What payment methods are accepted for payment of fines, fees and court costs?
City Court accepts Cash, Money Orders, Debit & Credit Cards. NO PERSONAL CHECKS ARE ACCEPTED. Payment may be made in person, by phone, online (with some exceptions), or by mail postmarked BEFORE your scheduled court appearance.

Can I pay by mail or online?
Some fines are payable by mail or online. However it is your responsibility to contact the Clerks’ Office (337-643-6611) before mailing or making an online payment. Partial payments will not be accepted. If your online payment is rejected service charges are not refundable. Please mail only money orders or cashier checks to P.O. Box 121, Kaplan, LA 70548.

Can I bring my cell phone to court?
No Cell Phones are permitted in the Courthouse while Court is in session.

What do I wear to court?
Proper dress is required including shoes and socks; No shorts, tank tops, hats, caps, or head covering. Pants MUST BE pulled up so that no underpants are exposed.

Do I have to pay my fines the day I come to court?
If you have the ability to pay your fines and costs, the Court expects you to pay them the day you enter a guilty or no contest plea. However, if you do not have the ability to pay your fines and costs, the Court will conduct an ability to pay hearing and place you on a payment plan based on your sworn testimony in the Courtroom of how much money you make each month compared to how much your bills are each month. If the Court finds you do not have the ability to pay, the Court will order your fines and/or court costs be converted to community service. If you fail to complete the ordered community service, based on your own fault and lack of effort as determined by the Court, your community service time will be converted to jail time.

Can the Clerk of Court personnel help me with answers to legal questions?
Any legal questions you wish answered prior to your appearance in court should be addressed to your attorney. Court personnel are prohibited by law from giving legal advice.

Do I have to appear for Court?
Some traffic citations may be paid in full before your scheduled court appearance and you will not be required to appear. However appearances are mandatory if you have criminal charges or signed an appearance bond. If you are unsure of your need to appear please contact the Clerks’ office.

What if I do not appear for Court?
Defendants who fail to appear for Court will be charged with Contempt and a Warrant will be issued for their arrest. In most cases your license will be flagged for suspension.

If I received a Subpoena or a Notice of Hearing?
These are court documents requiring your appearance in court. Failure to appear can result in the issuance of a Warrant.

What if I have a Warrant?
Defendant’s with active Warrants must appear in person and sign a Contempt of Court Plea and pay a fine. The defendant will then be reserved with a new court date and the warrant will be recalled. If your license was suspended you will be responsible for bringing a court receipt to the DMV to have your license reinstated.

Can someone else pay my court fine?
If you have previously pled guilty or are paying a traffic citation which does not require a court appearance a representative may make payment on your behalf.

How do I request a foreign Language Interpreter or Deaf/Hearing Impaired Assistance?
Contact the Clerk of Court - 337.643.6611