Lake Charles City Court
Local Legal Guide — Lake Charles, Louisiana
Municipal court handling misdemeanor, traffic, and ordinance violations within Lake Charles city limits.
What is the difference between Lake Charles City Court and the 14th Judicial Court?
While both Lake Charles City Court and the 14th Judicial Court serve the same area, they handle contrasting legal matters. The Lake Charles City Court serves civil cases under $50,000 and Misdemeanor crime occurring in the Ward 3 district. While the 14th Judicial District Court handles all felonies occurring within the 14th Judicial District, as well as a plethora of misdemeanor cases. Additionally, all civil cases requiring a jury or $50,000 or higher must be heard in the 14th Judicial Court by La. C.C.P.Art 4843.
Lake Charles City Court
If you received a ticket or misdemeanor charge within Lake Charles city limits, this is where your case will be heard.
| Physical Address 118 W Mill St. Lake Charles, LA 70601. | Website lccitycourt.org |
| Hours of Operation Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM 1:15 PM – 4:30 PM | Telephone (Traffic/Criminal) (337) 491-1565 |
| Parking Free parking at 118 W Mill St, Lake Charles, La. Where this is an on-site parking lot. | Telephone (Civil) (337) 491-1564 |
What types of cases are heard in Lake Charles City Court?
Louisiana courts are broken down into different types of courts. The Lake Charles City Court is in Lake Charles, LA and has jurisdiction over the entirety of Ward 3 in Calcasieu Parish, handling Traffic disputes, misdemeanor criminal charges, to Lake Charles city ordinance violations and civil matters under $50,000 per La. C.C.P.Art 4843.
Who are the current judges and administrative staff at Lake Chares City Court?
| Title | name | website |
|---|---|---|
| Division A | Judge Jamie B. Bice | http://www.lccitycourt.org |
| Division B | Judge Ronald C. Richard | http://www.lccitycourt.org |
| Civil Division | Monica Abshire, Clerk | http://www.lccitycourt.org/#about |
| Traffic/Criminal | Tammy Young, Clerk | http://www.lccitycourt.org/#about |
FROM JACOB COLONNA- ATTORNEY AT LAW
Lake Charles City Court handles more cases than most people realize. The court handles a different docket than the 14th JDC — mostly traffic violations, misdemeanor offenses, and city ordinance matters. Many people think they can handle a City Court matter on their own. Sometimes they can. But a conviction in City Court still goes on your record, can affect your insurance, your CDL, your professional license, and in some cases your immigration status. Do not assume a City Court charge is minor until you understand what a conviction actually costs you.
Online Resources for Lake Charles City Court
The website for the City Court offers several useful resources for the public:
Ward 3 Marshall
Search Evictions
Online Forms
What Should You Know Before Appearing at Lake Charles City Court?
Lake Charles City Court is located in downtown Lake Charles at 118 W. Mill Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. On-site parking is available directly at the courthouse.
Criminal and traffic court runs on Mondays and Fridays at 9:00 AM and Wednesdays at 10:00 AM. Civil court is held Monday and Tuesday at 11:00 AM and Thursday at 9:00 AM. Arrive at least 30 minutes early for any scheduled appearance.
Dress code is enforced — business casual is the minimum standard. No cell phones, gum, or inappropriate clothing are permitted in the courtroom. If you are sentenced to a fine, full payment is due the day of court.
If you have a criminal or traffic matter at Lake Charles City Court and do not yet have an attorney, call Colonna Law Firm at (337) 656-3212 for a free 30-minute consultation before your court date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Lake Charles City Court located?
The Lake Charles City Court is in downtown Lake Charles at 118 W Mill St, Lake Charles, LA 70601. The facility accommodates on-site parking and operates Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm.
Who are the active Judges at Lake Charles City Court?
There are 2 Judges at the Lake Charles City Court. Division A is Jamie B. Bice. Division B is Judge Ronald C. Richard.
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.
Can a case be tried before a jury in the Lake Charles City Court?
No, jury trials are prohibited from being tried within Lake Charles City Court. Louisiana legal guidelines require all matters at Lake Charles City Court must be resolved through bench trials by the presiding division judge.
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.