Criminal records in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, are available through several channels. OrleansParishCourt.org allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through official court systems — including the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court — law enforcement agencies, including the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, as well as through the Clerk of Court. Online tools, personal visits, and written requests all work.
How to Search Criminal Records in Orleans
To start a search, you will need at least one of the following:
- The person's full name (first and last name)
- Date of birth
- Case number (case number or docket number)
Online Search
- OrleansParishCourt.org — enter the name or case number to find publicly available Orleans Parish criminal case records.
- Detainee Search on the Sheriff's Office website — shows individuals currently in custody in Orleans Parish. Search by name.
- Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans — allows you to check information on cases related to municipal and traffic violations.
- Louisiana State Police Internet Background Checks — paid state-level criminal history check. Required for official background checks.
- Louisiana Department of Corrections — Offender Information — search for individuals in the state correctional system.
In Person
The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk's Office accepts requests to view case materials. Public access terminals are usually located in the courthouse. Bring a photo ID.
By Mail or Written Request
Written requests for criminal records can be sent to the Clerk of Criminal District Court. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), case number, and purpose of the request. For state-level criminal history checks, requests are sent to the Louisiana State Police. Requests for public records in New Orleans are governed by the Louisiana Public Records Law (La. Rev. Stat. Title 44).
Search Orleans Criminal Cases by Case Number
A criminal case number in Louisiana typically consists of several elements separated by dashes. The typical structure for the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court:
- Court section — a letter indicating a specific section (e.g., A–N)
- Year filed — the last two digits of the year
- Sequential number — a unique sequential case number
Example format: 543-210 or 25-1234, where the first part may indicate the section number or type of case, and the second part is the sequential number. The exact format depends on the specific court and year of registration.
If you have the case number, enter it into the search system on OrleansParishCourt.org — this is the fastest way to find a specific case. The case number is also indicated in all court documents, summonses, and decisions.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Orleans
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to Louisiana Revised Statutes (e.g., La. R.S. 14:30 — first-degree murder) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend the charges during the case — reduce severity or add new counts |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting review
- Active — the case is in active proceedings
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — the case is fully closed, all procedures completed
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — the first court session where the charges are read to the defendant and they enter a plea
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial — procedural session before the main trial
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty verdict
- Review hearing — checking compliance with the terms of the sentence (e.g., probation)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | Case closed (charges dropped) |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Acquitted | Acquitted by court or jury decision |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Orleans
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the Clerk of Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. These are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In person — at the court clerk's office. A photo ID is required (state-issued ID or driver's license)
- By mail — send a written request with the full name, date of birth, case number (if known), and a copy of the ID
- Online — some documents can be ordered through the court portal; check availability with the clerk's office
For State-Level Criminal History Checks
Requests are sent to the Louisiana State Police through the Internet Background Checks system. Fingerprints or personal data are required. Employers and licensing agencies often use this channel.
Contact Information
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court — Clerk of Court
Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Orleans
Fees depend on the type of document and the method of request. Below are approximate rates — exact amounts should be confirmed directly with the court clerk or relevant agency.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50–$2.00 | Clerk of Criminal District Court |
| Certified copy (certification fee) | $5.00 and above per document | Clerk of Criminal District Court |
| Criminal history check via Louisiana State Police | $26.00 (online, without fingerprints) | LSP Internet Background Checks |
| Check with fingerprints (FBI + State) | $39.25 and above | Louisiana State Police |
Processing Times
- Online check via LSP — usually from a few minutes to 24 hours
- Certified copies from the court clerk (in person) — often the same day, depending on workload
- Mail requests — from 5 to 15 business days
- Check with fingerprints — from 2 to 6 weeks
Fees are regulated according to the Louisiana Revised Statutes, including Title 44 (Public Records) and Title 15 (Criminal Procedure). Specific rates may change — contact the clerk's office for confirmation of current amounts before submitting a request.