Voter Education
What Does the First City Court Constable Do?
The Constable of First City Court serves an important role in New Orleans’ civil justice system. The office is responsible for carrying out lawful orders issued by First City Court and serving citizens throughout the East Bank of Orleans Parish.
From serving court documents and executing evictions to enforcing judgments, conducting seizures, processing garnishments, and carrying out judicial sales, the Constable helps ensure that lawful orders of the court are executed professionally, safely, and respectfully.
The Constable is where the orders of the court become action.
The responsibility requires professionalism, sound judgment, accountability, compassion, and respect for the law and the people affected by it.
Willie Jones believes citizens should understand the responsibilities of the office he is seeking.
Understanding the Office
An Important Part of First City Court
The Constable of First City Court is an elected public official serving the East Bank of Orleans Parish. The Constable and deputy constables execute lawful mandates and orders issued through First City Court.
The responsibilities of the office include serving legal pleadings and notices, executing evictions, performing seizures, processing garnishments, carrying out warrants for possession, and conducting court ordered sales of property.
The Constable and authorized deputies also exercise peace officer authority while carrying out duties of the court.
Unlike many public agencies supported primarily through general tax revenues, many services performed by the Constable’s Office are supported through legally authorized service fees associated with court processes.
Beyond its legal responsibilities, the office has historically participated in community service and public engagement throughout the East Bank of Orleans Parish.
Serving the East Bank of Orleans Parish
First City Court has territorial jurisdiction over the East Bank of Orleans Parish. The Constable executes the lawful mandates of First City Court within that jurisdiction.
Duties of the Office
Core Responsibilities of the Constable
Serve Court Documents
The Constable serves pleadings, notices, citations, and other legal documents as directed through the court process.
Execute Evictions
When authorized by a lawful court order, the Constable and deputy constables carry out warrants for possession and return possession of property to the person legally entitled to it.
Perform Seizures
The Constable may seize property pursuant to lawful court orders for the enforcement of judgments.
Process Garnishments
The office serves and processes garnishment related matters used to enforce certain money judgments.
Conduct Judicial Sales
Property seized pursuant to court authority may be sold through a judicial sale when required by law and ordered through the appropriate legal process.
Maintain Peace While Executing Court Orders
The Constable and deputies serve as peace officers while carrying out court responsibilities and help ensure that judicial orders are executed safely and professionally.
Evictions
Understanding the Eviction Process
The Constable’s Office serves as the enforcement arm of First City Court for eviction judgments within its jurisdiction. The court determines whether an eviction should be granted. The Constable does not decide who wins or loses an eviction case. The Constable’s responsibility is to execute the lawful orders of the court.
An eviction can be stressful for property owners, tenants, families, and everyone involved. The process should therefore be handled professionally, safely, respectfully, and according to law.
Step 1
Notice to Vacate
Louisiana law generally requires an appropriate written notice to vacate before an eviction proceeding is filed, although the legal requirements can vary depending upon the circumstances and applicable lease provisions.
Step 2
Rule for Possession
If possession is not returned following the applicable notice period, the property owner may pursue an eviction proceeding through First City Court. The court schedules the matter and provides the parties an opportunity to appear.
Step 3
Court Hearing
The judge hears the matter and determines whether the legal requirements for eviction have been satisfied.
The judge determines whether an eviction is granted. The Constable does not make that determination.
Step 4
Judgment of Eviction
If the court renders a judgment of eviction, the tenant or occupant must comply within the period established by Louisiana law and the court.
Step 5
Warrant for Possession
If the judgment is not complied with, the court may issue a warrant for possession directing the appropriate officer to deliver possession of the premises to the person legally entitled to possession.
Step 6
Execution of the Warrant
A deputy constable executes the court’s warrant and restores possession of the property as directed by the court.
Professionalism During Difficult Circumstances
Executing an eviction requires more than simply enforcing an order. It requires professionalism, preparation, sound judgment, safety awareness, respect for property, and dignity toward everyone involved.
Willie Jones believes court orders must be enforced while every person encountered in the process is treated with professionalism and respect.
Enforcing Judgments
Understanding Garnishments
A garnishment is a legal procedure used to help enforce a money judgment. It generally involves a third party that possesses money or property belonging to a judgment debtor or owes money to the judgment debtor.
Common examples may include an employer holding wages or a financial institution holding funds.
The Constable’s role involves carrying out responsibilities associated with the garnishment process as authorized by the court and Louisiana law.
The Constable enforces court orders. The Constable does not determine whether someone owes a debt. That determination comes through the judicial process.
Common Garnishment Terms
Responding to a Garnishment
Louisiana law establishes deadlines and procedures for responding to garnishment interrogatories. A garnishee who has been properly served generally must file sworn answers within the legally required period.
Because garnishment laws and individual circumstances can be complex, persons involved in a garnishment should review their court documents carefully and seek qualified legal assistance when necessary.
Enforcement of Judgments
Seizures and Judicial Sales
Court judgments sometimes require the seizure and sale of property. When legally authorized, the Constable carries out these orders in accordance with the procedures established by law and the court.
Movable Property
Movable property generally refers to property that is not real estate. Depending upon the circumstances and the court order, this can include automobiles, boats, equipment, furniture, inventory, jewelry, artwork, and other personal property.
Immovable Property
Immovable property generally includes land, buildings, and other real estate interests. Judicial proceedings involving real property are governed by specific legal requirements.
Property involved in a judicial sale must be handled according to applicable law, court orders, notice requirements, and required sale procedures.
Campaign Values
Enforcing the Law With Dignity
Court orders must be enforced. But how they are enforced matters.
Willie Jones believes the Constable’s Office should combine firm and consistent enforcement of lawful court orders with professionalism, accountability, compassion, and respect.
Whether serving a court document, executing an eviction, processing a garnishment, conducting a seizure, or interacting with a resident during a difficult moment, every action of the office should reflect the dignity of First City Court and the people it serves.
Firm in responsibility. Fair in execution. Respectful in service.
Community
Service Beyond the Courtroom
The responsibilities of the Constable extend beyond executing court orders. The office has a longstanding tradition of community engagement and public service throughout the East Bank of Orleans Parish.
Willie Jones believes the Constable should be visible, accessible, and engaged with the community. Public service means fulfilling the legal responsibilities of the office while also building trust, participating in community initiatives, supporting neighborhood organizations, and helping residents better understand the court processes that affect them.
Who Does What
Understanding the Constable’s Role
The Court Decides
Judges hear cases, evaluate the law and evidence, and issue judgments and orders.
The Constable Executes
The Constable carries out lawful orders and mandates issued through the court.
Every Person Deserves Respect
Enforcement should be professional, safe, impartial, and respectful regardless of which party prevailed in court.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Information
The information provided on this campaign website is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Court procedures, filing requirements, deadlines, fees, and applicable laws can change and may vary depending upon the facts of an individual case. Persons involved in a legal proceeding should consult official court resources or a qualified attorney for guidance concerning their specific circumstances.
This is a campaign website for Willie Jones, candidate for Constable of First City Court, and is not an official website of First City Court or the Office of the Constable.
Experience the Office. Respect the People. Serve the Community.
Willie Jones is running for Constable because he believes effective law enforcement and meaningful public service begin with professionalism, accountability, compassion, and respect.
The Constable must faithfully execute the orders of First City Court while recognizing that every document served, every judgment enforced, and every interaction represents a real person, family, property owner, business, or member of our community.