OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Louisiana Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Louisiana. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 64 parishes across 42 judicial districts
  • Federal courts: 3 U.S. District Courts (Eastern, Middle, Western)
  • Background checks: Louisiana State Police — Criminal Records
  • Records law: Louisiana Public Records Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Louisiana State Police
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Louisiana has 64 parishes across 42 judicial districts. Court records are maintained by each parish's clerk of court. There is no single statewide court search portal — contact your parish clerk's office or visit their website for case lookup.

Parish-level court records include district courts handling civil and criminal cases. Online availability varies by parish.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Louisiana are handled by three U.S. District Courts:

  • Eastern District — New Orleans
  • Middle District — Baton Rouge
  • Western District — Shreveport, Lafayette, Monroe, Alexandria, Lake Charles

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Louisiana Supreme Court Website 🏛️ Louisiana Judicial Branch Overview

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Louisiana are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information maintains criminal records.

🔍 Louisiana State Police — Criminal Records 📋 Louisiana State Police Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Louisiana operates under the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1). Any person can request government records. Custodians must respond within 5 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Louisiana

Court records are maintained at the parish level by each parish's clerk of court. Criminal history is centralized through the Louisiana State Police. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Parishes in Louisiana

Louisiana has 64 parishes. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Louisiana state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Louisiana for free?
Louisiana does not have a single statewide court search portal. Contact your parish clerk of court or visit the Louisiana Supreme Court website for directory information.
Are arrest records public in Louisiana?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Louisiana Public Records Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Louisiana?
The Louisiana State Police provides criminal history checks. Visit lsp.org for details.
What is the Louisiana Public Records Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Custodians must respond within 5 business days.
How many court systems does Louisiana have?
Louisiana has a multi-level court system: city courts, justice of the peace courts, district courts (42 districts), courts of appeal (5 circuits), and the Louisiana Supreme Court. Louisiana uses parishes instead of counties.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026