JEREMY BAKER v. KRYSTLE LOWE (2026)

Writ application denied. See per curiam.

JDH

JLW

JBM

PDG

JMG

CRC

WHB

Supreme Court of Louisiana July 17, 2026

SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA

No. 2026-CJ-00839

JEREMY BAKER

VS.

KRYSTLE LOWE

On Supervisory Writ to the Juvenile Court, Parish of East Baton Rouge

PER CURIAM

The stay order issued by this court on June 30, 2026 is recalled, and the writ is denied. The case is remanded to the trial court for further proceedings.

This case illustrates a quirk in the law. While Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 154(B) mandates a 7 day time period, there is no time limit relative to Article 154(C). Thus, applicant is correct that a trial judge can avoid the mandate of 154(B) by denying recusal as untimely after the seven days has run. Because the trial court's ruling was within a reasonable time, and not greatly delayed, I concur in the writ denial, noting that the merits of the trial court's ruling have not yet been considered by the court of appeal or this court.

Further, noting the allegations made in the Motion to Recuse, it is recommended that all further proceedings take place in open court on the record. A so-called “status conference” is voluntary, not mandatory.

Hughes, J., additionally concurs and assigns reasons.