ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST  PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE 

COURT APPOINTED LAWYERS IN THE 40TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT


Pay your $40.00 Application fee online, by phone or by mail

NOTE: There is a service fee for processing payment (s) online or over the phone. The total charge amount will be displayed prior to submitting the payment. 


Online


By Phone: To make a payment by phone, please call (985) 235-4919, Bilingual Call Center (English/Spanish); Monday - Friday, between 7am - 7pm; and Saturday-Sunday, 9am-1pm (CST). 


By Mail: Submit a $40.00 money order to the 40th Judicial District Public Defender Office, 75 Dominican Rd, Suite 202, Laplace, LA 70068


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Application Information for

DEFENDANTS RELEASED ON BAIL

 

If you want the services of an attorney, and do not want to represent yourself, you should have a lawyer with you at each court appearance starting with your arraignment (where you enter a guilty or not-guilty plea).

 

 

If you have a job or the money to hire a lawyer, you will need to do that before your next court appearance.

 

If you are indigent (needy) or live on a low, fixed income, you may apply at the

St. John the Baptist Public Defender Office for the services of a lawyer paid for by public funds.

 

Federal poverty guidelines are considered in determining eligibility.


After you pay your $40.00 application fee online, by phone or mail and complete the online application for the services of a public defender, you may still be required to hire your own lawyer or may be ordered to pay for the services of the appointed lawyer once your application is reviewed.