On Friday, August 15, 2025, The Advocate reported that the Louisiana Judiciary Commission recommended disciplinary action against 15th Judicial District Judge Royale Colbert of Lafayette for two incidents of alleged misconduct. The commission’s findings, submitted to the Louisiana Supreme Court, stem from events in 2021 and 2023 that raised concerns about Colbert’s conduct and its impact on public trust in the judiciary.
In the first incident, occurring in August 2021, Colbert intervened in a last-minute effort by the city to cancel a rap concert at The District, a Johnston Street event center, following a deadly shooting the previous weekend.
After receiving a call from attorney Harold Register requesting a temporary restraining order to allow the concert, Colbert held an informal meeting in his courtroom with Register, then-City-Parish Attorney Greg Logan, and others. Dressed in gym clothes and sitting on a desk, Colbert used profanity during the discussion, which was not recorded, and no one was sworn in. He facilitated an agreement to enhance security measures, such as increased police presence, allowing the concert to proceed.
No formal petition for a restraining order was filed at the time, and a case number was not assigned until over a year later after a lawsuit was initiated.
The second incident took place on May 29, 2023, when Colbert was stopped by Lafayette Police Officer Dominique Robinson for allegedly running a red light. Video evidence from Robinson’s dashboard and body cameras, as well as those of other officers and a supervisor, captured the 17-minute interaction. The footage showed Colbert accelerating through a block and passing a red light.
During the stop, Colbert allegedly cursed, called Robinson a liar, warned that the officer’s reputation would be damaged, and refused to follow instructions to stand in front of the police car or sign the ticket. He told the supervisor he was heading home to wash his truck and had ample time for a video review, but later testified to the Judiciary Commission that he was rushing home due to a medical emergency involving his child. The commission noted this inconsistency raised questions about his truthfulness or priorities during the incident.
Following a hearing in April 2025, where Colbert testified, the Judiciary Commission unanimously recommended that the Louisiana Supreme Court suspend him for 30 days without pay, require him to attend anger management classes or treatment, and order him to pay $2,635.96 in costs incurred by the Office of Special Counsel and the Judiciary Commission.
The commission, chaired by Judge Bruce Hampton and represented by attorney Kelly Blackwell, expressed concern that Colbert’s actions reflected a tendency to react impulsively rather than with careful consideration expected of a judicial officer. They noted that his behavior in both incidents involved an inappropriate use of his judicial authority, undermining public confidence in the judiciary’s integrity and impartiality.
Additionally, the commission cited an instance where Colbert reportedly lost his temper and used profanity during a meeting with other judges about courthouse renovations. His testimony during the April hearing further suggested a pattern of addressing perceived injustices informally rather than adhering to formal judicial processes.
The Louisiana Supreme Court will hold a hearing to make a final decision on the commission’s recommendations.
Source: The Advocate
