14th Judicial District Court
Local Legal Guide — Lake Charles, Louisiana
Everything you need to know about the primary trial court for Calcasieu Parish — from an attorney who appears here at least once a week.
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.
14th Judicial District Court
If you have a case in Lake Charles, this is almost certainly where it will be heard.
| Physical Address 1001 Lakeshore Dr Lake Charles, LA 70601 | Mailing Address P.O. Box 3210 Lake Charles, LA 70602 |
| Hours of Operation Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM 1:15 PM – 4:30 PM | Website www.14jdc.org |
| Parking Free parking at the Lake Charles Event Center across Lakeshore Drive | Practice Areas Served Criminal · Family Law · Civil · Successions |
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.
The Judges of the 14th Judicial District Court
General Divisions
| judicial division | judge | website |
|---|---|---|
| Division B | Judge Hoffoss | 14jdc.org/divb |
| Division D | Judge Buford | 14jdc.org/divd |
| Division E | Judge Ritchie | 14jdc.org/dive |
| Division F | Judge Holmes | 14jdc.org/divf |
| Division G | Judge Canaday | 14jdc.org/divg |
| Division H | Judge Guidry | 14jdc.org/divh |
| Magistrate | Judge Fazzio | 14jdc.org/magcourt |
Family & Juvenile Court Divisions
| judicial division | judge | website |
|---|---|---|
| Division A | Judge Redd | 14jdc.org/diva |
| Division C | Judge Cutrera | 14jdc.org/divc |
| Division J | Judge Guillory | 14jdc.org/divj |
FROM JACOB COLONNA- ATTORNEY AT LAW
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 handling 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.
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.
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. Parking is available at the Lake Charles Event Center across Lakeshore Drive.
How do you get to the 14th Judicial District Court from Texas?
The 14th JDC is located right off Interstate 10 after crossing the Calcasieu Bridge. You will immediately exit after the bridge on Exit 29 from I-10E and continue on the I-10 Service Road/N Lakeshore Drive, which becomes Bord du Lac Drive. Then turn right on LA-385/N Lakeshore Dr. The court will be on your left and the Lake Charles Event Center will be on your right. Park at the Event Center and cross Lakeshore Drive at Kirby Street to walk to the court.
What types of cases are heard at the 14th JDC?
The 14th JDC hears all criminal matters including felonies, civil matters without damage limits, family law matters, successions, and all general litigation.
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 is the difference between the general divisions and the Family & Juvenile Court at the 14th JDC?
The 14th JDC is one of the few district courts in Louisiana with a dedicated Family and Juvenile Court. Divisions A, C, and J handle divorce, child custody, child support, protective orders, and juvenile matters exclusively. The general divisions (B, D, E, F, G, H) handle felony criminal cases, civil litigation, and all other non-family matters. The Magistrate handles initial criminal appearances and bond settings on behalf of the general division judges
Is there a dress code for the 14th JDC?
Typically, yes. Judge Guidry with Division H has a dress code posted on his page, which you can find at https://www.14jdc.org/s/Dress-Code-for-Court-Div-H.pdf. This is a good guide for how you should appear before any of the judges at the courthouse.
Where do I park at the 14th Judicial District Court?
Free parking is available at the Lake Charles Event Center across Lakeshore Drive from the courthouse
Our Lake Charles Office
Located at 900 Ryan Street, Suite 402, in downtown Lake Charles.
Legal Disclaimer
This material is provided for information-gathering purposes only. Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute legal advice. Colonna Law Firm, LLC does not represent you unless and until the firm agrees to represent you and a written fee agreement has been signed. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific facts of each case. Do not rely on this form as a substitute for legal counsel.