Louisiana § RS 13:5538 - Election; penalty for acting as sheriff without having properly qualified; term of office
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 13:5538 — Election; penalty for acting as sheriff without having properly qualified; term of office, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 13:5538. Election; penalty for acting as sheriff without having properly qualified; term of office
A. No person shall act as sheriff before he has qualified. Whoever violates this Subsection shall be fined five hundred dollars.
B. Except for the civil and criminal sheriff in the parish of Orleans and except for sheriffs elected at special elections, each sheriff shall be elected at the gubernatorial election, shall serve for a term of four years, and shall take office and begin his term on the first day of July following election.
C. No sheriff or collector of taxes, after receiving his commission from the governor, shall exercise any of the duties, or avail himself of any of the rights appertaining to his office as collector, or as sheriff, before giving all the bonds and security required by law for the collection of taxes, or discharge of duties as sheriff. Whoever violates this Subsection shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars, and imprisoned not less than six months, at the discretion of the court.
Amended by Acts 1964, No. 89; Acts 1981, No. 122, §3; Redesignated from R.S. 33:1434 pursuant to Acts 2011, No. 248, §3.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 13:5538
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 13:5538 cover?
Section RS 13:5538 ("Election; penalty for acting as sheriff without having properly qualified; term of office") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 13:5538?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 13:5538" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 13:5538 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.