Lafayette, LA — Judge Royale Colbert of the Fifteenth Judicial District Court in Lafayette is facing potential disciplinary action after two separate incidents raised concerns about his conduct, including his behavior during a traffic stop and his involvement in a controversial event at The District nightclub.
According to reports from The Advocate, the Louisiana Judiciary Commission has scheduled an evidentiary hearing for March 12, 2025, to determine if the judge’s actions warrant formal disciplinary measures. The hearing, which will be presided over by retired Judge Edwin Lombard, will examine whether there is sufficient evidence to support allegations of misconduct.
One of the incidents under investigation involves a traffic stop in which Judge Colbert received a citation for running a red light. While the specifics of the stop have not been disclosed, the incident has raised concerns about the judge’s behavior and adherence to the law. Judges are held to high ethical standards both in and out of the courtroom, and any violation of traffic laws, particularly for a sitting judge, can undermine public trust in the judicial system.
The Judiciary Commission is expected to scrutinize Colbert’s actions during the stop, as well as whether his conduct was appropriate for someone in a position of authority.
The second issue revolves around an unscheduled meeting that Judge Colbert reportedly called in his courtroom in 2023. The meeting ultimately facilitated a concert at The District nightclub in Lafayette, which had been closed by the city following a fatal shooting in 2021. The city had issued a closure order for the venue, but the concert took place after the order had been enacted.
The judge signed a temporary restraining order to allow the event to proceed, a move that has attracted significant attention. Critics argue that Colbert’s actions may have overstepped his judicial authority and compromised the integrity of the judicial process. The meeting in the courtroom, which had not been scheduled or authorized through normal court channels, and the subsequent concert, have raised questions about the judge’s judgment and his role in facilitating the event.
The Louisiana Judiciary Commission will review the facts surrounding the event to determine whether Colbert’s conduct violated ethical guidelines or if his actions were improper.
The evidentiary hearing in 2025 will be the first major step in determining whether Judge Colbert will face any formal disciplinary action. If the Commission finds sufficient evidence of wrongdoing, the judge could face penalties ranging from censure to suspension or even removal from the bench.
Judge Colbert, who has served as a district judge in Lafayette, has not publicly commented on the ongoing investigation.
The Judiciary Commission’s decision will be closely watched by legal professionals and the public alike, as it could have significant implications for the future of the judge’s career and for the broader reputation of the local judicial system.