Criminal records in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, are public documents accessible through several channels. LafourcheParishCourt.org allows you to find publicly available information on parish criminal cases. In addition to this resource, records are maintained in the official state court systems, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office, and the Clerk of Court's office — Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court. Each of these sources provides different types of information, from current arrests to archived court decisions.
How to Search Criminal Records in Lafourche
To start your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the person (first and last name)
- Date of birth
- Case number
Online Search
- LafourcheParishCourt.org — start here to search for publicly available information on parish criminal cases.
- Lafourche Clerk of Court Records Search Portal — the Clerk of Court's office offers an online portal for searching both civil and criminal records. Enter the name or case number.
- Lafourche Parish Inmate List — the Sheriff's Office maintains an online registry of individuals currently in custody at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex.
- Crime and Arrests Page — the Sheriff publishes the latest news on arrests and criminal incidents.
- Federal Cases — if the crime is being handled at the federal level, use the PACER system. For Western District of Louisiana cases, records are available through CM/ECF.
In-Person Visit
The Parish Clerk of Court welcomes visitors who wish to review criminal cases. Public terminals are available at the courthouse in Thibodaux. Bring a valid photo ID.
Written Request
Send a written request by mail to the Clerk of Court's office, specifying the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and the type of records you are interested in. For an official state-level criminal history, requests are submitted to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification.
Search Lafourche Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Louisiana, a criminal case number typically includes several elements indicating the year of filing, type of case, and sequential number. The typical format for Lafourche Parish might look like this:
- Year — the first two or four digits indicate the year the case was filed
- Letter Code — denotes the type of case (e.g., "CR" for criminal cases)
- Sequential Number — a unique identifier within the year and category
For example, a case might have the format "2024-CR-00123". Knowing the exact number allows you to find the case faster through the Clerk of Court's portal, bypassing the need to filter results by name. If the case number is unknown, try searching by name — the system will return all cases associated with that person.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Lafourche
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (e.g., La. R.S. 14:98 — DWI) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more severe one during the court process |
Case Status
- Pending — the case has been filed, but a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is actively being heard in court
- Disposed — the court has rendered a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are complete, including sentence execution
Hearings
A criminal case in Lafourche Parish typically goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the defendant's first court appearance, where charges are announced and the person pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial — parties discuss evidence, possible agreements, and procedural issues
- Sentencing — issuance of a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — review of probation conditions or other obligations
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury acquitted the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict — usually at the prosecutor's or court's initiative |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after a substantive review of the case |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Lafourche
Certified copies of criminal records in Lafourche Parish are issued by the Clerk of Court's office. Here’s how to make a request:
- In Person — visit the Clerk of Court's office with a valid photo ID. Provide the person's name and case number (if known).
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the full name, date of birth, type of records, and return address. Include a check or money order to cover the fee.
- Online — check the availability of electronic ordering through the Clerk of Court's portal.
To obtain a complete state-level criminal history, submit a request to the Louisiana State Police through their criminal background check system. This requires fingerprint submission.
Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court
Required identification: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport).
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Lafourche
Fees for criminal records in Lafourche Parish are set according to Louisiana law. Below are approximate amounts:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Certified copy (certification fee) | $2.00 – $5.00 per document |
| Records search (search fee) | May be charged separately — confirm with the clerk |
| Criminal background check through Louisiana State Police | Approximately $26.00 (subject to change) |
Processing times depend on the method of request submission. In-person requests are often processed the same day if records are available in the electronic system. Mail requests may take one to three weeks. Checks through the Louisiana State Police using fingerprints usually take several business days, though delays are possible during peak periods.
Contact the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court's office directly to confirm current fee amounts, as they may be updated periodically.