1. Why are the court costs so high?

Court costs are set by the legislature. As a need is identified by them, a method to fund that need is developed, Many times that method is to add a court cost to the item. For items dealing with the court system, it is usually a good idea to have those who use the system to pay for it. But, the legislature does not always do that.

Here is a breakdown of court costs on a moving violation:

(fees subject to change)
(costs may vary depending on the type of charge/ticket)

Court costs in civil matter are usually related to use of the court system and are also mandated by the legislature. Here is a breakdown of civil court costs when suit is filed.

2. I read in the newspaper where the judge dismisses a lot of charges. Why?

Although the manner in which the paper reports what happens in our court indicates that, actually, the judge does not dismiss any charges. The prosecutor is the person that has the sole authority to dismiss charges. If the public does not like the fact that a number of charges have been dismissed, they need to address the problems with the city prosecutor for city tickets and the assistant district attorney on parish and state tickets and charges. The city prosecutor answers only to the mayor and city council, not the judge.

It may of interest to note, that a judge tried to keep the prosecutor in Lake Charles from dismissing cases and the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled that the judge had no authority to do so. See City of Lake Charles v. Judge Murray Anderson, 182 S. 2d 70 (La. 1966).

3. Why do I have to come to court for some charges but for others I don't?

Some charges have standard fines (See Fines section of this website) others depend upon the discretion of the judge. In addition, for those individuals that have had a number of violations, the judge likes to address them personally. Also, for those individuals that exceed the speed limit by 20 mph or more, the judge likes to address those persons individually. If an accident occurred, the judge wants proof that damages have been paid by the party at fault.

4. Can I talk to a judge about my case before the trial date?

You can talk to the judge about your case, but only in the presence of the other side. In other words, if you have a ticket or criminal charge, the judge cannot hear only one side but must hear both sides (no ex parte communication). If you wish to talk to the judge about anything other than a pending case or a case to be file din his court, the judge is at the court 5 days a week and will meet with anyone when not in court or not seeing someone else. The judge has office hours. He is in court Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning and on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. He sees juveniles and their parents in the afternoons on Tuesday and Thursday (usually after court and after school).

5. Do parents have to pay their younger driver's tickets?

No. The judge requires that the young driver do community service or pay their own fines if they are working. The judge likes to emphasize to the young person that they must take responsibility for their actions. The judge likes for them to understand that their action not only affects them but others.

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