East Baton Rouge Parish Court Records Search
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East Baton Rouge Parish, home to Louisiana’s state capital of Baton Rouge, operates one of the busiest court systems in the state. The parish’s courts handle tens of thousands of cases each year, spanning criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family law matters, and probate proceedings. The 19th Judicial District Court serves as the primary trial court, supported by a dedicated Family Court, Juvenile Court, several City Courts, Justice of the Peace Courts, and a Mayor’s Court. For anyone trying to locate a court record—whether for legal research, background screening, or personal needs—knowing which office holds the file and how to request it is essential.
Court records from East Baton Rouge Parish can be accessed through multiple channels, including the Clerk of Court’s offices, public access terminals at the courthouse, and subscription-based online platforms. Louisiana’s judicial system also provides statewide record search tools, and LouisianaCourts.us may help individuals identify court locations and find publicly available case information across the state. Additional free searching is available through the eClerks LA statewide portal, which indexes land records, marriage licenses, and civil, family, and probate court records for all 64 Louisiana parishes.
How to Look Up a Court Case in East Baton Rouge Parish?
There are three primary ways to search for court case records in East Baton Rouge Parish: online, in person, or by mail.
Online Search via ClerkConnect
The East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court provides online access to civil, family, probate, criminal, traffic, mortgage, conveyance, map index, and UCC records through the ClerkConnect portal. This is a subscription-based system with the following fee structure:
| Subscription Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| 24-Hour Pass | $20.00 |
| 30-Day Pass | $65.00 |
| 12-Month Pass | $780.00 |
| Each additional user (monthly) | $25.00 |
| Per-page printing | $0.60 |
ClerkConnect allows subscribers to search and view criminal case records dating back to 1900 and civil records from the Clerk’s electronic filing system. Online print and electronic certification capabilities are available. For questions about online access, contact the Online Access Manager at (225) 389-7851.
In-Person Search
Visitors may inspect court records at no charge at any Clerk of Court location during regular business hours. The Clerk maintains four offices:
- Downtown Main Office (City Hall) — 222 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
- 19th JDC Courthouse — 300 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
- Airline Highway Branch — 9050 Airline Highway, Suite 100, Baton Rouge, LA 70815
- Downtown Archives Building — 444 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. No appointment is required for inspecting records, though copy fees apply when obtaining reproductions.
By Mail
Written requests can be sent to:
P.O. Box 1991
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-1991
Include the names of the parties, case type, approximate date range, and the specific documents needed. Copy fees are $1.00 per page for documents provided pursuant to Louisiana’s Public Records Law. Requests should be directed to the Clerk of Court, and response times are typically one business day for straightforward inquiries.
Are Court Records Public in East Baton Rouge Parish?
Louisiana maintains a broad presumption of public access to government records, including court files. The Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.) and Article XII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution guarantee the right of any person to examine and copy public records without needing to state a reason for the request.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court’s civil, criminal, traffic, marriage license, and mortgage and conveyance records are all available for public examination at the facilities where those records are housed. Access is free—members of the public pay only for copies. Under La. R.S. 44:33.1, the Clerk’s office is required to publicize the name and contact information of its custodian of public records. Public records requests may be directed to the Clerk of Court at dwelborn@ebrclerkofcourt.org.
Records That Are Not Public
Certain categories of court records are sealed or confidential under Louisiana law:
- Juvenile court records — Access is governed by the Louisiana Children’s Code (Ch.C. Art. 412) and generally requires a court order. The East Baton Rouge Juvenile Court manages these records, and individuals seeking access may need to petition the court.
- Adoption records — Sealed by law and not available for public inspection.
- Mental health commitment records — Confidential under state statute.
- Records sealed by court order — Any case where a judge has specifically ordered sealing.
- Expunged criminal records — Once an expungement is granted, the records are no longer accessible to the public.
Additionally, certain sensitive personal information—such as Social Security numbers—may be redacted from publicly available documents. Louisiana’s status as a “closed record” state with respect to vital records means birth and death certificates are restricted to legally entitled individuals, though these are vital records maintained separately from court files.
If the Clerk of Court reasonably determines that a records request would substantially disrupt government operations, access may be denied after reasonable attempts have been made to narrow or specify the request. Examinations requested outside of regular office hours require advance payment of reasonable compensation for the Clerk’s designated representative.
East Baton Rouge Parish Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in East Baton Rouge Parish are primarily heard by the 19th Judicial District Court, which has fifteen elected judges (Divisions A through O) and four commissioners. The court has original jurisdiction over all criminal matters in the parish, from misdemeanors to felonies. The District Court shares jurisdiction with the City Courts for certain driving-while-intoxicated offenses.
Where Criminal Records Are Maintained
The Criminal Records Department of the Clerk of Court’s office is located in Room 2501 of the 19th Judicial District Courthouse at 300 North Boulevard. This department is responsible for preparing records for court, safeguarding all evidence, and permanently storing criminal files. Documents housed here include affidavits, bonds, warrants, and expungements.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal case records can be searched through:
- ClerkConnect — Subscribers can search criminal cases dating back to 1900. Records include case filings, dispositions, and docket information.
- In person — Visit Room 2501 at the 19th JDC Courthouse during business hours.
- eClerks LA — The statewide portal operated by the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association offers free searching capabilities across multiple parishes.
Sheriff’s Office Criminal Records
The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and criminal history data through its Criminal Division. The Sheriff’s criminal and traffic records unit can be reached at (225) 389-5002. For written requests, mail correspondence to:
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Criminal Records
P.O. Box 3277
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
The Sheriff’s main office is located at 8900 Jimmy Wedell Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70807, and can be reached at (225) 389-5000.
Criminal History Checks
Formal criminal background checks through the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information are restricted to law enforcement agencies, which access criminal history records through the Automated Fingerprint Identification System. Members of the public seeking personal criminal history information should contact the State Police directly for available options.
City Courts Handling Criminal Matters
Several City Courts in East Baton Rouge Parish also process criminal and traffic cases:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge City Court | 233 St. Louis Street, Room 208, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 | (225) 389-8870 |
| Baker City Court | 1320 Alabama Street, Baker, LA 70714 | (225) 778-1866 |
| Zachary City Court | 5410 Main Street, Zachary, LA 70791 | (225) 654-0044 |
Baton Rouge City Court handles criminal and traffic matters as well as civil claims where the amount in controversy is $35,000 or less.
East Baton Rouge Parish Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in East Baton Rouge Parish is filed with the Clerk of Court and heard in the 19th Judicial District Court. The Civil Suit Records Department maintains all information contained in civil cases, including pleadings, petitions, answers, exceptions, motions, and judgments. All of these documents are available for public viewing.
Paperless Filing System
As of October 1, 2020, the Clerk of Court’s civil suit records department no longer maintains paper files, with the exception of probate proceedings. Pursuant to Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 253(B), the Clerk established an electronic filing and storage system for all pleadings, documents, and exhibits filed in the 19th JDC and Family Court. Original notes and foreign judgments are still kept in paper form. Paper filings are retained for 90 days before being scheduled for destruction—filers who want their paper documents returned must request them within that window.
Types of Civil Cases
The District Court handles civil matters including:
- Foreclosures and mortgage defaults
- Evictions and landlord-tenant disputes
- Personal injury and tort claims
- Contract disputes
- Equitable claims
- Guardianships and conservatorships
How to Access Civil Records
Civil records can be retrieved through ClerkConnect online, by visiting the civil suit records department at the 19th JDC Courthouse, or through the Clerk’s downtown office in City Hall. Older civil records predating the electronic system are housed in the Archives Department at 444 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, which can be reached at (225) 389-3988. The Archives Department holds civil records dating back to 1782, including bundles of notarial acts and indexes of parish records.
Small Claims and City Court Civil Matters
Justice of the Peace Courts in East Baton Rouge Parish handle small claims involving amounts of $5,000 or less, as well as eviction cases. Multiple Justice of the Peace offices operate throughout the parish:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Ward 2, District 1 | 14790 Jackson Road, Zachary, LA 70791 | (225) 654-9544 |
| Ward 2, District 2 | 20120 Plank Road, Suite A, Zachary, LA 70791 | (225) 658-9778 |
| Ward 3, District 1 | 3211 Monterrey Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70814 | (225) 926-9415 |
| Ward 3, District 2 | 5627 Superior Drive, Suite A-1, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 | (225) 751-8265 |
| Ward 3, District 3 | 9270 Siegen Lane, Suite 502, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 | (225) 761-3000 |
East Baton Rouge Parish Family Court Records
The East Baton Rouge Family Court is a specialized court that adjudicates domestic relations matters for the parish. It operates from the fourth floor of the 19th JDC Courthouse complex at 300 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, and can be reached at (225) 388-5485.
Types of Family Court Cases
Family Court handles cases involving:
- Divorce and separation proceedings
- Child custody and visitation
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Community property division
- Domestic violence protective orders
All legal records of the Family Court are in the custody of the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court. The Family Processing Department receives filed pleadings in family court matters, routes documents requiring a judge’s signature, and issues service of process through the Sheriff’s Office. Street addresses are mandatory for service—the Sheriff will not serve documents to a P.O. Box.
Searching Family Court Records
Family court records are electronically searchable through ClerkConnect using the same subscription access that covers civil and criminal records. In-person viewing is available at the civil suit records department, where public computer terminals provide access to family court filings. The 19th JDC also operates a Self-Help Resource Center on the fourth floor of the courthouse, open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, to assist self-represented litigants with family law matters.
Divorce Records
Louisiana is a no-fault divorce state, meaning couples in East Baton Rouge Parish do not need to prove wrongdoing to end a marriage. A marriage can be dissolved after the parties have lived separately for the period required by statute. Certified copies of divorce decrees can be obtained from the Clerk of Court’s downtown office at 222 St. Louis Street.
Louisiana also recognizes covenant marriage, which provides couples with more limited grounds for seeking divorce compared to a standard marriage.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses issued in East Baton Rouge Parish are maintained by the Clerk of Court. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be requested at the Clerk’s office. The Louisiana State Registrar and Vital Records office also provides marriage verification services. Contact the Clerk at (225) 389-3950 for marriage license inquiries.
Domestic Violence Protective Orders
The 19th Judicial District Court has expanded access to protective orders. Residents of East Baton Rouge Parish may now file for protective orders at any of the parish’s 15 public library branches, in addition to filing at the courthouse.
Birth and Death Certificates
While not court records, the Clerk of Court’s downtown office at 222 St. Louis Street offers birth and death certificate services on a walk-in basis from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Death certificates are available only from June 2012 forward—older death records must be obtained from the Vital Records Office in New Orleans. Louisiana is a closed record state for vital records, so only legally entitled individuals such as the named person, their parent, or their spouse may obtain these certificates. Others may request access by completing an authorization to release information form under the Louisiana Disclosure of Records Statute, R.S. 40:41.
East Baton Rouge Parish Probate Court Records
East Baton Rouge Parish does not operate a standalone probate court. Probate matters are heard by the 19th Judicial District Court, and all probate filings are maintained by the Clerk of Court. Notably, probate proceedings are the one exception to the Clerk’s paperless filing policy—hard copies of probate records continue to be maintained.
What Probate Records Include
Probate cases in East Baton Rouge Parish involve the settlement of a deceased person’s estate, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors or administrators, asset inventories, payment of debts and taxes, and final distribution to heirs. The probate court also handles:
- Guardianship appointments for incapacitated adults and minors
- Conservatorship proceedings
- Trust administration
- Safekeeping of wills prior to the testator’s death
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records are accessible through ClerkConnect online and through in-person inspection at the Clerk’s offices. The East Baton Rouge Parish Archives Department is particularly valuable for probate research, as it houses original probate records, civil records, family records, criminal records, notarial acts, and tax rolls reaching back to 1782. The Archives Department also offers research assistance for genealogical inquiries and court record information.
Archives Department
Address: 444 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: (225) 389-3988
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed on state holidays)
To schedule a research appointment, mail a request to P.O. Box 1991, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-1991.
Property Records Related to Probate
When probate proceedings affect real estate, property records may also be relevant. The East Baton Rouge GIS Property Lookup tool allows searches by street address, subdivision name, business name, or lot identification number. Property records include tax assessments, ownership history, sales data, zoning information, and lien information. The East Baton Rouge Parish Property Assessor’s Office at 10500 Coursey Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, can provide additional property assessment information at (225) 389-3901. These resources can help parties verify real estate holdings during probate administration and confirm whether any liens or encumbrances exist on estate property.