Question 1

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I GO TO COURT?

Accepted Answer

When you come to the City Court of Zachary, here’s what you can generally expect:

1. Security Check: Upon arrival, you’ll go through a security screening. Make sure to leave any prohibited items a(https://www.citycourtofzachary.org/court-procedures)t home.
2. Check-In: You’ll need to check in with the court clerk. Have your identification and any relevant documents ready.
3. Courtroom: You will be seated in the courtroom where you will wait until your case is called. It’s a good idea to arrive early to find your way around and get settled.
4. Courtroom Etiquette: Dress appropriately and be respectful. 
5. Case Presentation: When your case is called, you’ll present your side to the judge. Be clear and concise. 
6. Judge’s Decision: After hearing your case, the judge will make a decision. This could happen immediately, or the judge might take some time to consider the case.
7. After the Hearing: Depending on the outcome, you may need to follow up with additional paperwork or actions.

If you are representing yourself, you can find legal assistance at the Louisiana State Bar Association.(https://www.lsba.org/public/findlegalhelp/)  It’s also a good idea to consult with a lawyer if you have any legal questions or concerns.

Refer to our Court Procedures page for more information. (www.citycourtofzachary.org/court-procedures)

Question 2

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE FOR COURT?

Accepted Answer

No one may wear a hat, shorts, or sleeveless shirts, or be barefoot in the courtroom. Witnesses and spectators shall appear neat and clean, within the limits of decency. The court will make allowances for those who shall appear in work clothes and those whose attire is dictated by their religion.

Clothing with profanity or inappropriate messaging is NOT allowed in the courtroom.  Dress should be appropriate and business casual.

Please refer to Proper Court Attire (citycourtofzachary.org/court-procedures)page for more information.

Question 3

DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY AND IF SO, HOW CAN I OBTAIN ONE?

Accepted Answer

Constitutionally, you have the right to represent yourself in court, but you cannot represent someone else or a business unless you are an attorney. Self-represented litigants are held to the same standards as attorneys and will not be given legal advice. If you choose to hire an attorney, the L(https://www.lsba.org/public/findlegalhelp/)ouisiana Bar Association (https://www.lsba.org/public/findlegalhelp/)can recommend one to fit your needs.

For criminal and traffic cases, if you cannot afford to hire an attorney you may be eligible to be represented at no cost by a public defender or court appointed attorney. To see if you qualify, you may speak with a public defender on your appointed court date at no cost.  Be sure to tell Court staff upon check-in if you wish to speak to an attorney.

Question 4

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISSED MY COURT DATE?

Accepted Answer

Warrants CANNOT be resolved online or over the phone.  If you are eligible to have your warrant recalled, you or your attorney of record MUST appear in person at the Zachary Clerk of Court Traffic Violation Bureau, located in the lobby of the court complex. Your physical presence is crucial in this matter.

Refer to our Warrants Page for more information. (cittcourtofzachary.org/warrants)

Question 5

WHAT IF I NEED AN INTERPRETER FOR MY COURT APPEARANCE?

Accepted Answer

Interpreters can be requested at the initial appearance or by contacting the Court. The case will be continued if an interpreter is required but not available.

Please refer to the INTERPRETER/LANGUAGE SERVICES (citycourtofzachary.org/interpreter-language-services)page for more information.

Question 6

CAN I RESCHEDULE MY COURT DATE?

Accepted Answer

If you are unable to appear on your arraignment (first appearance) date, the court may grant you ONE continuance of no more than two months.  You must come to the Clerk of Court to request the continuance and sign notice of the new date.

This does not apply to DWI or Domestic Violence Cases.

Question 7

CAN I APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE OR REQUEST A COPY OF A BIRTH OR DEATH CERTIFICATE AT ZACHARY CITY COURT?

Accepted Answer

No. The City Court of Zachary Clerk’s office does not handle these matters.  You can contact the East Baton Rouge Clerk of Court (https://www.ebrclerkofcourt.org/)at 225-389-3950 for marriage licenses and birth certificates issued in EBR Parish or the Office of Vital Statistics (https://ldh.la.gov/subhome/21)at 504-568-5152, 504-568-8353, or toll-free at 800-454-9570.

You can also obtain information and make an online request by visiting the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals website.(http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/)

Question 8

WHAT IF I CAN'T PAY MY FINE?  CAN I DO COMMUNITY SERVICE OR MAKE PARTIAL PAYMENTS?

Accepted Answer

Community Service Work and Partial Payment Plans are available in some cases. If you cannot pay your fine by the scheduled court date, you must appear in person on your court date and make your request known to the Judge. Failure to appear or pay may result in the issuance of a bench warrant for your arrest, withdrawal of your driving privileges, and the assessment of additional penalty fees.

Question 9

HOW CAN I PAY MY CITATIONS OR FINES AND WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

Accepted Answer

We have 3 methods:

Pay Your Fine Online:
If you qualify, a payment can be made online through our online system via a credit/debit card. A 3.5 % processing fee is charged to credit/debit card payments.  Pay Now!(https://courtpayments.cityofzachary.org/)

No partial payments are accepted online and must be paid at the City Court Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB).  Defendants are required to appear in person to make partial payments and sign a notice for the next payment.

Pay In Person:
Payments can be made in person during regular office hours.  
City Court accepts cash, personal or cashier checks, and money orders made payable to the Zachary City Court (no temporary checks), Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover Card.  A 3.5 % processing fee is charged to credit card payments.   Checks and money orders must be for the exact amount owed.   NSF fees are charged on all checks returned unpaid.

Payments can be made in person at:
Zachary City Police/Court Complex 
Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) 
4510 Main Street Zachary, LA 70791
    
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express accepted.

NOTE: If requesting an extension to pay your fine, you must appear on or BEFORE your court date by 4:30 pm or appear in court as scheduled.
    
Pay By Mail:
A traffic citation payment can be made by mail.

Mail payment to:
Zachary City Court 
ATT: Clerk of Court
PO Box 10 Zachary, LA 70791

Question 10

CAN I RECEIVE LEGAL ADVICE FROM THE JUDGE OR COURT STAFF?

Accepted Answer

No. Judges and staff cannot give legal advice to anyone who is or may be before the Court. Consult an attorney if you need help with a legal matter.

Question 11

MY CAR WAS TOWED, WHERE DOES THE ZACHARY POLICE TAKE THEM?

Accepted Answer

Multiple tow companies are used by the police department.  Contact the police department's non-emergency line at (225) 654-9393 to find out where your car was stored.

PAY YOUR CITATIONS ONLINE

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