Genevieve Robichaux
Upcoming Section Assignment Changes Effective ...

We would like to inform members of the legal community and the public of upcoming section assignment changes within the 19th Judicial District Court. These changes will take effect in August 2025 and involve the reassignment of both civil and criminal dockets.

Upcoming Section Assignment Changes Effective August 2025
Genevieve Robichaux
Declaration of Critical Shortage of Certified ...

The 19th Judicial District Court is taking an important step forward to address a growing concern within the Louisiana judicial system — the critical shortage of Certified Court Reporters. On behalf of the court, Chief Judge Donald Johnson has officially signed a Resolution highlighting the urgent need for action and collaboration to combat this issue.

Declaration of Critical Shortage of Certified Court Reporters
Diana Gibbens
On the Move in 2025

In 2024, the 19th JDC initiated a Commissioners’ Court to assist the Judges with improved case flow. The impact of these changes has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to increased enhancements in 2025. One goal is to have all 4 Commissioners housed on one floor. This month, we are 75% closer to achieving this goal. In order to accomplish this feat, there has been some reshuffling of offices within the building.

On the Move in 2025
Diana Gibbens
19th JDC Judges Host Legislative Open House

The Judges of the 19th Judicial District Court invited legislators from the Capital Area Delegation to an open house on September 30, 2024. The legislators in attendance were provided an overview of court operations that included greeting the 300 potential jurors summoned to appear on Monday mornings, observations of both civil and criminal court proceedings, and learning about the new programs of the 19th JDC’s Court Intervention Program (CIP). The programs that fall under CIP include Pretrial Services; Commissioners’ Court; Pretrial Diversion and Recovery; Recovery (Drug) Court; Veterans’ Treatment Court; Re-entry Court and Domestic Violence Court.

19th JDC Judges Host Legislative Open House
Diana Gibbens
COURT CLOSURE

Tropical Storm Francine is developing in the western Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to become a hurricane as it tracks toward the Louisiana coast. The storm is expected to bring four to eight inches of heavy rainfall across the area primarily on Wednesday and Thursday.

The 19th Judicial District Court will be closed on Wednesday, September 11 and Thursday, September 12. The court will reopen on Friday, September 13 at 8:30 a.m.

COURT CLOSURE

2026 Community Warrant Resolution Clinic

Community Warrant Resolution Clinic
March 27, 2026

The East Baton Rouge Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (EBRCJCC), in collaboration with the 19th Judicial District Court and several local city courts, is hosting the 2026 Community Warrant Resolution Clinic on Friday, March 27th.

This event is a major community initiative designed to help residents resolve outstanding legal matters in a safe, supportive environment. If you have an active warrant for a non-violent offense, this is your opportunity for a "fresh start" to clear your record without the fear of being arrested.

Event At-A-Glance

  • When: Friday, March 27th, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

    • (Note: Baton Rouge City Court will stop accepting new individuals at 1:00 PM)

  • Main Help Desk: City Hall, 222 St. Louis Street, Downtown Baton Rouge

  • Expungement Consultations: Located at the 19th JDC, 1st Floor Jury Room

  • Parking: Free parking is available at the River Center West Parking Garage (499 St. Louis Street)

REGISTER NOW

Why You Should Attend

This clinic is a one-day "safe harbor" designed to help you navigate the legal system and move forward:

  • Speak with a Public Defender: Get legal guidance on your specific situation.

  • Resolve Your Case: Work directly with court representatives to recall warrants or set new court dates.

  • Access Resources: Connect with community organizations providing on-site support services.

  • Expungement Info: Learn about the process for clearing eligible past records.

Is My Case Eligible?

The clinic focuses on helping individuals with non-violent matters. Use the guide below to see if your case qualifies:

Eligible for Resolution

  • Traffic & Misdemeanor Offenses

  • Non-violent Felonies

  • Child Support & Family Cases

NOT Eligible (Will NOT be recalled)

  • Violent Felonies

  • Criminal Domestic Violence

  • Probation Revocations

Important: Matters for Juvenile Court, Baker City Court, and Zachary City Court will all be handled at the 19th JDC during this event.

Participating Agencies

This event is made possible through a massive collaborative effort, including:

  • 19th Judicial District Court

  • EBRP Juvenile & Family Courts

  • Baton Rouge, Zachary, and Baker City Courts

  • District Attorney’s Office & City Prosecutor’s Office

  • Office of the Public Defender

  • YWCA, LSU Law, SULC, and many more.

Get More Information

For questions regarding the clinic or registration, please contact the organizers directly at: events@ebrcjcc.org.

The 19th JDC is committed to supporting initiatives that increase access to justice and community safety.

REGISTER NOW!

EBRPL Honored with Margaret T. Lane Award for 19th JDC "Access to Justice" Initiative

The 19th Judicial District Court extends its warmest congratulations to the East Baton Rouge Parish Library (EBRPL) for receiving the prestigious Margaret T. Lane Award from the Louisiana Library Association (LLA).

Excellence in Community Service

The award recognizes the library’s outstanding work in providing public access to government information—specifically through the Access to Justice Initiative. This program, launched in partnership with the 19th JDC, transformed how citizens interact with the legal system by allowing for the remote filing of Domestic Violence (DV) petitions at library branches.

A Partnership for Public Safety

While the 19th JDC catalyzed the initiative to bridge the gap between the bench and the public, it is the EBRPL’s dedicated staff and accessible facilities that have made the program a success.

Key achievements of the initiative include:

  • Safe Spaces: Providing a secure, neutral environment for survivors to seek legal protection.

  • Expert Guidance: Library staff assisting the public in navigating the specialized digital filing portal.

  • Rapid Response: Enabling judges at the 19th JDC to review emergency petitions in real-time, often within the hour.

"The EBRPL has proven to be an invaluable partner in our mission to make the court more accessible. This award is a well-deserved recognition of their commitment to serving the legal and safety needs of East Baton Rouge Parish residents."

Official Links & Media

 

Meet Diesel: 19th JDC Trained Facility Dog

Meet Diesel: 19th JDC Trained Facility Dog

At the 19th Judicial District Courthouse in Baton Rouge, a gentle Labrador-golden retriever mix named Diesel is quietly making a big impact. Trained as a facility dog, Diesel provides emotional support to witnesses, attorneys, and even judges during high-stress trials.

Bettering the Bench

Bettering the Bench

In 2024, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) conducted a study of the 19th Judicial District Court’s operational protocols and case flow management systems. Information was gathered from judicial officers, court personnel, legal practitioners, and other relevant stakeholders to ascertain how the Court can better serve the public. With the gathered data, the NCSC generated a report, which identified areas for improvement and made actionable recommendations for future implementation.

On the Move in 2025

On the Move in 2025

In 2024, the 19th JDC initiated a Commissioners’ Court to assist the Judges with improved case flow. The impact of these changes has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to increased enhancements in 2025. One goal is to have all 4 Commissioners housed on one floor. This month, we are 75% closer to achieving this goal. In order to accomplish this feat, there has been some reshuffling of offices within the building.

Happy Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day

On behalf of The Honorable Judge Ronald Johnson and the 19th JDC Veterans Treatment Court, we would like to thank each and every Veteran for their valor, service, and dedication to our country. Your sacrifice to serve as our nation’s heroes will always be honored, appreciated, and respected.

Happy Veterans Day. 

19th JDC Judges Host Legislative Open House

19th JDC Judges Host Legislative Open House

The Judges of the 19th Judicial District Court invited legislators from the Capital Area Delegation to an open house on September 30, 2024. The legislators in attendance were provided an overview of court operations that included greeting the 300 potential jurors summoned to appear on Monday mornings, observations of both civil and criminal court proceedings, and learning about the new programs of the 19th JDC’s Court Intervention Program (CIP). The programs that fall under CIP include Pretrial Services; Commissioners’ Court; Pretrial Diversion and Recovery; Recovery (Drug) Court; Veterans’ Treatment Court; Re-entry Court and Domestic Violence Court.

COURT CLOSURE

COURT CLOSURE

Tropical Storm Francine is developing in the western Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to become a hurricane as it tracks toward the Louisiana coast. The storm is expected to bring four to eight inches of heavy rainfall across the area primarily on Wednesday and Thursday.

The 19th Judicial District Court will be closed on Wednesday, September 11 and Thursday, September 12. The court will reopen on Friday, September 13 at 8:30 a.m.

An Art Installation in the Lobby of the 19th JDC

One does not often think of a courthouse and art in the same thought, but on Thursday, April 18th, 2024, this courthouse introduced a new piece to its art collection. The 19th JDC and the Arts Council of Baton Rouge hosted an artist’s reception to honor artist Malaika Favorite. The installation consists of four separate mixed media panels entitled “We are Louisiana” and “We are the People #1, 2 and 3” and represent a sense of community that the court wishes to convey.