Jefferson County Criminal Records
What Is Jefferson County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records encompass the complete history of a person's criminal activity within the parish jurisdiction as documented by law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities.
Criminal records typically fall into several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of detentions by law enforcement that may not result in formal charges or convictions
- Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal proceedings
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
Juvenile records in Jefferson Parish receive special protection under Louisiana Children's Code § 412, which generally seals these records from public view to protect minors' privacy and future opportunities. Active warrants differ from historical records as they represent current court orders for an individual's arrest rather than documentation of past proceedings.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Jefferson Parish:
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office
1233 Westbank Expressway
Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 363-5500
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
P.O. Box 10
Gretna, LA 70054
(504) 364-2900
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
The Clerk's Office maintains court case records including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, and case dispositions.
24th Judicial District Court
200 Derbigny Street
Gretna, LA 70053
(504) 364-3857
24th Judicial District Court
The District Court maintains records of criminal proceedings, sentencing, and probation information.
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:3, criminal records are defined as "records of the arrest, indictment, or other formal charge and any disposition arising therefrom, including conviction, acquittal, or dismissal of the charge." These records document the entire criminal justice process from initial arrest through final disposition.
Are Criminal Records Public In Jefferson County
Criminal records in Jefferson Parish are generally considered public records under Louisiana law. The Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:1 establishes that "all books, records, writings, accounts, letters and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers...having been used, being in use, or prepared, possessed, or retained for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of any business" of public bodies are public records.
The statute specifically states: "Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter or as otherwise specifically provided by law, and in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, any person of the age of majority may inspect, copy, or reproduce any public record."
However, important exceptions exist regarding what criminal records are publicly accessible:
- Adult Convictions and Court Proceedings: Generally available to the public
- Ongoing Investigations: Restricted from public access under § 44:3(A)(1), which exempts "records pertaining to pending criminal litigation or any criminal litigation which can be reasonably anticipated"
- Sealed Cases: Not accessible to the public by court order
- Juvenile Records: Protected under Louisiana Children's Code § 412
- Expunged Records: Removed from public access pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court serves as the custodian of court records, including criminal case files, while the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and inmate information. Both agencies must comply with state public records laws while balancing privacy protections established by statute.
Certain sensitive information within otherwise public criminal records may be redacted, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain personal identifiers of victims of sexual offenses or domestic violence.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Jefferson County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Jefferson Parish may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Clerk of Court's Office:
- Visit the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM).
- Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the records sought (name, case number, date range).
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.50 per page for regular copies).
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
Thomas F. Donelon Building
200 Derbigny Street, Suite 5600
Gretna, LA 70053
(504) 364-2900
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
Online Access:
- Visit the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court's online records portal.
- Register for an account if accessing certain detailed records.
- Select the appropriate search option (criminal, traffic, etc.).
- Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or date range.
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information.
- Pay any applicable fees for document downloads or certified copies.
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court.
- Include specific information about the records sought.
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method.
- Enclose payment for applicable fees.
Criminal Background Checks through Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division.
- Complete a background check request form.
- Provide fingerprints if required for a comprehensive check.
- Pay the required fee ($26 for a standard background check).
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
1233 Westbank Expressway
Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 363-5637
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office
For certified court records, requesters must visit the Clerk's office in person or submit a written request with appropriate payment. Certain specialized records may require additional verification of identity or legal interest in the case.
How To Find Criminal Records in Jefferson County Online?
Jefferson Parish offers several online portals for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital resources provide convenient access to various types of criminal justice information:
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court Online Records Portal
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court's website provides access to court case information including:
- Navigate to the "Public Records" section.
- Select "Criminal Records Search."
- Create a user account if accessing detailed case information.
- Search by name, case number, or filing date.
- Basic case information is viewable without charge; document copies require payment.
- The system contains felony and misdemeanor cases filed in the 24th Judicial District Court.
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup
The Sheriff's Office Inmate Search provides:
- Current inmate population information.
- Booking details including charges and bond amounts.
- Scheduled court dates.
- No registration required for basic searches.
- Information is updated daily but may not reflect very recent bookings.
24th Judicial District Court Calendar
The 24th Judicial District Court's website offers:
- Court dockets searchable by date, judge, or case type.
- Criminal hearing schedules.
- Case status information.
- No registration required for basic calendar searches.
Louisiana Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry
The Louisiana State Police registry provides:
- Information on registered sex offenders in Jefferson Parish.
- Searchable by name, address, or geographic area.
- Includes offender photos, addresses, and conviction information.
- No registration required.
Louisiana Supreme Court Case Search
The Louisiana Supreme Court's website offers:
- Appellate case information for cases appealed from Jefferson Parish.
- Supreme Court and Court of Appeal decisions.
- No registration required for basic case information.
Users should note that while online resources provide substantial information, certain documents may only be available through in-person requests. Additionally, some sensitive case types (juvenile, sealed, or expunged records) are not accessible through public online portals. Registration requirements and access fees vary by system, with some basic information available at no cost while detailed documents typically require payment.
Can You Search Jefferson County Criminal Records for Free?
Jefferson Parish residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, as established under the Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:32, which states that "the custodian shall provide copies to persons so requesting" though "fees for copies shall be charged according to the uniform fee schedule adopted by the custodian."
Free In-Person Inspection: The law mandates that public records must be available for inspection at no charge during regular business hours. Individuals may visit the following locations to view records without payment:
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
Thomas F. Donelon Building
200 Derbigny Street, Suite 5600
Gretna, LA 70053
(504) 364-2900
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
1233 Westbank Expressway
Harvey, LA 70058
(504) 363-5637
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Free Online Resources: Several digital platforms provide free access to basic criminal record information:
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Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup: Provides current inmate information, charges, and bond amounts at no cost.
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24th Judicial District Court Docket Search: Offers free access to court calendars and basic case status information through the court's website.
-
Louisiana Sex Offender Registry: Provides free public access to information on registered sex offenders residing in Jefferson Parish.
-
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court Case Search: Basic case information is available without charge, though document downloads may incur fees.
While inspection of records is free, requesters should note that fees apply for:
- Copies of documents ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
- Certified copies ($1.00 per page)
- Background check reports ($26 for standard reports)
- Expedited processing
- Extensive research requiring staff time
The Parish Court of Jefferson Parish also maintains records of misdemeanor cases that can be viewed in person without charge, though copying fees apply.
What's Included in a Jefferson County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained in Jefferson Parish contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing marks)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest with corresponding statute numbers
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility location
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (24th Judicial District Court or Jefferson Parish Court)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Court appearance dates
- Motion filings and judicial rulings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history in Jefferson Parish
The comprehensiveness of records varies based on case status and disposition. Records maintained by the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court focus primarily on court proceedings, while Sheriff's Office records contain more detailed arrest and booking information. Together, these records provide a complete picture of an individual's criminal history within the parish.
How Long Does Jefferson County Keep Criminal Records?
Jefferson Parish maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Louisiana state law and administrative regulations. The retention periods vary based on record type, case severity, and disposition:
Felony Case Records:
- Capital cases (death penalty eligible): Permanent retention
- Life imprisonment cases: Permanent retention
- Other felony convictions: 20 years after completion of sentence
- Dismissed felony cases: 10 years from date of dismissal
- Acquittals: 10 years from date of acquittal
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- Convictions: 10 years after completion of sentence
- Dismissed cases: 5 years from date of dismissal
- Traffic misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
Arrest Records:
- Arrests resulting in convictions: Retained with corresponding case file
- Arrests without charges filed: 5 years from arrest date
- Expunged arrests: Removed pursuant to court order under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971
Booking Records:
- Felony bookings: 20 years
- Misdemeanor bookings: 10 years
- Juvenile bookings: Sealed at age of majority unless transferred to adult court
Court Transcripts and Recordings:
- Capital and life imprisonment cases: Permanent retention
- Other felonies: 10 years after final judgment
- Misdemeanors: 5 years after final judgment
Probation/Parole Records:
- Felony probation: 10 years after completion
- Misdemeanor probation: 5 years after completion
These retention periods are established by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Program in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36, which states that "all persons and public bodies having custody or control of any public record...shall exercise diligence and care in preserving the public record for the period or periods of time specified for such public records."
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of court records and maintains them according to these schedules. Records scheduled for destruction are reviewed by multiple agencies before disposal to ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
Digital records are increasingly replacing paper files, but retention periods remain the same regardless of format. Certain high-profile cases may be preserved beyond minimum retention periods for historical significance.
Lookup Criminal Records in Jefferson County
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court