Court records in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, can be searched through several channels. JeffersonLACourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the parish. You can also access records through official court websites, the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court offices, and public terminals located at the courthouse. The sections below explain which courts handle specific case types, how to look up dockets and hearings, and how to obtain copies of court documents.
Jefferson Court System & Jurisdictions
Jefferson Parish has multiple courts, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court to search saves time when looking up a docket or requesting records.
24th Judicial District Court
The 24th Judicial District Court is the parish's general-jurisdiction trial court. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil suits (including those exceeding the jurisdictional limit of lower courts)
- Family law matters — divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and protective orders
- Succession (probate) proceedings
- Juvenile cases
The 24th JDC also operates several specialty courts, including drug court, mental health court, and veterans court.
Jefferson Parish Courts (First and Second Parish Courts)
Jefferson Parish has two parish courts — one serving the East Bank and one serving the West Bank. These courts handle:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil suits up to $50,000 (per Louisiana R.S. 13:5202)
- Evictions and small claims
The Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Parish Court Unit prosecutes all misdemeanor and traffic cases in these courts.
Justice of the Peace Courts
Justice of the Peace courts in Jefferson Parish handle small civil disputes up to $5,000 and may perform marriage ceremonies. Their dockets are typically maintained at the individual JP office rather than through the Clerk of Court's central system.
Federal Court
Jefferson Parish falls within the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Federal civil and criminal cases are searched separately through the PACER system, not through parish court records.
Jefferson Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Jefferson Parish, use these resources:
- 24th JDC Online Court portal — The 24th JDC website publishes docket information and links to court calendars. Look for the "Dockets" section, which lists hearings by division and date.
- Clerk of Court's JeffNet system — The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court website provides access to the JeffNet Online Records System, where you can search case records and view scheduled hearing dates tied to individual cases.
- Courthouse postings — Daily dockets are posted at the Gretna courthouse. If you need to confirm a hearing time, call the division clerk for the judge assigned to the case.
- Parish Court calendars — First and Second Parish Court schedules are typically available by contacting the respective court clerk's office directly.
If you are searching for a specific case and need the next hearing date, the fastest approach is to search by case number or party name through JeffNet. Magistrate court schedules — used for initial appearances and bond hearings — are also accessible through the 24th JDC page on the Jefferson Parish government site.
How to Get a Copy of a Jefferson Court Document
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court is the official custodian of civil, criminal, and property records filed in the parish courts. You can obtain copies through three channels:
Online
Use the JeffNet Online Records System through the Clerk of Court website. You can search civil and criminal case records and, in many instances, view scanned documents. Some documents are available for download; certified copies typically require an in-person or mail request.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Court office at the courthouse:
Bring the case number or enough identifying information (party names, approximate filing date) so staff can locate the record. You can request either uncertified or certified copies at the counter.
By Mail
Send a written request to:
Include:
- The case number (if known) or party names and case type
- A description of the specific document you need
- A self-addressed, stamped envelope with sufficient postage for the return
- Payment for applicable fees (check or money order payable to the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court)
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies carry the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and filings with other agencies.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions suitable for personal reference or research.
Certain records are restricted from public access, including sealed juvenile records, adoption files, and records subject to a court-ordered seal. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is publicly available before submitting payment.
Jefferson Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Jefferson Parish are set by Louisiana statute and the Clerk of Court's fee schedule. The table below reflects commonly requested services. Contact the Clerk's office at (504) 364-2900 to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Estimated Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 | Standard photocopy rate |
| Certified copy | $5.00 and up | Includes Clerk's seal; additional pages may incur per-page charges |
| Record search (per name) | $10.00 – $25.00 | Varies by record type and search scope |
| Civil case filing copy | Varies | Depends on document length and certification |
| Criminal record search | Varies | Contact Clerk's criminal department for current rate |
| Online record access (JeffNet) | Free for basic searches | Some document downloads or subscriptions may have fees |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order. Some offices accept credit or debit cards — confirm before visiting.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court."
- Online: Payment methods vary by the online system used; follow the instructions on the Clerk's website.
For general parish public records requests outside the court system, Jefferson Parish offers a separate online portal where you can submit, track, and receive non-court government records. Fees for those requests are governed by the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.), which generally limits charges to the actual cost of reproduction.