Welcome to your go-to resource for Jefferson Parish Court records , designed to help you find the information you need with ease and confidence. Located just west of New Orleans, Jefferson Parish plays a central role in Louisiana’s judicial system. The local courts handle a wide range of legal matters, including civil disputes, criminal charges, family law cases, and property-related hearings. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Court and the Judicial Administrator, both of whom ensure that all documents are properly filed and accessible to the public.
This guide was created to give legal professionals, law enforcement officers, and members of the general public a clear understanding of how to access court records, both online and in person. Whether you’re looking for recent case filings or historical documents, Jefferson Parish Court procedures are explained step by step. You’ll also find details on processing times, available record types, and any applicable fees. Our goal is to make accessing court records simple, transparent, and stress-free. Let’s get started and help you locate the records you need today.
Types of Court Records Available in Jefferson Parish
Understanding which court records are available can help save time and effort. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly requested types of records through the Jefferson Parish Court system.
Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records provide insight into legal actions taken against individuals charged with offenses. These records include:
- Arrest records : Details about when and why someone was taken into custody.
- Mugshots : Photographs taken at the time of arrest, often stored alongside arrest reports.
- Case history and charges : Information on the nature of the crime, dates, and court proceedings.
- Hearing schedules : Dates and times of upcoming court appearances.
- Conviction details : Final rulings, sentencing, fines, or probation terms.
These records are typically maintained by the Clerk of Court and can be accessed online or in person. Most criminal records remain public unless sealed or expunged by court order.
Marriage & Divorce Records
Marriage and divorce records are among the most frequently requested documents, especially for legal and genealogical purposes.
- Marriage licenses : Official permits issued before a wedding takes place. These records list names of both parties, date of marriage, and officiant details.
- Divorce decrees : Legal documents confirming the end of a marriage, including custody arrangements, alimony, and asset division.
- Annulment documents : Formal declarations that a marriage was never legally valid.
To obtain certified copies, applicants must submit a request form and pay a small fee—typically $10–$25 depending on the type of record. Requests can be made online via the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court website or in person at their Gretna office.
Property Records
Property records play a key role in real estate transactions, tax assessments, and land ownership verification.
- Deeds and mortgages : Legal documents showing property transfers and loan agreements.
- Title transfers : Proof of who currently owns a specific parcel of land.
- Tax liens : Notices filed when property taxes are unpaid.
You can search property ownership records using the parish’s online portal, which allows users to look up properties by address or owner name. Fees for document copies vary but generally start at $5 per page. Title companies and home buyers often rely on these records during closings.
Other Public Records
Beyond criminal, marital, and property records, the Jefferson Parish Court also keeps several additional types of public documents.
- Traffic violations : Includes citations, fines, and court appearances related to driving offenses.
- Juvenile records : While some juvenile records may be confidential, non-criminal records like truancy or minor infractions might still be accessible under certain conditions.
- Civil judgments : Outcomes of lawsuits involving money or property disputes.
- Warrants : Active arrest orders issued by a judge.
Most of these records can be found through the parish’s official court database. Some require in-person visits or formal requests, especially if they involve sensitive or restricted data.
How to Access Jefferson Parish Court Records
Finding court records in Jefferson Parish doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re looking up a case for legal research, personal records, or general information, there are several straightforward ways to access the details you need.
This guide will walk you through all available options—online searches, in-person visits, mail-in requests, and how to use the jail roster. Each method is designed to meet different user needs, so you can choose the one that works best for your situation.
Online Search Options
The easiest way to find Jefferson Parish Court records is through the official Jefferson Parish Court website. This online portal allows users to search for cases using basic filters like:
- Full name of the individual
- Case number
- Date filed
These tools make it simple to locate specific records without needing to visit an office or wait for mailed documents.
There are also third-party services that provide public record searches. While these platforms may offer additional features or historical data, they often come with subscription fees or limited access. Be aware that third-party results may not always reflect the most current or official court information.
In-Person Requests
If you prefer face-to-face assistance or need physical copies of court records, you can visit one of the following locations:
- Thomas F. Donelon Building – 200 Derbigny St., Gretna, LA 70053
- Hale Boggs Federal Building – 500 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130
- Parish Courts in Gretna and Metairie – These local courts handle civil and criminal matters and are open during regular business hours.
Office hours typically run from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday , though it’s a good idea to confirm before visiting.
When making an in-person request, bring valid government-issued ID and any known case details (such as case number or filing date) to speed up the process. Staff members are available to help but cannot provide legal advice.
Mail-In Requests
You can also request court records by mail. To do so, send your written request to:
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
200 Derbigny St., Room 101
Gretna, LA 70053
Your letter should include:
- Your full name and contact information
- The full name of the person in the record
- Case number (if known)
- A copy of your valid photo ID
- A check or money order for applicable fees (usually $5–$25 depending on document type)
Processing time for mail-in requests is typically 5–10 business days, though this may vary based on volume and complexity.
Using the Jail Roster / Mugshot Database
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office maintains a real-time jail roster and mugshot database . This tool allows users to look up individuals currently in custody.
To perform a search, simply enter:
- Full or partial name
- Booking date range
- Offense type
Results update frequently and show booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and expected release dates.
However, please note that this database only includes recent arrests and active detainees. It does not contain historical arrest records or sealed or expunged cases. For those, you’ll need to use official court channels or request records directly.
Jefferson Parish Court: Contact Information & Locations
Finding the right court services in Jefferson Parish should be simple and stress-free. Whether you need to file a case, attend a hearing, or ask about legal procedures, having clear access to contact details and courthouse locations makes all the difference.
Key Contacts at Jefferson Parish Court
At the heart of court operations are key officials who ensure smooth daily functions:
- Michael T. O’Brien , Judicial Administrator
- Frank Borne , Chief Deputy Clerk
For federal matters, reach out directly to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana using their official contact line.
Main Courthouse Location
The central hub for many court-related services is located at:
200 Derbigny Street, Suite 2100, Gretna, LA 70053
This courthouse provides a wide range of services, including civil filings, criminal proceedings, and administrative support. The Public Records section is accessible via public access terminals for case lookups, and staff members are ready to assist with general inquiries during regular business hours.
Parish Court Offices Across Jefferson Parish
To better serve local residents, the parish operates two main court offices:
- Second Parish Court – Located in Gretna , this office handles cases within the western part of the parish.
- First Parish Court – Situated in Metairie, it serves the eastern portion of Jefferson Parish.
Both courts offer similar core services, including small claims, traffic violations, and municipal ordinance enforcement. Always confirm specific service availability before visiting.
Hours of Operation:
Most Jefferson Parish Court offices operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM , though some may close briefly for lunch. Always call ahead to verify hours, especially on holidays or during special events.
Federal Court Access
For federal-level cases, visit the Eastern District of Louisiana courthouse at:
500 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130
This location oversees federal litigation involving Jefferson Parish and surrounding areas. You can reach them by phone at (504) 589-7600 for case status updates, filing instructions, or procedural questions.
Jefferson Parish Court Fees for Copies and Certifications
If you need documents from the Jefferson Parish Court, understanding the fees involved can save time and effort. This section provides a clear breakdown of costs for copies and certifications to help you prepare.
Copy and Certification Fees Overview
At the Jefferson Parish Court, fees vary depending on the type of document request:
- Non-certified copy : $1.00 per page
- Certified copy : $5.00 plus $1.00 per page for copying
- Act of Congress Certification : $5.00 plus $1.00 per page
- Clock-certified copy : $3.00 per document
- Fax or email copies : $1.00 per page
These rates apply to standard requests and are subject to change based on court policy updates.
Accepted Payment Methods
You can pay using several convenient options:
- Cash
- Check (payable to Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court)
- Credit card
Online payment may also be available for certain services. Always confirm with the court office before submitting your request.
Fee Waivers and Discounts
The Jefferson Parish Court offers relief in specific situations:
- Low-income individuals may qualify for reduced fees or waivers.
- Government agencies often receive complimentary or discounted services when requesting records for official use.
To apply for a waiver or discount, submit the appropriate documentation along with your request form at the courthouse.
Top Performing Keywords
The most effective keywords driving traffic to Jefferson Parish Court-related content include:
- jefferson parish inmate locator
- jefferson parish jail inmate search
- louisiana marriage records
- jefferson parish clerk of court
- jefferson parish mugshots
These terms consistently rank well and attract high user engagement due to their direct relevance to public services like criminal record checks, marriage documentation, and court access.
The Search Intent
User searches fall into three main categories:
- Navigational : People trying to find the official Jefferson Parish Court website.
- Informational : Users looking for guides, FAQs, or step-by-step help (e.g., how to file a document or locate an inmate).
- Transactional : Visitors seeking to download forms, request records, or make online payments.
Recognizing these patterns allows us to build content that matches what users need at each stage of their journey.
Missed Opportunities
Some high-potential keywords are currently underutilized:
- la court records online
- new orleans court docket
- jefferson parish divorce records
These phrases have strong search volume but lack dedicated, optimized pages to support them. Creating targeted content around these topics can significantly boost organic reach.
How to Improve SEO Performance
Here are practical steps to strengthen the site’s presence in search results:
- Create blog-style guides on popular topics like how to check inmate status or obtain marriage records.
- Optimize existing pages using proper heading structures (H1, H2, etc.) and relevant internal links.
- Implement structured data to enhance how your site appears in search engine results pages (SERPs), making it easier for users to click through.
By aligning content with real user needs, we can increase both traffic and satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about accessing court records in Jefferson Parish? Below are quick answers to common queries:
How can I search for Jefferson Parish Court Records online?
You can search for court records through the official Jefferson Parish Court Records page. Use filters like name, case number, or date filed to find criminal, marriage, divorce, or property records. For inmate searches, visit the Jail Roster page to look up mugshots and booking details.
What are the fees for obtaining certified copies of records?
Certified copies cost $5.00 plus copy fees, while non-certified copies are $1.00 per page. Clock-certified documents cost $3.00 per document, and faxed or emailed copies are also $1.00 per page. These fees apply at the Clerk of Court’s office in Gretna or Metairie.
Why is the Jefferson Parish Court Records page hard to navigate?
The page lacks proper heading structure (H1, H2, H3), has an outdated design, and offers poor mobile responsiveness. It also doesn’t use semantic HTML or accessibility features like skip navigation links, making it difficult for users and screen readers to follow content flow.
Can I find Jefferson Parish Jail Inmates or Mugshots online?
Yes, you can find inmate information and mugshots using the Jail Roster. The tool allows you to search by name, booking date, or offense type. This page ranks well for keywords like Jefferson Parish Jail inmate search and Gretna, LA jail inmate search.
How do I correct a mistake in a court record?
If you find an error in a court record, contact the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court or the Judicial Administrator’s Office to request a correction. You may need to submit a formal request or file a motion with the court to officially amend the record.