Grace Bennett Gasaway
Judge



City Court of Hammond

7th Ward
Parish of Tangipahoa
State of Louisiana

 

Address:

303 East Thomas Street
Hammond, LA 70401

Phone: 985.542.3455
FAX: 985.542.3453


Juvenile Division

Address:

206 1/2 E. Thomas St.
Hammond LA 70401
Phone: (985) 542-3457


Jurisdiction:

City Court jurisdiction includes all of the 7th Ward from:

  • Northern boundary of Wardline Road/ University Drive except to include all incorporated areas of the City of Hammond that fall north of Wardline Road / University Drive.
  • Southern boundary to the southern end of the parish including Manchac.
  • Eastern boundary to the Tangipahoa River.
  • Western Boundary to the Livingston Parish line.

 

The City Court Plays an Important Role in our Judicial System.

This court presides over Civil, Criminal, Small Claims, Traffic and Juvenile cases involving citizens in Hammond, Ponchatoula and the entire Seventh Ward of Tangipahoa Parish. While presiding over more than 20,000 cases annually, the City Court is run in a smooth and efficient manner. The Judge, Clerk and all personnel of the City Court are dedicated to handling each case in a professional, timely and courteous manner.

The City Court is here to serve you and continues its goal of having a friendly atmosphere. If you have any questions,or you require any accomodations such as interpretive services, please feel free to speak to any deputy clerk.

The City Court Divisions:


Civil:

The City Court presides over cases when a person files a civil lawsuit against another wherein the damages or amount sued for does not exceed $30,000.

Juvenile:

In addition to exercising jurisdiction over Abuse, Neglect and Delinquency cases, Judge Grace B. Gasaway and her staff have initiated and expanded a number of programs to help juveniles avoid the court system The City Court takes a special interest in the area's juveniles. Programs are established to help juveniles avoid the court system. However, juveniles will appear before the City Court of Hammond if they are charged with ANY violation of criminal law if it occurs within the city of Hammond, the city of Ponchatoula, or the Seventh Ward of Tangipahoa Parish or if the juvenile resides within the Seventh Ward.

Small Claims Court:

City Court presides over cases filed as a small claims lawsuit against another wherein the amount sued for does not exceed $3,000.

Traffic:

The City Court presides over cases when a person is issued a traffic ticket by the Hammond Police Department, the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department, The Tangipahoa Parish Sherrif's Office, the Louisiana State Police, and other Law enforcement authorities. The Traffic Bureau processes those minor traffic violations that do not require a mandatory court appearance.

All other traffic cases are enforced through the regular Traffic Division of the City Court.

 

The City Court also provides defensive driving and substance abuse classes for adults.