1001 Lakeshore Dr
Lake Charles, LA 70601
P.O. Box 3210
Lake Charles, LA 70602
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
1:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Lake Charles Event Center
across Lakeshore Drive
Criminal · Family Law · Civil · Successions
What is the 14th Judicial District Court?
Louisiana courts are broken down into different types of courts. The district court is the primary parish-level court, handling criminal cases up to murder, civil cases with no limit on damages, family court, and all other general types of cases. The 14th Judicial District Court is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This is the court where I do most of my work as an attorney located in Lake Charles.
Court Structure and Divisions
There are 9 regular divisions in the 14th Judicial District Court and one magistrate position. The 14th Judicial District Court is one of the few district courts in Louisiana to have a separate Family and Juvenile Court. Of the 9 divisions, 3 are Family and Juvenile Divisions. In addition to the 9 regular divisions, there is a Magistrate Judge who handles certain criminal duties for the regular division judges.
Cases in the 14th JDC are assigned to a specific division based on the type of matter and the court’s docket rotation. Criminal cases are typically assigned to the general civil and criminal divisions (B, D, E, F, G, H). Family law matters — divorce, custody, support, and protective orders — are handled by the three dedicated Family and Juvenile Court divisions (A, C, J). The Magistrate handles initial appearances, bond settings, and certain preliminary criminal matters on behalf of the general division judges.
Online Resources from the 14th JDC
The 14th JDC website offers several useful resources for litigants and attorneys:
What to Expect When You Visit the 14th JDC
The courthouse at 1001 Lakeshore Drive is open Monday through Friday. Court sessions run in the morning from 8:30 AM to noon and resume in the afternoon from 1:15 PM to 4:30 PM. Arrive early for any scheduled hearing — parking is available at the Lake Charles Event Center across Lakeshore Drive, and you will need time to pass through courthouse security before your hearing time.
Dress appropriately for a court appearance. Business casual is the minimum standard for litigants. If you have a scheduled hearing, your attorney will advise you on what to bring and how to conduct yourself before the judge.
If you have a criminal matter pending at the 14th JDC and you do not yet have an attorney, call (337) 656-3212 before your next court date. Missing a court date or appearing without counsel can have serious consequences for your case.