Jefferson County Court Records

What Is Jefferson County Court Records

Court records in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana comprise all official documents generated during legal proceedings within the parish's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1, court records are classified as public records and are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital records, and tax documents.

The Jefferson Parish court system maintains records for various types of courts, including:

• 24th Judicial District Court
• First Parish Court
• Second Parish Court
• Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court
• Justice of the Peace Courts
• Gretna City Court
• Kenner City Court
• Westwego City Court

These courts generate records for civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of these records, responsible for their maintenance, preservation, and public accessibility in accordance with state law.

Are Court Records Public In Jefferson County

Court records in Jefferson Parish are generally public under Louisiana law. The Louisiana Public Records Act, codified in Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1 et seq., establishes the public's right to access government records, including court documents. Additionally, Article XII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution affirms that "no person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established 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
• Property records
• Marriage licenses
• Probate records

It is important to note that federal court records for cases in Jefferson Parish are maintained separately through the federal court system, specifically the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Access to these records is governed by federal rules rather than state law.

Certain records may be sealed or restricted from public access pursuant to Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 1426, including:

• Juvenile records
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health proceedings
• Certain family court matters
• Records sealed by judicial order
• Cases involving minors or sexual assault victims

The Louisiana Supreme Court has established additional rules governing public access to court records through its administrative rules.

How To Find Court Records in Jefferson County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Jefferson Parish may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court maintains the official repository of court records and provides multiple access options.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court - East Bank Office
Joseph S. Yenni Building
1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., Suite 402
Jefferson, LA 70123
(504) 736-6390
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court

Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court - West Bank Office
Thomas F. Donelon Building
200 Derbigny St., Suite 5600
Gretna, LA 70053
(504) 364-2900
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

To obtain court records:

1. Determine which court has jurisdiction over the case of interest
2. Prepare specific case information (case number, party names, filing date)
3. Complete a records request form (available at the clerk's office or online)
4. Submit the request in person, by mail, or through the online public records request portal
5. Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents
6. Allow processing time, which varies based on request volume and complexity

For expedited service, requestors should provide as much specific information as possible, including case numbers, party names, and approximate dates of filing.

How To Look Up Court Records in Jefferson County Online?

Jefferson Parish offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits and are available 24 hours a day.

The primary online resources include:

1. JeffNet Online Records System - The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court maintains this comprehensive database for searching court records. Users can search by:

   • Case number
   • Party name
   • Filing date
   • Case type
   • Attorney name

2. Louisiana Clerks' Remote Access Authority (LCRAA) - This statewide portal provides access to multiple parish records, including Jefferson Parish. Registration is required, and subscription fees apply for full document access.

3. 24th Judicial District Court Records - The 24th Judicial District Court maintains a separate portal for case information, including:

   • Court calendars
   • Hearing schedules
   • Judge assignments
   • Case status updates

4. Jefferson Parish Public Records Request Portal - For records not available through other online systems, the parish offers a dedicated request platform where users can:

   • Submit formal records requests
   • Track request status
   • Receive electronic document delivery
   • Communicate with records custodians

To conduct an online search:

1. Navigate to the appropriate portal
2. Create an account if required
3. Enter search criteria (case number is most efficient)
4. Review search results
5. Select specific documents for viewing or download
6. Pay any applicable fees
7. Access or download the requested documents

Certain sensitive or sealed records may not be available through online portals and may require in-person requests with proper identification and authorization.

How To Search Jefferson County Court Records for Free?

Louisiana law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records at no cost, as established in Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, which states that "the custodian shall present any public record to any person of the age of majority who so requests." While inspection is free, fees may apply for copies, certified documents, or extensive searches.

Free options for accessing Jefferson Parish court records include:

1. In-person inspection - Visitors may examine records at no cost during regular business hours at the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court offices:

   East Bank Office
   Joseph S. Yenni Building
   1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., Suite 402
   Jefferson, LA 70123

   West Bank Office
   Thomas F. Donelon Building
   200 Derbigny St., Suite 5600
   Gretna, LA 70053

2. Public access terminals - Computer terminals are available at the clerk's offices for free searching of the electronic case management system.

3. Basic online searches - The JeffNet system offers limited free searches for basic case information, though document viewing may require payment.

4. Court dockets - Daily court calendars and hearing schedules for the 24th Judicial District Court are available online at no cost.

5. Public libraries - Several Jefferson Parish libraries provide free access to public computers where residents can access court record search systems.

For those seeking to avoid fees, it is advisable to:

• Conduct preliminary research to identify specific case numbers before requesting documents
• Visit the clerk's office in person for document inspection rather than requesting copies
• Utilize public access terminals at the courthouse for electronic searches
• Bring your own scanning device (if permitted) to capture document images during inspection

What's Included in a Jefferson County Court Record?

Jefferson Parish court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:

For Civil Cases:

• Petition or complaint
• Summons and service of process documentation
• Answers and responsive pleadings
• Motions and supporting memoranda
• Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
• Affidavits and declarations
• Court orders and rulings
• Judgment documents
• Transcripts of hearings (if ordered)
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Appeal documents (if applicable)

For Criminal Cases:

• Charging documents (indictments, bills of information)
• Arrest warrants and returns
• Bond and bail information
• Arraignment records
• Pre-trial motions and rulings
• Plea agreements
• Trial transcripts (if ordered)
• Verdict forms
• Sentencing documents
• Probation reports (may be confidential)
• Appeal filings

For Family Court Matters:

• Petitions for divorce or separation
• Child custody and support documents
• Visitation schedules
• Property division agreements
• Protective orders
• Adoption filings (often confidential)
• Name change petitions
• Paternity determinations

For Probate Proceedings:

• Wills and codicils
• Petitions for probate
• Letters testamentary or of administration
• Inventories of estate assets
• Claims against estates
• Accountings
• Distribution orders
• Succession certificates

Each court record also contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the case history and procedural timeline.

How Long Does Jefferson County Keep Court Records?

Jefferson Parish maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management program and the Louisiana Supreme Court. These retention periods vary by document type and case category as prescribed in Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36.

Standard retention periods include:

Civil Case Records:

• General civil litigation: 10 years after final disposition
• Real property cases: Permanent retention
• Domestic relations cases: 10 years after judgment
• Small claims cases: 5 years after final disposition
• Civil appeals: 10 years after final disposition

Criminal Case Records:

• Felony cases: Permanent retention
• Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Traffic violations: 3 years after final disposition
• Criminal appeals: Permanent retention

Probate Records:

• Wills and successions: Permanent retention
• Estate inventories and accountings: Permanent retention
• Guardianship/curatorship: 10 years after termination

Administrative Records:

• Court minutes: Permanent retention
• Docket books: Permanent retention
• Indexes: Permanent retention
• Judgment rolls: Permanent retention

The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court has implemented digital preservation systems to maintain electronic versions of many records beyond their physical retention periods. Records of significant historical or legal importance are preserved permanently, regardless of statutory minimums.

After the mandatory retention period expires, records may be:

• Transferred to archival storage
• Converted to electronic format only
• Destroyed according to approved disposition procedures

Researchers seeking historical court records should contact the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court Archives Division for assistance with documents that may have been transferred to long-term storage.

Types of Courts In Jefferson County

Jefferson Parish's judicial system encompasses multiple courts with varying jurisdictions and authority levels:

24th Judicial District Court
Thomas F. Donelon Building
200 Derbigny Street
Gretna, LA 70053
(504) 364-2900
24th Judicial District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

First Parish Court
924 David Drive
Metairie, LA 70003
(504) 736-8910
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Second Parish Court
100 Huey P. Long Avenue
Gretna, LA 70053
(504) 364-2760
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court
1546 Gretna Boulevard
Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 367-3400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM

Gretna City Court
614 Huey P. Long Avenue
Gretna, LA 70053
(504) 363-1555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM

Kenner City Court
1801 Williams Boulevard
Kenner, LA 70062
(504) 468-7277
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Westwego City Court
419 Avenue A
Westwego, LA 70094
(504) 341-3005
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM

The court hierarchy in Jefferson Parish follows the Louisiana state judicial structure:

1. Justice of the Peace and City Courts (limited jurisdiction)
2. Parish Courts (limited jurisdiction)
3. District Courts (general jurisdiction)
4. Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fifth Circuit
5. Louisiana Supreme Court

Appeals from Jefferson Parish courts are typically heard by the Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fifth Circuit, located in Gretna, with final appeals possible to the Louisiana Supreme Court in New Orleans.

What Types of Cases Do Jefferson County Courts Hear?

Jefferson Parish courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority:

24th Judicial District Court

• Felony criminal cases
• Civil matters exceeding $50,000
• Domestic relations (divorce, custody, support)
• Successions and probate
• Property disputes
• Personal injury claims
• Complex commercial litigation
• Appeals from lower courts

First and Second Parish Courts

• Civil matters up to $50,000
• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Traffic violations
• Small claims (up to $5,000)
• Evictions and landlord-tenant disputes
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases

Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court

• Delinquency proceedings
• Child in need of care cases
• Adoptions
• Child support enforcement
• Termination of parental rights
• Juvenile traffic violations

City Courts (Gretna, Kenner, Westwego)

• Municipal ordinance violations
• Traffic citations
• Misdemeanor offenses within city limits
• Civil matters up to $25,000
• Small claims (up to $5,000)
• Evictions within city limits

Justice of the Peace Courts

• Civil matters up to $5,000
• Small claims
• Evictions
• Peace bonds
• Notarial services

Case assignment within the 24th Judicial District Court follows an allotment system that randomly distributes cases among the 16 divisions to ensure equitable workloads and impartial judge assignment. Specialized matters such as domestic violence cases, drug court, and mental health court may be assigned to designated divisions with expertise in those areas.

How To Find a Court Docket In Jefferson County

Court dockets in Jefferson Parish provide schedules of hearings, trials, and other proceedings. These calendars are public documents that can be accessed through several methods:

1. Online Docket Search

   • Visit the JeffNet Online Records System
   • Select "Court Dockets" or "Court Calendars"
   • Search by date, judge, division, or case type
   • Review results showing scheduled proceedings

2. 24th Judicial District Court Website

   • Navigate to the court's official website
   • Select "Court Calendars" or "Dockets"
   • Filter by division, judge, or date
   • Download or view daily or weekly schedules

3. In-Person Inspection

   • Visit the Clerk of Court's office at either location:
     • East Bank: 1221 Elmwood Park Blvd., Suite 402, Jefferson
     • West Bank: 200 Derbigny St., Suite 5600, Gretna
   • Request to view the daily docket sheets
   • Dockets are typically posted near courtroom entrances

4. Telephone Inquiry

   • Contact the Clerk of Court's office at (504) 364-2900
   • Provide the case number or party names
   • Request information about upcoming hearings

5. Public Records Request

   • Submit a formal request through the Jefferson Parish Public Records Request portal
   • Specify the docket information needed
   • Allow processing time for the request

For the most current information, it is advisable to check dockets within 24 hours of scheduled proceedings, as calendars are subject to change due to continuances, settlements, or judicial emergencies. Most courts update their online dockets daily, typically by 4:00 PM for the following day's proceedings.

Which Courts in Jefferson County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Louisiana's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that maintains formal documentation of its proceedings and has the authority to fine or imprison for contempt. Pursuant to Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 1, courts not of record typically have limited jurisdiction and do not maintain comprehensive transcripts of proceedings unless specifically requested.

In Jefferson Parish, the following courts are classified as not courts of record:

Justice of the Peace Courts

• Eight districts throughout Jefferson Parish
• Limited civil jurisdiction (up to $5,000)
• No jury trials
• Proceedings are not automatically transcribed
• Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new trial) in Parish or District Court

Mayors' Courts

• Municipal violations in certain smaller communities
• Traffic infractions
• Limited ordinance enforcement
• No formal record of proceedings maintained
• Appeals heard de novo in District Court

These courts typically maintain only basic documentation of case outcomes rather than verbatim transcripts. When appeals are taken from these courts, the higher court conducts an entirely new proceeding rather than reviewing a record of the original case.

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant for:

• Appeal procedures
• Precedential value of decisions
• Evidentiary standards
• Procedural formality
• Right to counsel in certain proceedings

All other courts in Jefferson Parish, including the 24th Judicial District Court, First and Second Parish Courts, Juvenile Court, and City Courts, are courts of record that maintain official transcripts and detailed documentation of their proceedings.

Lookup Court Records in Jefferson County

Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court

24th Judicial District Court

Public Records Request Portal

Louisiana Judicial Branch

Federal Court Records Access