">Skip to Main Content

Civil Division

Duties and Responsibilities

The Civil Division is responsible for serving criminal and civil papers within Jefferson Davis Parish, including but not limited to citations, garnishments, notices, subpoenas, summons and other processes. The Civil Division also executes judgments, mandates, orders and writs directed to the Sheriff by the District Courts, Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

Upon the execution by the Civil Division of a writ of attachment, sequestration, fieri facias or seizure and sale under executory process, the Sheriff is directed by the court to seize the subject's property. These seizures may lead to the public auction or Sheriff’s Sale of the seized property, which is overseen by the Civil Division.

 

A list of tentative Sheriff's Sale properties can be obtained by calling the Civil Division at 337-821-2102.

 

Sheriff Sales Frequently Asked Questions
 

Where are the Sheriff's Sales held?

In the lobby of the Jefferson Davis Parish Courthouse located at 300 N State Street, Jennings, LA.

 

When are the Sheriff's Sales?

Sheriff's Sales always occur on a Wednesday at 10:00 am. Sheriff's Sale dates can be obtained by contacting the Civil Division at 337-821-2102.

 

What are the usual costs of real estate foreclosures?

Advertising, appraisals, mortgage certificates, deeds, and three percent sales commission on the sale price to the Sheriff's Office.  These costs and fees are not paid by a successful third party bidder. A successful third party bidder pays only the amount of his or her bid.

 

Can I enter the property before I bid?

No access is allowed prior to the auction. The sale is not officially completed until the entire purchase price is paid in full. Therefore it is only then that access to the property is legally permissible. All property is sold "AS IS" and the deeds are not warranted.

 

What type of payment is required at Sheriff's Sale?

Upon successfully bidding on the property, the successful bidder must provide the Sheriff with the full purchase price paid with Cash or Cashier's Check. (No personal checks accepted) plus their name, address, phone number, by 2 pm of the day of the sale. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the property being reset for a second auction. Should the second auction result in a lesser sales price, the first bidder may be responsible for the difference in the two amounts.

 

What is the Writ Amount?

Writ value generally means the principle amount owed to the Plaintiff/Creditor. It may not include additional costs such as interest, attorney's fees and court costs.

 

What does it mean when a property is sold with appraisal?

Under the law, both the plaintiff and the defendant have the right to appoint an appraiser to value the property which is being foreclosed upon if that right was not previously waived by the defendant. THE SHERIFF OFFICE DOES NOT GUARANTEE OR WARRANT THE CONDITION OR THE TITLE TO PROPERTY AUCTIONED, NOR THE ACCURACY OF PICTURES. PHOTO'S ARE PROVIDED AS A COURTESY AND MAY NOT FULLY OR ACCURATELY DEPICT PROPERTY. BIDDERS SHOULD INVESTIGATE PROPERTY, ALL SALES ARE GOVERNED BY LEGAL DESCRIPTION.

 

What is the minimum bid?

There are two categories for the minimum opening bid:

When the sale is with appraisal the bid must open at two thirds of the average of the plaintiff's appraisal and the defendant's appraisal.

When the sale is "without" appraisal, the bid begins at "Sheriff's Cost".

 

Can I operate the Movable before I bid?

No vehicle may be started prior to the auction. Each is sold "AS IS" and all sales are final with no exchanges or refunds.

 

What are the usual costs of movable foreclosures?

Advertising, appraisals, chattel mortgage certificate, towing and storage, and any superior liens. The Sheriff's Commission is six percent of either sales price or the amount collected by the creditor if the sale is stopped.

 
Crime Tip Hotline  337-275-8188 or via Email