Court records in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, are available through several channels. OrleansParishCourt.org allows you to search for public information about court cases in the parish. Additionally, records can be found through the official online portals of individual courts, Clerks of Court offices, and public terminals installed directly in court buildings. Each court maintains its own case registry, so it's important to know which court heard the case you are interested in.
Orleans Court System & Jurisdictions
Orleans Parish has a unique court structure for Louisiana. Instead of a single district court, there are several separate courts, each with its own jurisdiction. The state's judicial branch includes 43 district courts, and Orleans Parish is served by several of them.
Main Courts of Orleans Parish
- Orleans Parish Civil District Court — handles all civil cases: contract disputes, damage claims, probate, family law (divorce, custody, alimony), and real estate cases. This court is one of the 43 judicial districts in the state and has primary jurisdiction over all civil matters in the parish.
- Orleans Parish Criminal District Court — criminal cases: felonies and serious misdemeanors. The Criminal Courts Division of the Sheriff's Office provides security and support in these courtrooms.
- Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans — city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, minor criminal cases. Through the court's website, you can obtain information about your case and order copies of records.
- Orleans Parish Juvenile Court — cases involving minors: delinquency, child protection, adoption. Most records of this court are restricted in access.
- First City Court and Second City Court — small claims, evictions, monetary disputes up to set limits.
A complete list of contacts for clerks of each court is available on the official parish page.
Orleans Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, you need to contact the specific court, as there is no centralized calendar for all Orleans Parish courts.
Where to Find the Schedule
- Municipal and Traffic Court — check the case status and hearing dates on the official court website. The system allows you to find information by case number or last name.
- Civil District Court — the hearing calendar is published on the court's page. Each judge maintains their own schedule, so you will need the section number or judge's last name.
- Criminal District Court — information about hearing dates in criminal cases can be obtained from the Criminal Court Clerk's Office or through the Docket Master system used by the Sheriff's Office.
- Public Terminals — computers are installed in court buildings where you can view the hearing schedule and case status without prior appointment.
If you are looking for information about a detainee and their court appearance date, use the detainee search on the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office website.
How to Get a Copy of a Orleans Court Document
The type of document and the court that issued it determine where to apply. Below is a step-by-step guide.
Certified vs. Non-Certified Copies
- Certified Copy — has the court clerk's seal and confirms the document's authenticity. Required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or for legal procedures.
- Non-Certified Copy — a regular photocopy or printout. Suitable for review but has no legal force.
How to Obtain a Copy
- Online — some courts allow you to order copies through their portals. Municipal and Traffic Court offers online access to records.
- In Person — contact the clerk's office of the respective court. You will need the case number, parties' last names, or approximate filing date.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the case details, document type, and payment method.
Contact Addresses for Clerks
Clerk of Civil District Court
Clerk of Criminal District Court
For public records requests for the city of New Orleans in general, you can use the public records portal, which operates in accordance with the Louisiana Public Records Law (La. Rev. Stat.).
Arrest and detainee records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office. A public records request can be submitted through the OPSO website.
Orleans Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees depend on the court and the type of document. Below are approximate rates set by administrative orders of each court and Louisiana legislation.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Case Registry Search | Varies by court | Some online searches are free |
| Non-Certified Copy (per page) | $0.50 – $2.00 | Depends on the court |
| Certified Copy | $5.00 – $25.00+ | Includes clerk's seal; price depends on document type |
| Civil Case Filing Fee | Varies | Civil District Court sets a separate rate |
| Copy of Judgment/Sentence | $5.00 – $10.00 | Certification is an additional fee |
Check exact amounts directly with the clerk's office of the required court, as rates are periodically reviewed. Most clerk's offices accept payment in cash, money orders, and, in some cases, credit cards. Personal checks are not always accepted — it's better to clarify in advance.
For a state-level criminal history check, contact Louisiana State Police Internet Background Checks — this service has a separate payment structure.