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

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Jacob Colonna

Attorney at Law · LSU Law 2008 · Founded 2013

#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.

Why Choose Jacob

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.

Practice Areas

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.

Drug Crimes

From simple possession to distribution charges, Jacob understands Louisiana’s drug laws and fights to have charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.

Divorce & Family Law

Protecting your parental rights, property, and future. Jacob handles contested and uncontested divorces, custody disputes, and child support matters.

★ Top Rated 2026

Assault & Battery

Louisiana assault and battery charges range from misdemeanor to aggravated felony. Jacob examines every detail — from the alleged incident to the arresting officer’s conduct.

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.

Criminal Defense

From traffic offenses to serious felonies, Jacob provides aggressive, strategic defense for clients throughout Southwest Louisiana.

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

Read Jacob’s full bio →

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).

Client Reviews

5.0 stars · Over 220 Google reviews

★★★★★

“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

See all 220+ client reviews on Google →

Common Questions

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.