Because of the vast number of criminal and civil cases that are filed every year in our District Courts, City Courts are crucial for the administration of justice and ensuring quick access to the legal system.
Generally speaking, City courts are limited in their jurisdiction to handle cases. This includes a geographic limitation to only hearing cases within the city limits of the court. This also includes having jurisdictions over misdemeanor offenses, and not felony charges.
Lafayette City Court is a lower-level court that has jurisdiction over a variety of civil and criminal cases within the city limits of Lafayette.
Lafayette City Court is a court of limited jurisdiction, which means that it can only hear cases that fall within its specific areas of authority.
If a case involves a more serious crime or a larger amount of money, it will typically be heard in a higher-level court, such as the State District Court.
Misdemeanor offenses in Louisiana are criminal offenses that are less serious than felonies, but more serious than petty crimes or infractions.
While state-level misdemeanors are found in the Revised Statutes passed by the Louisiana Legislature, most cities, like Lafayette, have passed local ordinances that punish many common misdemeanor offenses.
Those can be found in Chapter 62 of the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government Code of Local Ordinances.
Some common examples of misdemeanor offenses in Lafayette include:
Keep in mind that the severity of the punishment for a misdemeanor offense may depend on the specifics of the case and the defendant’s criminal history.
Misdemeanor offenses can carry a sentence of up to six months in jail and some may carry a fine of up to $1,000.
Lafayette City Court, like most city courts, has the authority to handle State misdemeanor offenses when it arises within the Court’s jurisdiction, instead of the charge being filed in District Court.
Examples of State Misdemeanors that may be prosecuted in City Court are:
Misdemeanor traffic violations are criminal offenses related to the operation of a motor vehicle that are less serious than felonies, but more serious than petty crimes or infractions.
Some common examples of misdemeanor traffic violations in Lafayette include:
Note: Sometimes people get arrested for a first offense OWI / DUI and think it is not very serious because they will likely receive misdemeanor probation and a fine. That is true, but you must remember that some misdemeanor offenses, such as OWI or Theft, are called “enhanceable” offenses because the same criminal activity may later be considered a FELONY OFFENSE if repeated.
Lafayette Consolidated Government City Ordinance violations are actions that violate a local ordinance or law adopted by the Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG).
The LCG is the governing body for the city of Lafayette, Louisiana, and has the authority to adopt and enforce ordinances that apply within the city limits.
Some examples of ordinances that might be enforced by the LCG include:
If someone is accused of violating a Lafayette Consolidated Government City Ordinance, they may face fines, penalties, and other consequences.
In some cases, the violation may be classified as a misdemeanor offense and could result in a criminal record.
If you have been accused of violating a city ordinance, it is important to speak with an attorney for guidance on how to proceed.
This includes any act of violence or threats of violence between two people who are in an intimate relationship.
If a person is convicted of a domestic violence charge, they may be required to attend a violence intervention course and/or be placed on probation.
These cases may include anything from truancy to serious crimes that occur within the jurisdiction of the court. The court has jurisdiction over some juvenile traffic offenses as well.
The Court’s Civil jurisdiction includes but is not limited to hearing cases regarding general damages, open accounts, contract disputes, personal injury, and commercial paper where the claims made do not exceed $35,000.
The court also hears small claims suits with claims not to exceed $5,000.
The court hears cases regarding tenant issues (evictions) where the amount of rent owed is under $3000, or when an annual lease is valued at $36,000 or less.
The court is unable to hear cases involving:
In addition to resolving disputes, Lafayette City Court serves several other important functions within the community.
For example, the court is responsible for issuing and enforcing protective orders for victims of domestic violence, as well as issuing search warrants when necessary.
The court also plays a role in the collection of fines and fees associated with criminal cases and traffic violations.
Learn more about city court crimes in Lafayette and Acadiana by calling the Ikerd Law Firm.
City Court |
Address | Phone |
Misc. |
Lafayette | City Court Of Lafayette, 105 East Convent St., Lafayette, LA 70501 | 337-291-8720 | Pay Court Fines Online |
Baton Rouge | 233 Saint Louis Street, Room 310, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 | 225-389-5279 | Online Ticket Payments |
Abbeville | 208 S. State St, Abbeville, LA 70510 | 337-893-1513 | City Prosecutor – Ronnie Melebeck
City Judge – Richard J Putnam, III |
Kaplan | 907 Guidry Ave, Kaplan, LA 70548 | 337-643-6611 | Online Payments |
New Iberia | 457 E. Main St., Rooms 206-207, New Iberia, LA 70560 | 337-369-2334 | Warrant Search |