Orleans County Court Records
What Is Orleans County Court Records
Orleans County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the parish's judicial system. These records consist of case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the various courts operating within Orleans Parish. According to Louisiana Public Records Law, specifically under Title 44, these documents are considered public records unless explicitly exempted by statute.
Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, as they specifically document judicial proceedings. In Orleans Parish, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:
- Orleans Parish Civil District Court
- Orleans Parish Criminal District Court
- Orleans Parish Juvenile Court
- New Orleans Municipal and Traffic Court
- First and Second City Courts
- Domestic Relations Court
These courts collectively handle civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims matters. The Orleans Parish Civil District Court has original jurisdiction over all civil matters within the parish, while criminal matters are handled by the Criminal District Court. As defined in Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:1, court records are considered public documents that must be preserved and made accessible to the public with certain exceptions.
Are Court Records Public In Orleans County
Court records in Orleans Parish are generally public under Louisiana law. The Louisiana Public Records Act, specifically Title 44 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, establishes the public's right to access government records, including court documents. Additionally, Article XII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution guarantees citizens the right to examine public documents, except in cases where privacy interests are specifically protected by law.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Final dispositions
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Eastern District of Louisiana (which includes Orleans Parish) are governed by federal access rules rather than state law. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.
Certain records may be sealed or redacted pursuant to Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 1426, which allows courts to issue protective orders to prevent disclosure of confidential information. Additionally, juvenile records, certain domestic matters, and cases involving minors often have restricted access under Louisiana Children's Code § 412.
The Louisiana Judicial Branch operates under rules established by the Louisiana Supreme Court regarding public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns.
How To Find Court Records in Orleans County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Orleans Parish may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The process varies depending on the court and record type being sought.
For in-person requests:
- Visit the clerk's office of the specific court where the case was filed
- Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Complete any required request forms
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies (if needed)
Orleans Parish Civil District Court
421 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-407-0000
Orleans Parish Civil District Court
Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court
2700 Tulane Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
504-658-9000
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court
Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
For written requests, individuals may submit a public records request form to the appropriate court clerk. Requests should include:
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific case information (case number, party names, filing date)
- Description of records sought
- Preferred delivery method
Electronic requests can be submitted through the City of New Orleans public records portal for certain courts. The Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans provides online access to case information and records through their website.
For certified copies of court records, requestors must specify this requirement and pay additional certification fees. Standard processing times range from 3-10 business days, though expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
How To Look Up Court Records in Orleans County Online?
Orleans Parish offers several online portals for accessing court records electronically. Each system contains different record types and requires specific search parameters.
For Civil District Court records:
- Visit the Orleans Parish Civil District Court website
- Select "Case Information" or "Records Search"
- Create a user account if required
- Search by case number, party name, filing date, or attorney
- Review search results and select desired case
- View available documents or docket information
- Pay any applicable fees to download documents
For Criminal District Court records:
- Access the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office Docket Master
- Enter defendant name or case number
- Review case summary information
- Note that full documents may require in-person requests
The Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans provides online access to:
- Traffic citations
- Municipal code violations
- Docket information
- Payment options
For federal cases filed in Orleans Parish:
- Access the federal PACER system (fees apply)
- Register for an account
- Select "Find a Case"
- Choose "U.S. District Courts" and "Louisiana Eastern"
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
The Louisiana Judicial Branch website provides links to various court systems and explains the structure of courts within the state. Some records, particularly older cases or those with restricted access, may not be available online and require in-person requests.
How To Search Orleans County Court Records for Free?
Louisiana law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. According to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:32, "The custodian shall provide copies to persons so requesting" but may establish and collect reasonable fees for providing copies.
Free options for accessing Orleans Parish court records include:
- In-person inspection at the respective clerk's office during regular business hours
- Public access terminals located at courthouse facilities
- Limited online searches through court websites (without document downloads)
The Orleans Parish Civil District Court provides public access terminals at:
Civil District Court Clerk's Office
421 Loyola Avenue, Room 402
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-407-0000
These terminals allow free searches of case information, though printing may incur fees.
The Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans offers free online case searches, though document access may be limited. Users can search by:
- Case number
- Citation number
- Defendant name
- Hearing date
For criminal records, the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a free online docket master that provides basic case information without charge.
Public libraries in Orleans Parish may also offer free access to certain legal research databases that include court records. The Louisiana Supreme Court Law Library provides free public access to legal research tools and assistance locating court records.
What's Included in a Orleans County Court Record?
Orleans Parish court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type and court, but typically include:
For Civil Cases:
- Petition or complaint initiating the lawsuit
- Summons and service of process documentation
- Answers and responsive pleadings
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits and evidence presented
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Judge's orders and rulings
- Final judgment or decree
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
For Criminal Cases:
- Charging documents (bill of information or indictment)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Booking information
- Bond/bail documentation
- Arraignment records
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Evidence logs
- Witness lists
- Plea agreements
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation/parole information
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
For Family Court Matters:
- Petitions for divorce, custody, or support
- Financial disclosure forms
- Parenting plans
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Child support worksheets
- Property settlement agreements
- Judgments of divorce
- Custody evaluations (may be sealed)
For Probate Cases:
- Petition for probate
- Death certificate
- Will (if applicable)
- Letters testamentary or of administration
- Inventory of assets
- Claims against the estate
- Accounting reports
- Distribution orders
According to the City of New Orleans public records policy, certain sensitive information may be redacted from court records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minors.
How Long Does Orleans County Keep Court Records?
Orleans Parish maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management program and the Louisiana Supreme Court. Retention periods vary based on record type, case disposition, and historical significance.
General retention guidelines include:
- Felony criminal cases: Permanent retention for capital cases; 20+ years for other felonies
- Misdemeanor criminal cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Civil litigation: 10 years after final judgment
- Domestic relations cases: 10-30 years depending on type
- Probate/succession cases: Permanent retention
- Small claims: 5 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 3-5 years after final disposition
Case indexes and docket books are typically retained permanently as they provide essential finding aids for historical research. The Louisiana Department of State Archives maintains the official retention schedules for court records.
Records of significant historical or precedential value may be transferred to the Orleans Parish Notarial Archives or the Louisiana State Archives for permanent preservation after their active retention period expires. Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though storage methods differ.
Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:36, all public records must be preserved for the period of time specified in the official retention schedule. Destruction of records must follow formal procedures and documentation.
Types of Courts In Orleans County
Orleans Parish has a unique court structure within Louisiana's judicial system, with specialized courts handling different case types:
Orleans Parish Civil District Court
421 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-407-0000
Orleans Parish Civil District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
This court handles civil matters including personal injury, property disputes, contract cases, and successions (probate).
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court
2700 Tulane Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
504-658-9000
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
This court has jurisdiction over felony cases and serious misdemeanors.
Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans
1601 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-658-8500
Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This court handles municipal code violations, traffic infractions, and minor misdemeanors.
Orleans Parish Juvenile Court
1100 Milton Street
New Orleans, LA 70122
504-658-9500
Orleans Parish Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
This court handles juvenile delinquency cases and child welfare matters.
First City Court (East Bank)
421 Loyola Avenue, Room 201
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-407-0700
First City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
This court handles small claims up to $5,000 and evictions for the east bank of Orleans Parish.
Second City Court (West Bank)
225 Morgan Street
New Orleans, LA 70114
504-407-0500
Second City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
This court handles small claims up to $5,000 and evictions for the west bank of Orleans Parish.
The court hierarchy in Louisiana, as described by the Louisiana Judicial Branch, follows this structure:
- Louisiana Supreme Court (highest court)
- Courts of Appeal (5 circuits)
- District Courts (Orleans Parish has separate Civil and Criminal District Courts)
- Specialized courts (Juvenile, Family, Municipal, Traffic)
What Types of Cases Do Orleans County Courts Hear?
Orleans Parish courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction divided among specialized courts:
Orleans Parish Civil District Court handles:
- Personal injury claims
- Property disputes
- Contract litigation
- Successions (probate)
- Foreclosures
- Divorces and family matters
- Civil appeals from First and Second City Courts
- General civil litigation with claims exceeding $25,000
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court adjudicates:
- Felony criminal cases
- Serious misdemeanors
- Criminal appeals from Municipal Court
- Bond hearings
- Probation violations
- Expungements
Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans processes:
- Traffic violations
- Municipal code infractions
- Parking citations
- Minor misdemeanors
- Quality of life offenses
- Building code violations
Orleans Parish Juvenile Court oversees:
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child in Need of Care cases
- Adoptions
- Child support matters involving juveniles
- Termination of parental rights
- Juvenile traffic offenses
First and Second City Courts handle:
- Small claims up to $5,000
- Eviction proceedings
- Property damage claims under $25,000
- Contract disputes under $25,000
- Possession of movable property
The Orleans Parish Civil District Court also includes a domestic relations section that handles divorces, child custody, support, and related family law matters. For federal cases, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, located in New Orleans, handles federal criminal and civil matters arising in Orleans Parish.
How To Find a Court Docket In Orleans County
Court dockets in Orleans Parish provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case. These essential records help track case progress and scheduled hearings. Several methods exist for accessing docket information:
Online Access:
- For Civil District Court cases, visit the Orleans Parish Civil District Court website
- Select "Case Information" or "Docket Search"
- Enter case number or party name
- Review chronological listing of case events
For Municipal and Traffic Court:
- Access the Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans website
- Select "Case Search" or "Docket Information"
- Enter citation number, case number, or defendant name
- View upcoming court dates and case status
For Criminal District Court:
- Visit the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office Docket Master
- Enter defendant name or case number
- Review case events and scheduled hearings
In-person requests can be made at:
Orleans Parish Civil District Court Clerk's Office
421 Loyola Avenue, Room 402
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-407-0000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk's Office
2700 Tulane Avenue, Room 104
New Orleans, LA 70119
504-658-9000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Daily docket sheets listing all cases scheduled for specific courtrooms are typically posted outside each courtroom and may be available at the clerk's office. For upcoming hearings, the City of New Orleans public records portal provides information on scheduled court proceedings.
Attorneys registered with court e-filing systems receive automatic docket updates for their cases. Members of the public can request docket notifications for specific cases through the clerk's office, though fees may apply for this service.
Which Courts in Orleans County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Louisiana's judicial system, "courts of record" are those required to maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and comprehensive case documentation. Courts not of record typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures and may not maintain complete transcripts unless specifically requested.
According to Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 1, courts of record must maintain complete documentation of all proceedings. In Orleans Parish, the following are not courts of record:
- Small Claims divisions of First and Second City Courts
- Certain administrative hearings within Municipal Court
- Traffic violations bureau (for uncontested matters)
- Administrative hearing officers for code enforcement
These non-record courts typically:
- Handle minor infractions and small claims
- Use simplified procedures
- Do not automatically create verbatim transcripts
- Maintain basic case information rather than complete files
- Often allow self-representation
Appeals from these courts proceed as trials de novo (new trials) rather than reviews of the record, since no official transcript exists. This means the entire case is reheard at the higher court level.
The Louisiana Judicial Branch classifies courts based on their record-keeping requirements and jurisdictional authority. While these non-record courts maintain basic case information, they do not create the comprehensive record required for traditional appellate review.
Lookup Court Records in Orleans County
Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans
Orleans Parish Civil District Court
City of New Orleans Public Records Requests
Case Information & Public Access - Middle District of Louisiana
Louisiana Laws - Public Records and Recorders
Louisiana Department of Revenue - Public Records Request
Louisiana Department of Transportation - Public Records Request Form