May I personally appear in court for a hearing or status conference?
The Thirty-Second Judicial District Court is currently hearing matters in person and by video conferencing (Zoom). All court matters are scheduled by contacting the individual Judge’s office. The Clerk will then present the file to the Judge who will fix the time and place of the hearing.
Do I need special software to attend court online?
If you are using your phone or tablet, you need to DOWNLOAD the Zoom App. If you are using a computer, you need to DOWNLOAD the “Zoom Client for Meetings.” Please download Zoom before court to make sure that it works properly.
Where do I find rules for attending hearings remotely?
The standing instructions for video conferences can be found by clicking HERE. At the appointed time, simply click on the “Attend Court Online” button on the HOME page and enter the password that you received from the Court. Please make sure to add your full name in Zoom before joining. The Court will admit you into the hearing/status conference when all parties are present. You will be placed into a virtual waiting room until that time. Please be patient.
MAKE SURE TO TEST ALL DEVICES AND INTERNET SPEED BEFORE YOUR HEARING. ANYTHING LESS THAN 15-20 MBPS MAY CAUSE CONNECTION PROBLEMS.
What if I or my client experiences technical or connection issues during the hearing?
Don’t panic, the Court will wait until you rejoin. Follow the same procedures you used to join the first time. If your internet is working and you are still having trouble rejoining, please try refreshing your browser before calling the Court.
Can I converse with my client privately during the remote proceeding?
Yes. The Court has the capability of placing you and your client into a virtual, break-out room. These rooms are private and the Court DOES NOT record or monitor the break-out rooms.
How do I obtain pretrial conference, motion and trial dates?
File the proper paperwork setting the Rule, Motion or Exception with the Clerk of Court. The clerk will then present it to the assigned division.
For additional scheduling questions:
Division A, Judge Ellender: Contact Suzan Williams, the Judicial Assistant, at: 985-873-6540.
Division B, Judge Dagate: Contact Monique Landrus, the Judicial Assistant, at 985-873-6550.
Division C, Judge Pickett: Contact Kayla Leblanc, the Judicial Assistant, at 985-873-6560.
Division D, Judge Arceneaux: Contact Amanda Null, the Judicial Assistant, at 985-873-6570.
Division E, Judge Bethancourt: Contact Lauren Viguerie, the Judicial Assistant, at 985-873-6580.
When selecting a court date, do I first have to confirm the date selected with opposing counsel?
The Court encourages any party requesting a hearing to consult with opposing counsel to select an available date.
What are the procedures for submitting evidence?
If you need to submit evidence into the record during a virtual hearing, plan ahead. Typically, evidence that may be offered during a pretrial hearing is already in the record as it was attached to the motion and memorandum. The Court will rule on its admissibility during the hearing. If other evidence needs to be introduced at the time of the hearing, please email the evidence to all counsel and to the Court. Otherwise, make sure you are familiar with how to share your screen during the virtual hearing. If you’d like to discuss this procedure, please call the Judge’s chambers.
What if I need to cancel and/or reschedule the day and time of my hearing?
If you need to cancel your hearing, simply fax a letter to the Judge’s chambers and call the Minute Clerk to let the Court know of the cancellation. If you are also rescheduling, you must state that there is no opposition and that all parties waive notice. Otherwise, a formal motion to reset will be required.
Where should I send a courtesy copy?
Please fax all courtesy copies to the Judge’s chambers. The fax may exceed the 15 page limitation without first seeking leave of Court. There is no need to mail or hand deliver a courtesy copy to chambers. Save the postage and printing costs