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14th Judicial District Court – Lake Charles Legal Guide

What is the 14th Judicial District Court?

The 14th Judicial District Court is the primary trial court for Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. It is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Louisiana courts are broken down into different types of courts, and 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. This is the court where Jacob Colonna does most of his work as a Lake Charles attorney.

Where is the 14th Judicial District Court and what are its Hours of Operation?

What resources are available on the 14th JDC Website?

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.

I have handled cases with every judge at the 14th JDC, from multiple million-dollar lawsuits to uncontested divorces in the Family and Juvenile Court. I spend most of my time these days in felony criminal court handlings serious criminal matters such as drug cases and DWIs, as well as Family Court handling divorce and custody matters. I have at least one day in court at the 14th JDC every week, and my experience across multiple practice areas has made me one of the more well-known and identifiable attorneys at the courthouse. The advantage of hiring a local attorney is that the judges will know an attorney they regularly see, like Jacob Colonna.

Who are the judges of the 14th Judicial District Court?

The regular division judges of the 14th Judicial District Court are:

The 14th Judicial District Court Family and Juvenile Court judges are:

The current Magistrate is Judge Fazzio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the 14th Judicial District Court?

The 14th Judicial District Court is located at 1001 Lakeshore Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601. This is the district court of Louisiana for Calcasieu Parish.

What types of cases are heard at the 14th JDC?

The 14th JDC is a hears all criminal matters including felonies, civil matters without damage limits, family law matters, successions, and all general litigation. It is known as a court of general jurisdiction.

Who are the judges at the 14th Judicial District Court?

There are 9 judges at the 14th Judicial District Court and one magistrate. Division A is Judge Redd. Division B is Judge Hoffoss. Division C is Judge Cutrera. Division D is Judge Buford. Division E is Judge Ritchie. Division F is Judge Holmes. Division G is Judge Canaday. Division H is Judge Guidry. Division J is Judge Guillory. The current Magistrate is Judge Fazzio.

What are the hours of the 14th Judicial District Court?

Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:15 PM – 4:30 PM

Does the 14th Judicial District Court have a dress code?

Dress codes are regulated by each division. Judge Guidry in Division H, for example, has his own Dress Code linked on his page. His rules for dress are a good guide for any court: “As a general rule, you should think of the Courtroom as a formal environment. Dress as you would when going for an important job interview or to church.”

Can I attend court at the 14th JDC via Zoom?

Like with the dress code, this is regulated by each division. You should seek permission from the judge you are appearing before ahead of time to ensure you have permission to appear via Zoom. For example, here is the Standing Order for Division B Regarding Zoom Courtroom Attendance for Judge Hoffoss.

What happens at the 14th JDC if you miss a court date?

If you miss a court date, generally you will be given a bench warrant by the presiding judge. If you do not report back to have the judge lift the bench warrant, you risk detention until the judge’s next criminal court date to have the bench warrant removed. Each judge has their own policies regarding bench warrants and you should speak to a local attorney who regularly practices before the 14th JDC if you miss court.

Does Jacob Colonna practice at the 14th JDC?

Yes. Jacob Colonna almost exclusively practices at the 14th JDC, and Colonna Law Firm, LLC is a short walk from the court. Jacob Colonna has experience with every judge in every division for criminal matters, family law matters, and personal injury matters.

Is the 14th JDC the same as the Clerk of Court?

No. While both have authority across Calcasieu Parish and both are located next to each other in Lake Charles, they are two very different parts of the local legal community. The Clerk of Court handles filings, record requests, land records, and expungement paperwork for the 14th JDC matters. The 14th JDC is the trial court for the district of Calcasieu Parish.

Contact an attorney with 17 years of 14th Judicial District Court Experience.

Jacob Colonna has represented persons for criminal law, family law, and personal injury in Lake Charles at the 14th Judicial District Court. If you or a family member has a matter at the 14th Judicial District Court, contact an experienced attorney to help you with your case. Contact Jacob Colonna at Colonna Law Firm LLC in Lake Charles at (337) 656-3212 today to schedule a completely free, 30-minute confidential consultation.