East Feliciana Parish Criminal Court hears all criminal cases in East Feliciana Parish. Below you will find specific information about criminal cases and how they are handled in East Feliciana Parish.
Burden of Proof
The burden of proof is always on the prosecution in a criminal trial. In other words, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. The defense must only prove that there is a reasonable possibility that the defendant did NOT commit the crime. If the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury will be instructed to find the defendant not-guilty.
Arraignments in East Feliciana Parish
During an arraignment in East Feliciana 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 East Feliciana 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 East Feliciana Parish the defendant may be sentenced at that time or the sentencing may take place at a later date.
East Feliciana Parish Criminal Court
Mandatory Appearances in East Feliciana Parish Criminal Court
At a mandatory or required court appearance in East Feliciana Parish, the defendant must appear before the court. In the event of a “Failure to Appear” the judge may issue a warrant for the arrest of the defendant. Note: not all criminal hearings are mandatory, in a non-mandatory hearing an attorney may appear on your behalf without you being in court.
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 by Trial Right
The US Constitution (Article 3 along with the 6th Amendment) ensures an accused defendant the right to a jury trial. This applies to crimes that have a $500 fine or a potential sentence of six months in jail (aka Serious Crimes). This right to trial by jury can also be waived by a defendant.
Sentencing in East Feliciana Parish
In East Feliciana 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.
Can I request a Plea Agreement?
In East Feliciana 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.
East Feliciana Parish Criminal Court hearings
Criminal hearings in East Feliciana Parish will take place at the East Feliciana Parish Criminal Courts. Please see here for a list of the East Feliciana Parish Criminal Court Locations.
I need help for my East Feliciana 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 East Feliciana 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 East Feliciana 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.
Jury Deliberation
In a jury trial in East Feliciana Parish, after both the prosecution and defense have rested, the judge will give instructions to the jury and jury deliberations will begin. The jury will convence in a private room to discuss and deliberate the innocence or guilt of the defendant. Once the jury arrives at a unimanous decision, they will inform the judge that they have reached a decision. They will return to the court and the verdict will be read aloud. If the jury cannot reach a unaminous decision, the jury is said to be deadlocked and a mistrial will be declared in the case.
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.
East Feliciana Parish Prosecutor
For criminal cases in East Feliciana Parish, the prosecutor will be a representative of East Feliciana Parish. The East Feliciana Parish prosecutor reviews all evidence and ultimately decides whether to file or dismiss charges in the case. Most of the time, the prosecutor has leeway in plea negotiations and determines how the case will be prosecuted.
East Feliciana Parish Criminal Court Locations
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East Feliciana 20th Judicial District Court
Address: 12305 St. Helena Street, PO Drawer 599, Clinton LA 70722
Phone: 225-683-5145 Fax: 225-683-3556 -
Justice of the Peace District 1
Address: 7361 Battle Road, Ethel LA 70730
Phone: 225-719-0042 -
Justice of the Peace District 2
Address: PO Box 1440, Jackson LA 70748
Phone: 225-335-3959 -
Justice of the Peace District 3
Address: 9425 Bank Street Extension, Clinton LA 70722
Phone: 225-683-8186 -
Justice of the Peace District 4
Address: PO Box 325, Clinton LA 70722
Phone: 225-683-5511 -
Clinton Mayor’s Court
Address: 11209 Bank Street, PO Box 513, Clinton LA 70722
Phone: 225-683-5531 Fax: 225-683-6890 -
Jackson Mayor’s Court
Address: 1610 Charter Street, PO Box 1150, Jackson LA 70748
Phone: 225-634-7777 Fax: 225-634-2233 -
Norwood Mayor’s Court
Address: 3814 Azalea Street, PO Box 249, Norwood LA 70761
Phone: 225-629-5585 Fax: 225-629-5347 -
Slaughter Mayor’s Court
Address: 3337 Church Street, PO Box 29, Slaughter LA 70777
Phone: 225-654-4278 Fax: 225-654-1480 -
Wilson Mayor’s Court
Address: 6528 Sycamore Street, PO Box 40, Wilson LA 70789
Phone: 225-629-5415