USDC Western District of Louisiana

The Lake Charles Division has jurisdiction over federal criminal offenses rather than state offenses. This primarily includes federal drug conspiracy indictments, white-collar offenses, and federal firearm violations such as felon in possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). All federal crimes arising in Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Beauregard, Vernon, and Allen Parishes are prosecuted here.

The Lake Charles Division clerk’s office can be reached at (337) 437-3870. The courthouse is located at 611 Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The five division courthouses are: Lake Charles — 611 Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601; Shreveport — 300 Fannin Street, Suite 1167, Shreveport, LA 71101; Lafayette — 800 Lafayette Street, Suite 2100, Lafayette, LA 70501; Alexandria — 515 Murray Street, Suite 105, Alexandria, LA 71301; Monroe — 201 Jackson Street, Suite 215, Monroe, LA 71201.

After arrest, a defendant is transported to CCC for booking — fingerprinting, photographing, property inventory, and a records check. The defendant is then assigned to a housing unit and given an opportunity to make phone calls. This is when contacting an attorney is most critical.

From downtown Lake Charles take Ryan Street north to Enterprise Boulevard. Turn left on Enterprise Boulevard — LCPD headquarters will be on your right at 830 Enterprise Blvd. The Records Division is a short distance further at 1028 Enterprise Blvd.

After arrest by LCPD, you will typically be transported to the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center at 5410 E. Broad Street for booking. Bond will be set either by a scheduled bond amount or at a court hearing. The Calcasieu Parish DA’s office will then review the arrest and decide whether to file formal charges. Contact an attorney before that decision is made — early intervention matters.

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana handles all federal criminal prosecutions, civil rights cases, immigration matters, federal drug trafficking charges, firearms offenses under federal law, bankruptcy appeals, and other matters arising under federal law within the district.

State court handles violations of Louisiana law and is prosecuted by the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office at the 14th JDC. Federal court handles violations of federal law and is prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana. Federal charges typically carry harsher mandatory minimum sentences, are governed by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and involve more extensive pre-trial investigation by federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or ATF.

PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is the federal court’s online system for accessing case filings, dockets, and court documents. You can register for a PACER account at pacer.gov. All federal court filings in the Western District are accessible through PACER.

How do I get to the federal courthouse in Lake Charles?

If you believe you are under federal investigation — or if federal agents have contacted you, searched your property, or issued a grand jury subpoena — contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not speak to federal investigators without an attorney present. Federal investigations often conclude in charges months or years after the initial contact. Early attorney involvement is critical. Call (337) 656-3212 for a free 30-minute consultation.