How Do I File A Criminal Charge?

For Misdemeanors, a citizen can file a criminal charge with a Justice of the Peace.  There are seven (7) Justices of the Peace; one for each of the councilmatic districts in St. John the Baptist Parish.  If you are a victim of a Misdemeanor crime contact your local district Justice of the Peace to make an appointment to go fill out a Criminal Affidavit.  If the Justice of the Peace is satisfied that there is probable cause to believe that a crime occurred, the Justice of the Peace will process an arrest warrant.

• Justice of the Peace Directory

For Felony offenses, the District Attorney's Office recommends you contact the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Detectives Bureau at www.stjohnsheriff.org.  Give the Detective Bureau as much accurate information as you have with regard to the criminal conduct of the individual, or individual involved, so that an investigation can be pursued, a full investigative report can be written, and the Detective can build evidence to support a Criminal Affidavit to be presented to the District Judge on Duty, who wiVll process an Arrest Warrant, if a probable cause showing can be made.