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Justice of the Peace

Constable Compensation

Compensation in Civil Matters

Section titled “Compensation in Civil Matters”

In Justice of the Peace Courts, the constable’s primary compensation for civil duties comes from the court costs collected by the Justice of the Peace under RS 13:2590. Fifty percent of all court costs collected is used for compensation and operational expenses of the ward constable’s office.

RS 13:2590(B)(1)

How the Split Works

Section titled “How the Split Works”

When a party files a civil suit, eviction, writ, or other proceeding, the Justice of the Peace collects court costs according to the RS 13:2590 fee schedule. Those costs are divided:

  • 50% — Retained by the Justice of the Peace for compensation and operational expenses of the office and court
  • 50% — Used for compensation and operational expenses of the ward constable’s office

This split covers the constable’s services in making service of process, executing writs, and other civil duties performed for the court.

RS 13:2590(B)

Out-of-Jurisdiction Service

Section titled “Out-of-Jurisdiction Service”

In cases requiring out-of-constable jurisdiction, the JP and constable may agree that the JP pays applicable fees directly to the out-of-jurisdiction server from the constable’s portion of court costs.

RS 13:2590(B)(2)

Collection Commission

Section titled “Collection Commission”

In addition to the 50% court cost split, the constable is entitled to a collection commission when executing writs:

ServiceFee
Collection on seizure and sale6% (minimum $12.50)
Collection on writ without seizure/sale6% (minimum $12.50)

This commission applies per execution and is used for compensation and operational expenses of the ward constable’s office.

RS 13:2590(C)RS 13:5807(A)(13)-(14)

Salary

Section titled “Salary”

Constables receive salaries fixed by the parish governing authority:

  • Parish salary — Set by parish governing authority (minimum $75/month)
  • State supplemental pay — Up to $100/month if funds are appropriated

Failure to complete required training results in loss of salary.

RS 13:2589(A)

No Criminal Fees

Section titled “No Criminal Fees”

Constables cannot receive fees in criminal matters or peace bond cases. Criminal duties are compensated through salary only.

RS 13:2589

Reimbursement Exceptions

Section titled “Reimbursement Exceptions”

Constables may be reimbursed for:

  • Litter violations (all parishes)
  • Property standards violations (Caddo Parish)
  • Property standards and nuisance violations (St. Tammany Parish)

Reimbursement is based on time spent and expenses incurred.

RS 13:2589(B)-(D)

Deputy Constable Compensation

Section titled “Deputy Constable Compensation”

Deputy constables do not have the right to state supplemental pay or parish pay. They can be compensated by the share of fees that the constable receives through the RS 13:2590 court cost split.

RS 13:2583.1