Criminal Defense & Divorce Lawyer in Lake Charles, LA
Protecting your rights and your future with skilled, client-focused representation — from a Lake Charles native who knows these courts.
Serving Lake Charles, Sulphur, Westlake, Jennings & Southwest Louisiana
#1 Criminal Justice Attorney in Lake Charles — BusinessRate 2026, powered by Google Reviews
Recognition
Expertise 2026
Jacob Colonna has been recognized as the #1 Criminal Justice Attorney in Lake Charles by BusinessRate 2026; Top Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Divorce Lawyer in Lake Charles by Expertise 2026; a Nation’s Premier Top Ten Ranking attorney by NACDA; and a Lawyer of Distinction 2023.
Trial-tested. Locally rooted. Personally invested.
Trial-Tested Experience
Over 12 years of courtroom experience in Calcasieu Parish’s 14th Judicial District Court and the Western District of Louisiana. Jacob has taken difficult cases to trial and won.
Born & Raised Here
Jacob Colonna is a Lake Charles native and LSU Law graduate who returned home to practice. He knows the local courts, the local prosecutors, and the community he serves.
Direct Communication
When you hire Colonna Law Firm, you work directly with Jacob — not a paralegal or junior associate. You’ll always know where your case stands.
Experienced in the areas that matter most
★ Top Rated 2026
DWI / DUI Defense
Louisiana DWI charges carry serious consequences. Jacob challenges breathalyzer results, field sobriety tests, and improper stops to protect your license and record.
★ Top Rated 2026
Drug Crimes
From simple possession to distribution charges, Jacob understands Louisiana’s drug laws and fights to have charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.
Probation Violation Defense
When your probation is violated you have a short time to act. Jacob has navigated complex probation violation cases for over 17 years.
★ Top Rated 2026
Divorce & Family Law
Protecting your parental rights, property, and future. Jacob handles contested and uncontested divorces, custody disputes, and child support matters.
Personal Injury
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, Jacob fights for the compensation you deserve — including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
★ Top Rated 2026
Criminal Defense
From traffic offenses to serious felonies, Jacob provides aggressive, strategic defense for clients throughout Southwest Louisiana.
About Jacob Colonna
A Lake Charles attorney who fights for you
Founder & Lead Attorney, Colonna Law Firm, LLC
Jacob Colonna grew up in Lake Charles and graduated from LSU Law Center in 2008 summa cum laude. After gaining experience at regional firms, he founded Colonna Law Firm in 2013 with a straightforward goal: give Southwest Louisiana clients the kind of personal, aggressive representation usually reserved for big-city firms.
In over a decade of practice, Jacob has defended hundreds of clients in the 14th Judicial District Court, the Louisiana Courts of Appeal, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. He has tried cases to verdict, negotiated dismissals, and fought for families in some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Jacob holds a 5.0 average across 221 Google reviews — a record built one client at a time.
LSU Law 2008 — Summa Cum Laude
Louisiana State Bar
Founded 2013
14th JDC
USDC Western District
NACDA Top Ten
Colonna Law Firm has earned recognition from BusinessRate (#1 Criminal Justice Attorney, Lake Charles 2026), Expertise (Top Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI & Divorce Lawyers in Lake Charles 2026), NACDA (Nation’s Premier Top Ten Ranking), Lawyers of Distinction (2023), and Best of the Best (Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney 2020).
Over 220 Google reviews · 5.0 star rating
★★★★★
“I have a condition that caused law enforcement to believe I was impaired. Jacob understood exactly what happened, fought for me, and got the charge dismissed. He treated me like a person, not a case number.”
Google Review
DWI Dismissal · Lake Charles
★★★★★
“I’ve worked with Jacob for over ten years across multiple legal matters. He is honest, thorough, and genuinely cares about his clients’ outcomes. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my legal needs.”
Google Review
Long-Term Client · Southwest Louisiana
★★★★★
“Jacob handled my custody case with professionalism and real compassion. When scheduling conflicted with my needs, he actually referred me to another attorney rather than rush through my case. That says everything.”
Google Review
Family Law · Lake Charles
What clients in Lake Charles ask most
What are the penalties for a first DWI offense in Louisiana?
A first-offense DWI in Louisiana carries up to six months in jail, fines between $300 and $1,000, a 90-day license suspension, and mandatory participation in a substance abuse program. An experienced attorney can often reduce or avoid these consequences.
What is the difference between drug possession and distribution in Louisiana?
Possession means having a controlled substance for personal use. Distribution — or possession with intent to distribute — means having it to sell or transfer. The distinction is often based on quantity, packaging, and circumstantial evidence, and it dramatically affects potential penalties.
Can a DWI be expunged from my record in Louisiana?
Yes, under certain conditions. A first-offense DWI conviction may be eligible for expungement five years after completion of your sentence, provided you have no subsequent DWI convictions. A dismissed charge may be expunged sooner.
How much does it cost to hire a criminal defense attorney in Lake Charles?
Attorney fees vary based on the complexity of your charges, whether your case goes to trial, and other factors. Colonna Law Firm offers free initial consultations so you can discuss your situation and understand your options before any financial commitment.
Visit Colonna Law Firm
Address
900 Ryan Street, Suite 402
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
Free Consultations
Call or schedule online — no obligation.