Good news: cell phones now allowed back in Abbeville Courthouse, except for courtrooms

There are new signs posted around the Vermilion Parish Courthouse this week saying cell phones are not allowed in courtrooms and judicial rooms. So, what that means is that cell phones are now allowed in the courthouse, except in court rooms and when you go visit a judge.
Confused?
It is simple.
If you have business in the courthouse that pertains to going into a courtroom where there will be a judge present, leave your cell phone in the vehicle.
If you have business in the courthouse that does not deal with a judge or a trial, you can carry your cell phone into the courthouse now.
That change came about after the Police Jury received an opinion from the attorney general’s office dealing with judges not allowing cell phones in the entire courthouse.
The Police Jury, led by police juror Kevin Sagrera, requested an attorney general’s opinion on if the judges on the 15th Judicial District Court can stop cell phones from entering the courthouse.
The Police Jury made the request on January 15, 2015. The Police Jury recently got the attorney general’s opinion and the opinion sides with the Police Jury.
The ruling states that security in the courthouse is the responsibility of the police jury. “However, the judges are authorized to implement rules of decorum and conduct within their courtroom, including prohibiting the use of cell phones,” the ruling states.
In simple terms, the judges have authority of their courtroom and offices, not any other department in the courthouse.
Security guards at the entrance of the courthouse will ask if a person plans to attend court or see a judge. If they get a “yes” answer, then security will inform the person not to bring their cell phone.
If you are caught with a cell phone in the court-room, it is not yet known what will happen to the cell phone.