Charles J. Ballay graduated co-valedictorian from Port Sulphur High School in 1970. He attended LSU where he graduated with a B.A. degree in 1974 and a Juris Doctorate from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert School of Law in 1976. Charles was admitted to the bar to practice law that same year.
Charles began his work in the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office in 1980. He handled misdemeanor and juvenile cases and school board work until 1985 when he began prosecuting felony cases.
In October 2008, Charles was elected as District Attorney by the people of Plaquemines Parish. He was sworn in as District Attorney on January 12, 2009. In November 2014, Charles Ballay was re-elected without opposition to a second term as District Attorney of Plaquemines Parish.
Charles is married to Claire Bonneval and they have three sons and nine grandchildren.