Ascension Parish Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in Ascension Parish. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in Ascension Parish.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In Ascension Parish you may be able to enter into a plea agreement depending upon the severity of the charges. It is also dependant upon the prosecution willing to accept a plea agreement. You can ask your attorney to attempt to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution to avoid having a jury trial along with the potential for a more serious sentence. Approximately 9 out of 10 criminal cases usually end in a plea agreement.
Appealing a guilty verdict
A defendant may appeal a guilty verdict to an appellate court. This is not a request to have another trial, but a request for an appellate court to review the case and determine that it was handled in a correct legal manner. There are a number of outcomes in an appeal including an upholding of the conviction, a finding that errors were made resulting in a retrial or resentencing or possibly a complete disimissal of all charges.
Ascension Parish Criminal Court
The Right to Trial by Jury
The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by a jury. This is applicable for when the crime can carry a sentence of 6 months in jail OR a $500 fine, these are known as “Serious Crimes”. The defendant can also waive their right to a speedy and public trial.
Burden of Proof Requirement
In a criminal case in the United States, the burden of proof always requires the prosecutor to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. This is a high threshold that must be met by the prosecution when presenting evidence in a case. If the prosecution fails in it’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt the judge must find the defendant not guilty. In a jury trial, the judge will inform the jury what this burden is and their obligation to find the defendant not guilty if they feel the prosecution did prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing in Ascension Parish
In Ascension Parish if the defendant is found guilty (by trial or plea), the defendant will be sentenced. This sometimes occurrs immediately after being found guilty, but can also take place at a later date. In most instances, a judge will impose the sentence that is requested by the prosecution, but they also have the descretion to impose a different sentence.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
The 6th Amendment guarantees you the right to an attorney whether or not you can afford one. If you cannot afford one, a public defender will be appointed by the court to represent you.
Jury Deliberations in Ascension Parish
In Ascension Parish, jury deliberations will take place in a jury trial after the prosecution and defense have presented their cases and rested. At this point, the judge will provide a list of instructions to the jury about what they are allowed and not allowed to do and what verdict options are available for them to decide. The jury will be sent to a private room to discuss the evidence presented in the case and attempt to reach a unaminous decision. When a unaminous decision is reached, the jury will inform the judge that they have reached a verdict and will return to the courtroom for the verdict to be read allowed. In the event that the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the jury results in a deadlock and a mistrial is declared.
Ascension Parish Required Court Appearances
In Ascension Parish, there are both required and non-required court appearances for the defendant. At a required or mandatory appearance hearing, the defendant is required to appear in person before the court. Failing to appear at your required hearing may result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest by the judge.
Prosecutor in Ascension Parish
In Ascension Parish, the prosecutor is an attorney representing Ascension Parish. In some cases, the prosecutor may actually represent Louisiana. For the most part, the prosecutor in Ascension Parish has discretion to both decide whether to file charges and also negotiate a potential plea deal with the defendant.
Ascension Parish Criminal Court locations
Criminal proceedings take place in the Ascension Parish Criminal Courts. A list of the criminal courts are located here.
I need help for my Ascension Parish criminal case
The best place to get information about your criminal case is from an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent you which will assist in your case. For general information about your case the Ascension Parish court clerk is able to provide general information about your specific case (e.g. date/time hearings, mandatory appearance, what will take place and what you will be required to do). The court clerk for Ascension Parish will NOT be able to provide legal advice for your case, only an attorney can provide legal advice. The court clerk can provide legal information (like the information found on this website) about your case but cannot provide advice about what you should do in your legal manner.
Arraignments in Ascension Parish
During an arraignment in Ascension Parish, a defendant appears before the court and the judge reads the charges that have been filed against the accused and also informs the defendant of his/her rights. During the arraignment in Ascension Parish, the defendant can choose to plead one of the following 1) Guilty 2) Not Guilty or 3) No Contest. If the defendant enters a plea of Not Guilty, a date for trial is set. In the event of a Guilty or No Contest Plea in Ascension Parish the defendant may be sentenced at that time or the sentencing may take place at a later date.
Ascension Parish Criminal Court Locations
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Ascension 23rd Judicial District Court – Donaldsonville
Address: 300 Houmas Street, PO Box 192, Donaldsonville LA 70346
Phone: 225-473-9866 Fax: 225-473-8641 -
Ascension 23rd Judicial District Court – Gonzales Courthouse
Address: 828 South Irma Blvd, Gonzales LA 70737
Phone: 225-621-8400 Ext. 7 Fax: 225-644-8790 -
Ascension 23rd Judicial District Court – Gonzales Satellite Office
Address: 815 East Worthey Street, Gonzales LA 70737
Phone: 225-621-8400 Ext. 6 Fax: 225-621-8403 -
Ascension Parish Court – Donaldsonville
Address: 300 Houmas Street, PO Box 192, Donaldsonville LA 70346
Phone: 225-473-9866 Fax: 225-473-8641 -
Ascension Parish Court – Gonzales Courthouse
Address: 828 South Irma Blvd, Building 2, Gonzales LA 70737
Phone: 225-621-8400 Fax: 225-621-8403 -
1st Justice Court
Address: 1004 Madison Street, Donaldsonville LA 70346
Phone: 225-473-4407 -
2nd Justice Court
Address: 16179 State Bank Drive, Suite B, Prairieville LA 70769
Phone: 225-744-8880 Fax: 225-744-8801 -
3rd Justice Court
Address: 44073 Gold Place Road, St. Amant LA 70774
Phone: 225-647-7002 Fax: 225-647-7012 -
Sorrento Mayor’s Court
Address: 8173 Main Street, PO Box 65, Sorrento LA 70778
Phone: 225-675-5337 Fax: 225-675-8745