Louisiana § RS 15:1185 - Attorney fees
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:1185 — Attorney fees, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 15:1185. Attorney fees
A. In any prisoner suit in which attorney fees are authorized, such fees shall not be awarded, except to the extent that the fee was directly and reasonably incurred in proving an actual violation of the plaintiff's rights protected by a statute pursuant to which a fee may be awarded, and the amount of the fee is proportionately related to the court-ordered relief for the violation or the fee was directly and reasonably incurred in enforcing the relief ordered for the violation.
B. Whenever a monetary judgment is awarded in an action described in Subsection A, a portion of the judgment, not to exceed twenty-five percent, shall be applied to satisfy the amount of attorney fees awarded against the defendant. If the award of attorney fees is not greater than one hundred fifty percent of the judgment, the excess shall be paid by the defendant. No award of attorney fees in an action shall be based on an hourly rate greater than the hourly rate established for payment of court-appointed counsel.
C. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a prisoner from entering into an agreement to pay an attorney fee in an amount greater than the amount authorized under this Section, if the fee is paid by the individual rather than by the defendant.
Acts 1997, No. 731, §1, eff. July 9, 1997; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 110, §1, eff. May 5, 1998.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 15:1185
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:1185 cover?
Section RS 15:1185 ("Attorney fees") 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 15:1185?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 15:1185" (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 15:1185 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.