jefferson Chapter of the Fifth Circuit Judges Association Legislator of the Year, 2018, Louisiana State Firemen’s Association Legislator of the Year, 2018, Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers President’s Award of Appreciation, 2018, Alliance for Good Government Legislator of the Year for Jefferson Parish, 2017, New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law honoree, 2006. Joe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Louisiana State University and his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.
