specialty courts

The 14th Judicial District Adult Specialty Court Program is a joint endeavor between the judges of the 14th Judicial District and Calcasieu Parish District Attorney Stephen C Dwight. The Honorable David A. Ritchie and the Honorable G. Michael Canaday are the presiding judges over Adult Drug Court and DWI Court. The Honorable Robert L. Wyatt and the Honorable Derrick Kee are the presiding judges over Behavioral Health Court and Re-Entry Court. The Honorable David A. Ritchie and the Honorable Kendrick J. Guidry preside over Veterans Treatment Court. The Honorable Tony Fazzio also sits on our specialty court team, presiding occasionally.

These courts are only possible through the cooperation of many community stakeholders who participate in our specialty court teams. Partners include representatives from the Calcasieu Parish Sherriff’s Office, The office of Probation & Parole, Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority, and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

Specialty Court clients are closely monitored by the specialty court team members, and they are subjected to random drug screens and intensive court supervision. Clients also receive therapy and counseling to assist in their rehabilitation. The program is designed to help non-violent offenders to get off of drugs and to stay off of them. It also helps clients to obtain education and employment, and to become productive members of society. It is funded and supervised by the Louisiana Supreme Court Drug Court Office.