This is the official website of the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in State of Louisiana serving the parishes of Iberville, West Baton Rouge, and Pointe Coupee.

Traffic Pre-Trial

Crime Prosecution

Prosecution Process & Court Room Etiquette

*At any sentencing stage, a defendant could possibly qualify for one of the judicial Specialty Courts.

Courtroom Etiquette

Allowed

  • Do dress neatly and professionally if possible.
  • Do arrive on time.
  • Do turn off your cell phone.
  • Do be respectful to everyone.
  • Do speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard.
  • Do ask the questioner to repeat or clarify any questions that you do not understand.
  • Do direct your answers to the person who asked the question.
  • Make eye contact with him/her.
  • Do pay attention. It is helpful to listen and learn about the process.
  • Do appear pleasant and interested in the proceedings.
  • Do be polite to courtroom staff – the clerk, the bailiff or others.
  • Do refer to The Judge as “Your Honor” and speak with respect toward everyone.

Not Allowed

  • Do dress neatly and professionally if possible.
  • Don’t wear shorts.
  • Don’t interrupt.
  • Don’t read the newspaper, listen to your iPod, work on your laptop, chew gum, use your cell phone or talk to other people while waiting in the back of the courtroom.
  • Don’t make faces or roll your eyes or otherwise show negative reactions to something happening in the court.
  • Don’t ignore or treat non-judge members of the court staff poorly.