Louisiana Free Criminal Records Search: Public Record Lookup

Where Can You Search Louisiana Criminal Records for Free?

There are several kinds of Louisiana criminal records, and they are maintained by different government offices. Start with the type of information you need rather than purchasing a report unnecessarily.

How to Search Free Public Criminal Records in Louisiana by Name

Louisiana does not operate one public court database that guarantees complete criminal coverage across all 64 parishes. Start with the parish that handled the case and the official clerk services available there.

1. Identify the filing parish.

   Find out whether the case occurred in Orleans, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Caddo, Lafayette, St. Tammany or another Louisiana parish. A person’s current residence may be different from the parish where they were charged.

2. Open the Louisiana eClerks website.

   Visit eClerksLA. The website is operated by the Louisiana Clerks’ Remote Access Authority and provides statewide search and participating parish services.

3. Choose the appropriate criminal or parish search.

   The homepage has a distinct Criminal Search option. Register or sign in where required, and inspect which records and search features are available for the relevant parish.

4. Enter the name or court case number.

   Follow the portal’s search format. If you know the case or docket number, use it to reduce unrelated matches.

5. Check the scope and available search results.

   Some searches show an index or basic case reference, while full histories and document images may require a parish subscription or a request to the clerk.

6. Find the appropriate court.

   A district court criminal prosecution, city court misdemeanor and municipal ordinance violation may belong to separate record custodians.

7. Review the criminal case history.

   Check the filing date, charges, hearings, minute entries, plea, disposition and sentence where these are publicly available.

8. Verify the defendant’s identity.

   Different people can share the same name. Compare reliable legally available identifiers and do not attribute the case based only on a name match.

9. Look for the final disposition.

   Determine whether each charge resulted in conviction, dismissal, acquittal, nolle prosequi or another outcome.

10. Contact the Clerk of Court if necessary.

    For a certified judgment, old case or unavailable document, request the record from the clerk responsible for the original proceeding.

What information should you gather first?

• Defendant’s full legal name.
• Parish where the case was filed.
• Approximate arrest or filing date.
• Criminal docket or case number, if known.
• Original police or arresting agency, if relevant.
• Whether the charge was a felony, misdemeanor or municipal offense.

Free Orleans Parish Criminal Records Search Using Clerk Connect

New Orleans has one of Louisiana’s most useful free public criminal case lookup options.

The City of New Orleans Office of Criminal Justice Coordination explains that the older Docket Master application is transitioning to Clerk Connect, a free public criminal case lookup managed by the Clerk of Criminal District Court.

Clerk Connect helps users find available case dates, rulings, minute entries and other criminal docket information.

How to find a New Orleans criminal case

1. Open the City of New Orleans Clerk Connect guidance.

   Use the city’s criminal justice resources page, which identifies the official public lookup and provides a how-to guide.

2. Open Clerk Connect and select Orleans Parish.

   Choose the Criminal Inquiry option for Orleans where available.

3. Enter the case number or defendant name.

   Use the identifying information accepted by the current public interface.

4. Review the case history.

   Find available court dates, minute entries, court rulings and other case events.

5. Check the outcome of each charge.

   A filed charge is not proof of conviction. Look for a final disposition or sentencing judgment.

6. Request certified court documents from the criminal clerk.

   Contact the Clerk of Criminal District Court when you need a signed or certified copy rather than an online summary.

How to request an old Orleans criminal record

The Clerk of Criminal Court has a Closed Records Division that accepts record requests and publishes a records request form.

Its office instructs users to submit the completed request to clerkofcdcclosedrecords@nola.gov and allow approximately 72 hours for completion of a standard closed-record request.

Actual processing can vary depending on the file.

Official instructions: Orleans Closed Records Requests .

East Baton Rouge Parish Criminal Court Records: Free Inspection vs. Paid Online Search

The East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court maintains qualifying criminal records for the 19th Judicial District Court.

The clerk’s official public records notice confirms that members of the public can examine eligible clerk-maintained records at the appropriate clerk facilities without an inspection fee.

However, online court-record access is offered through the paid Clerk Connect subscription system.

East Baton Rouge online access charges

For records requested directly under the Clerk’s public records process, the office separately publishes a $1 per-page copy charge. Fees depend on the service used.

How to search without paying the online subscription

1. Identify the case’s court and parish.

   Confirm whether the case was filed in the 19th Judicial District Court or another Baton Rouge-area court.

2. Visit the Clerk’s appropriate public records facility.

   The office’s posted hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., excluding legal holidays.

3. Request access to the public criminal record.

   Provide the case number or available identifying information.

4. Examine the case information.

   The official public records notice says eligible criminal records may be examined without a fee.

5. Pay only if copies are needed.

   Confirm the applicable copy or certification charges before requesting document reproduction.

For public service assistance, the office publishes 225-389-3950. For criminal expungement inquiries, it lists 225-389-3964.

Jefferson Parish Criminal Records: JeffNet Search and Fees

The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court operates JeffNet, its official online records service.

JeffNet covers qualifying records of the 24th Judicial District Court and the First and Second Parish Courts, including criminal and traffic information.

Unlike the free Orleans public lookup, most full JeffNet remote access requires payment.

Jefferson criminal records coverage

The Jefferson Parish Clerk publishes the following electronic record ranges:

• 24th Judicial District Court criminal case activity: April 28, 1994–present.
• 24th JDC criminal document images: Historical images beginning in 1840, with availability dependent on the file.
• First and Second Parish Courts criminal and traffic case activity: 1990–present.
• Parish Court criminal document images: Availability varies by case status.

JeffNet’s published charge for certified court copies is $0.75 per page plus a $5 certification fee.

Jefferson Parish Clerk contact

Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
Main phone: 504-364-2900
Technical support: 504-364-2976
Website: jeffparishclerk.gov

Caddo Parish Free Criminal Records Index and Paid Document Access

Caddo Parish provides a particularly useful combination of official free indexes and more detailed paid electronic records.

The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court links directly to the Free LCRAA Indexes service and explicitly states that it can be used to search available property, civil and criminal indexes without charge after account registration.

For original documents, court minutes and case details, the office also offers paid Clerk Connect web inquiry services.

Caddo Parish criminal records coverage

How to check a Caddo criminal record

1. Open Caddo Parish’s official public records page.

   Use the Free LCRAA Indexes link.

2. Create the free eClerks account.

   Follow the website’s account registration and verification requirements.

3. Search the available criminal index.

   Enter the defendant name or another supported identifier and select the relevant parish record category.

4. Record the case number and filing date.

   An index listing may help identify the case but does not necessarily contain the full judgment.

5. Use Clerk Connect if deeper remote research is needed.

   The clerk offers paid access for case histories, minute entries and document images.

6. Request official copies from the Clerk.

   Use its records request form or criminal records contact.

Caddo Parish fees

The clerk’s published web access charges include:

• 24-hour online access: $20.
• Monthly access: $50.
• Annual access: $500.
• Ordinary criminal record copies: $1 per page.
• Certification: $5 per copy.
• Clerk-performed criminal background search: $20 per name.

Caddo Parish Clerk contact

Criminal Record Searches in Lafayette, St. Tammany and Other Parishes

Louisiana court-record access differs by parish. In addition to the major jurisdictions described above, these locations have their own clerk procedures.

How to find another Louisiana parish clerk

Open the official Louisiana Clerks’ Remote Access Authority website and select the applicable parish.

For older records, unavailable digital filings or certified copies, use the local clerk’s official contact information.

Louisiana Criminal Records Search Fees: Free and Paid Services

Because each clerk offers different electronic services, there is no universal statewide fee for all criminal court searches.

Can You Search Louisiana State Police Criminal History Records for Free?

No. Louisiana is a closed criminal-history record state for purposes of its State Police criminal-history repository.

The Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (BCII) states that the Louisiana Computerized Criminal History system is not generally available for unrestricted public release.

Access is governed by Louisiana Revised Statute 15:587.

This does not mean all criminal court cases are confidential. Public court records are governed by separate access rules.

How to request your own Louisiana criminal history

Louisiana residents and other eligible individuals may request their own state criminal-history record through the official Right to Review process under Louisiana Revised Statute 15:588.

The State Police now offers a fingerprint appointment process through the Louisiana Applicant Processing System (LAPS).

1. Open the Louisiana State Police BCII page.

   Choose the Right to Review option.

2. Schedule an authorized fingerprint appointment.

   Follow the instructions for a participating fingerprinting location.

3. Complete fingerprinting and identification.

   Bring the identification and information required for the appointment.

4. Pay the applicable fees.

   The published regulatory state processing amount is $26, while the State Police also publishes a $5 technology fee for background checks. Appointment and fingerprint service charges may affect the final total.

5. Choose the response format.

   The agency offers mailed and electronic Right to Review reports.

6. Review the record.

   Check the arrest events, charge information and available final dispositions.

7. Contact the relevant agency about errors.

   If a disposition is missing, obtain supporting court documentation from the original clerk or prosecutor and follow the State Police correction instructions.

Mailed versus electronic Right to Review

What if you cannot attend a fingerprint location?

Louisiana State Police publishes a mail-in fingerprint-card procedure for eligible people physically unable to appear for digital fingerprinting.

Its BCII instructions explain the required authorization form, disclosure form, fingerprints and payment.

Important October 2026 fee change

The State Police website also announced a $3 increase in the federal portion of qualifying federal background checks effective October 1, 2026. It states that the state fee remains unchanged.

This federal adjustment is relevant to authorized state-plus-FBI background checks and should not be mistaken for a change to every parish court records fee.

Free Louisiana Inmate and Criminal Custody Records Search

If you need to know whether someone is currently incarcerated or under qualifying corrections supervision, use the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

The department provides information through Louisiana Victim Information and Notification Everyday (LA VINE).

How to check Louisiana inmate status

1. Open the Louisiana DPS&C inmate information page.

   Follow its LA VINE lookup link.

2. Choose Louisiana.

   Use the state selection offered by the VINELink interface.

3. Search by name or available identifier.

   The service supports available name, location and identification criteria.

4. Review the custody or supervision information.

   Check the reported location, custody status or available supervision details.

5. Confirm rapidly changing information.

   Custody data can change after transfers, releases or new court orders.

The Louisiana Department of Corrections says LA VINE information is updated approximately every 24 hours.

Louisiana inmate information telephone number

You can also call:

225-383-4580 — Louisiana Imprisoned Person Locator

Callers must have the person’s DPS&C number or name and date of birth. The locator can provide available facility location, contact information and projected release information.

What if the person is in a parish jail?

Parish jail custody is usually managed by the relevant Sheriff’s Office.

Some individuals may appear through LA VINE, but for a specific local booking, the parish sheriff’s official jail or inmate search may offer more relevant information.

Louisiana State Sex Offender Registry Search

The Louisiana State Police maintains the official State Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry.

The registry provides qualifying public information concerning people required to register under Louisiana law.

Users must read and accept the registry’s conditions before accessing its search functions.

The State Police warns that the registry relies on information reported by courts, correctional facilities and law-enforcement agencies. The data may not reflect every recent change immediately.

Registry information line: 1-800-858-0551.

How to Get Certified Louisiana Criminal Court Records

A public case index can identify a criminal case, but it may not include every filing needed to verify the final outcome.

For official proof, request the actual judgment, dismissal order, sentencing document or another eligible criminal court record from the clerk that maintains the case.

Step-by-step certified copy request

1. Determine the correct parish and court.

   Find the original district, city, parish or municipal court.

2. Obtain the case number.

   Use an official public case index, docket lookup or existing court paperwork.

3. Identify the exact document.

   For example, request the criminal complaint, bill of information, final judgment, sentencing order or dismissal.

4. Ask whether the record is public.

   A clerk may need to review access restrictions before releasing documents.

5. Specify certified or ordinary copies.

   A certified record includes official confirmation from the records custodian and generally carries a separate fee.

6. Confirm the total cost.

   Copy fees differ among Orleans, Jefferson, Caddo, East Baton Rouge and other parishes.

7. Submit the request through the proper channel.

   Depending on the clerk, this may be in person, by written request, by email or through an authorized electronic service.

Are Louisiana criminal case records public?

Many criminal court records are publicly accessible, but access is not absolute.

The state’s public records framework includes Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 44. Court-specific rules, expungement orders, juvenile confidentiality and other legal protections can restrict the disclosure of certain records.

For a particular file, the original Clerk of Court is the correct records custodian to ask.

How to Understand a Louisiana Criminal Court Docket

A Louisiana criminal case can contain several charges and multiple court events. A search result may begin with the prosecution’s allegations, not the eventual conviction.

Can Expunged Louisiana Criminal Records Be Found Online?

Louisiana law permits expungement of qualifying arrest and conviction records under specified circumstances.

Under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971, expungement generally removes an eligible record from public access without necessarily destroying the record.

Article 973 explains that expunged information is confidential, subject to statutory exceptions for certain authorized agencies and uses.

Why an expunged case may not appear

Once the applicable expungement order has been implemented, the covered record may no longer appear in ordinary public criminal case searches.

The relevant court or law-enforcement agency may retain the record for legally authorized purposes.

A missing online record therefore does not establish that no arrest or criminal case ever occurred.

Why Louisiana Public Criminal Records May Not Appear Online

How do you find a federal criminal record from Louisiana?

Louisiana federal prosecutions are handled by the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana.

Search qualifying federal criminal dockets through PACER.

A federal criminal case may not appear in a Louisiana parish court records search.

Can Louisiana Public Court Records Be Used for Background Checks?

Public criminal court records can help verify whether a particular criminal case was filed and how it was resolved.

However, a parish court index is not a complete Louisiana State Police criminal-history report and does not provide fingerprint-based identity verification.

A person may have cases in multiple parishes, other states or federal courts.

For employment, tenant screening or another regulated eligibility decision, federal and state laws may impose additional requirements.

In particular, employers using consumer reporting agencies generally must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act’s applicable disclosures, authorizations and adverse-action procedures.

Official reference: Federal Trade Commission Background Check Guidance .

Official Louisiana Criminal Records Search Websites

Use these court, parish clerk, State Police and corrections websites to search actual government records and verify current access rules.

Statewide court and criminal records services

• Louisiana Clerks’ Remote Access Authority — eClerksLA
• Louisiana Multi-Parish Clerk Connect Records Portal
• Louisiana State Police — Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
• Louisiana State Police — Fingerprints and Right to Review
• Louisiana Revised Statute 15:587 — Criminal-History Disclosure
• Louisiana Revised Statute 15:588 — Personal Criminal History Access

Official parish criminal court record services

• City of New Orleans — Free Clerk Connect Criminal Case Lookup
• Orleans Criminal District Court Clerk — Court Records
• Orleans Criminal District Court — Closed Records Requests
• East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court
• East Baton Rouge Parish — Online Court Records and Fees
• Jefferson Parish — JeffNet Criminal Records and Fees
• Caddo Parish Clerk — Free Records Index and Public Records Requests
• Caddo Parish Clerk — Criminal Department
• Caddo Parish — Historical Coverage and Electronic Records Fees
• Lafayette Parish Clerk — Criminal Records Requests
• Lafayette Parish — Current Clerk Connect Access
• St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court

Custody, registry and federal court sources

• Louisiana Department of Corrections — Inmate Information
• Louisiana DPS&C — LA VINE Victim and Custody Information
• Louisiana State Police — Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry
• Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971 — Expungement
• U.S. Federal Courts — PACER Criminal Case Search