Louisiana Public Records /Louisiana Court Records Online

Louisiana Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Louisiana Open to the Public?

Yes, under the Louisiana Public Records Law, the public can access court records maintained by governmental agencies, including the Louisiana Judicial Body. Requesters do not need to provide a reason for their request or disclose their intended use of the records. However, they must provide valid identification and state their age, as authorized by Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 44:32 (A).

Certain records are sealed to protect individuals' constitutional rights, such as privacy. Sensitive information within court records may be redacted or restricted to authorized persons, such as the subjects of the record or individuals authorized by court order or state law.

What Information Appears in a Louisiana Court Records Search?

Names of parties involved
Dates of court proceedings
Legal filings
Court orders
Judgments passed

How To Find Court Records in Louisiana

To obtain court records in Louisiana, identify the type of court record needed and locate the courthouse where the case was filed. The court clerk in the respective courthouse maintains these records. Use the contact information and addresses provided by the Louisiana Judicial Branch to locate the appropriate courthouse. Court records can be requested in both printed and electronic formats.

Requesting court records may involve a nominal fee for duplication and production. These fees vary by parish, so it is advisable to inquire about the required fees from the clerk of court in the parish where the court records are maintained. Online requests and mail requests are also permitted in some parishes, and procedures for these can be obtained by contacting the court clerk.

Public Access to Louisiana Court Records

Louisiana's Public Records Act ensures that court records are accessible to the public. These records can be obtained by visiting the court clerk's office, using the state's online court records search system, or by submitting a mail request. Some parishes also allow online requests through their websites, where requesters may need to create an account and pay a subscription fee.

Searching Louisiana Court Records by Name

Court records can be searched by name through various methods:

Defendant or Plaintiff Name: Provides information about the legal history of an individual.
Attorney Name: Reveals the types of cases an attorney has handled and their success rate.
Witness Name: Shows testimony details and involvement in cases.
Judge Name: Offers insights into a judge's legal rulings and conduct.

These name-based searches can be conducted online or in person at the clerk's office.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Louisiana

The Louisiana Supreme Court offers free online access to court records through its E-Filing System. To use this system, visit the Louisiana Supreme Court website and click on 'E-Filing.' Create an account by providing the required information, then log in to access the "Case Search" tab. Users can search for case records by entering the name of a party, case number, or attorney's name.

While viewing case details online is free, obtaining certified copies of documents may incur a small fee. Other low-cost options include visiting the court clerk's office in person or using the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.

Exemptions for Louisiana Court Case Lookup

Certain court records are exempt from public disclosure under Louisiana law. These include:

Juvenile records: Protected under Louisiana Children's Code Article 306.
Adoption records: Governed by Louisiana Children's Code Article 412.
Mental health records: Covered by Louisiana Revised Statutes 28.
Domestic violence records: Addressed in Louisiana Revised Statutes 46.
Sealed records: Managed under Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 366.

Access to these records is restricted and may be available only to authorized individuals or entities, such as law enforcement agencies or attorneys involved in the case. Some records may also be disclosed under a court order or during legal proceedings.

Finding a Court Docket in Louisiana

A Louisiana court docket is a comprehensive record of all activities in a court case. It includes a summary of filings, motions, orders, and the dates and times of hearings and trials. Court dockets are maintained at the district court level and can be accessed online through the Louisiana Supreme Court's website or in person at the clerk's office.

To find a court docket, identify the specific court where the case was filed and use the available online resources or visit the clerk's office. Providing the case number or parties' names can facilitate the search.

What Information Is Found in Louisiana Judgment Records?

Names of litigants
Judge's name
Case description
Court's decision

Judgment records are created when a judge issues a decision, and the court clerk enters it into the docket. These records are public and can be obtained by visiting the clerk's office, providing the case number and parties' names, and paying the applicable fees.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Louisiana Publicly Accessible?

Yes, Louisiana bankruptcy records are public and provide information on individuals and businesses that have filed for bankruptcy. Requesters must provide the debtor's name or case number to access these records. Bankruptcy records include details about the debtor's assets, incomes, debts, and creditors.

These records can be accessed through the clerk's office or the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. Certain fees may apply for duplicating or certifying the records.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Louisiana

Bankruptcy records in Louisiana can be accessed through the PACER system. To search for these records:

Create a PACER account by providing personal and billing information.
PACER charges $0.10 per page for document retrieval, with a maximum of $3.00 per document. Searches and reports cost $30 per search or report, with a maximum charge of $90 per item.
Log in and select "Search for Case" from the main menu.
Choose the specific court where the bankruptcy case was filed.
Enter the debtor's name or case number to search for the case.
Select the desired case from the search results to view the details.

Different Types of Courts in Louisiana

District Courts: General jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases.
City Courts: Limited jurisdiction over traffic violations, misdemeanors, and lower-value civil cases.
Juvenile Courts: Handle cases involving minors, such as delinquency and custody disputes.
Appellate Courts: Review decisions made by lower courts.
Louisiana Supreme Court: The highest court, serving as the final court of appeal.
Specialty Courts: Address specific legal issues, such as drug and domestic violence cases.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Louisiana

Louisiana small claims courts are subdivisions of City Court and Justice of the Peace Courts, handling money disputes up to $5,000. Defendants must file a written answer within ten days of service or 15 days if served by the secretary of state. Small claims actions cannot have more than ten plaintiffs or involve class actions. Parties may represent themselves or hire an attorney.

Civil cases in City Courts involve disputes between $15,000 and $50,000. Unlike small claims courts, civil cases allow for discovery procedures such as depositions and interrogatories. Jury trials are not permitted in small claims courts, but they are allowed in civil cases.

Search Court Records in Louisiana

Other Categories in Louisiana

Court Records Criminal Records Inmate Records Vital Records