Ernest Jacob Colonna

Lake Charles is home — I grew up here, and for the past 17 years I've built my law practice here too, representing people across Calcasieu Parish through some of the hardest moments of their lives.

As the managing attorney of Colonna Law Firm, LLC, I handle every case personally — no associates, no handoffs. My practice centers on criminal defense, from misdemeanors through felony charges, bond reductions, and probation violations, along with divorce, child custody, and family law matters throughout the 14th Judicial District.

I'm licensed in every court in Louisiana, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. I'm an active member of the Louisiana State Bar Association's Criminal Law and Family Law sections and the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association, where I served on the Young Lawyers Executive Council from 2013 to 2015. I'm also a charter member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

My work has been recognized with BusinessRate's #1 Criminal Justice Attorney in Lake Charles (2026) and firm-wide Best of 2025 honors, 's Top Criminal Defense and Top DUI/DWI Attorney (2026) and Top Divorce Attorney (2021 and 2026), NACDA's Nation's Premier Top Ten award (2018), Lawyers of Distinction (2023), and Avvo's own Clients' Choice award (2026). Colonna Law Firm also holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

None of that matters as much as what my clients say after the case is over. Every review on this page is five stars, and that's the standard I hold myself to — not just the outcome, but how you're treated getting there.

If you're facing a criminal charge, a divorce, or a custody dispute in Southwest Louisiana, I'd be glad to talk with you. Every new client gets a free 30-minute consultation to start.