City Court Crimes in Lafayette and Acadiana

City Court’s in Louisiana play a crucial role in upholding the law and ensuring that justice is served within our community.

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.

 

In Which City Courts Can the Ikerd Law Firm Represent You?

1. Lafayette City Court
2. Baton Rouge City Court
3. Opelousas City Court
4. St. Martinville City Court
5. New Iberia City Court
6. Abbeville City Court
7. Kaplan City Court
8. Crowley City Court
9. Numerous others throughout Acadiana and South Louisiana

 

What Is Lafayette City Court?

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.

 

What Types of Crimes Does Lafayette City Court Hear?

1. Violations of Lafayette Criminal Ordinances

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:

• Simple battery
• Assault
• Criminal damage to property
• Domestic abuse battery
• Theft under $300
• Theft of goods Prostitution
• Prostitution by massage
• Loitering to solicit prostitution
• Threatening a police officer
• Battery of a police officer
• Flight from an officer
• Resisting an officer
• Remaining after forbidden
• Disturbing the peace
• Begging and soliciting money
• Illegal carrying of a weapon
• Unauthorized use of movables
• Discharging guns and firearms within City Limits

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.

2. Louisiana State Misdemeanor Laws

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:

1. Possession of marijuana (under 14 grams)
2. Theft under $1,000
3. Shoplifting

3. Traffic Violations

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:

• Reckless driving
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI) / Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Hit and run (leaving the scene of an accident)
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Drag racing
• Negligent driving
• Failing to stop for a school bus
• Driving without insurance
• Operating a vehicle with faulty brakes or other safety equipment

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.

• That is why it is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can explain the legal ramifications of pleading guilty to a misdemeanor versus fighting the charge when you are innocent.

4. Lafayette Consolidated Government City Ordinance Violations That Occur Within the Territorial Jurisdiction of the Court

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:

• Zoning ordinances: These ordinances regulate how land can be used within the city, including the types of buildings that can be constructed and the activities that can take place on a particular piece of land.
• Health and safety ordinances: These ordinances are designed to protect the health and safety of the community, and may include regulations on topics such as food safety, building codes, and environmental protection.
• Business regulations: The LCG may adopt ordinances that regulate the operation of businesses within the city, such as licensing requirements, signage regulations, and zoning restrictions.
• Traffic and parking regulations: The LCG may adopt ordinances that regulate the operation of motor vehicles within the city, including rules for traffic flow, parking, and the use of public roads.

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.

5. Domestic Violence

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.

6. Juvenile Cases

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.

 

Other Types of Non-Criminal Cases that May be Heard in Lafayette City Court:

1. Personal Injury & Small Claims Cases

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.

2. Landlord-Tenant Matters

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.

 

What Types of Cases Does Lafayette City Court Not Hear?

The court is unable to hear cases involving:

• Immovable property;
• The right to public office or position;
• Plaintiffs who assert civil or political rights under the federal or state constitutions;
• Any claim for annulment of marriage, divorce, separation of property, or alimony;
• A succession, interdiction, receivership, liquidation, habeas corpus, or quo warranto proceeding;
• A state, or a parish, municipal, or other political corporation named as a defendant;
• Cases outside the jurisdiction of these courts by law;
• Tutorship, curatorship, emancipation, or partition proceedings

 

Other Functions of Lafayette City Court

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.

 

Give the Ikerd Law Firm a Call

Learn more about city court crimes in Lafayette and Acadiana by calling the Ikerd Law Firm.

 

Court Information for City Courts Throughout Acadiana and South Louisiana

City Court	Address	Phone	Misc.
Lafayette	City Court Of Lafayette, 105 East Convent St., Lafayette, LA 70501	337-291-8720	Pay Court Fines Online Look Up Fine Amounts Check for Warrants View Court Schedule
Baton Rouge	233 Saint Louis Street, Room 310, Baton Rouge, LA 70802	225-389-5279	Online Ticket Payments Warrant Lookup
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 Online Ticket Payment