Court records in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, can be searched through several channels. CalcasieuParishCourt.org can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the parish. You can also access records through the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court website, the Clerk's office in person, and public terminals at the courthouse. Online search tools, official court resources, and direct contact with the Clerk's staff each offer ways to locate docket information, case filings, and hearing schedules.
Calcasieu Court System & Jurisdictions
Calcasieu Parish falls within the 14th Judicial District Court of Louisiana, which serves as the parish's primary trial court. Understanding which court handles your case type will save time when searching for dockets or records.
14th Judicial District Court
This is the court of general jurisdiction for Calcasieu Parish. It handles:
- Civil matters — contract disputes, personal injury, property claims, and suits exceeding the jurisdictional limits of lower courts
- Criminal cases — felonies and misdemeanors prosecuted at the district level
- Family law — divorce, child custody, child support, adoptions, and protective orders
- Juvenile matters — delinquency and child-in-need-of-care proceedings
- Probate and successions — wills, estates, interdictions, and tutorships
The Criminal Records Department and Civil Records Department at the Clerk of Court's office maintain the files for these case types.
City Courts
Lake Charles City Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and small civil claims arising within city limits. Sulphur City Court covers similar case types for the City of Sulphur. If your matter involves a traffic ticket or a minor civil dispute within one of these municipalities, start with the relevant city court rather than the district court.
Federal Court
Cases involving federal law, constitutional questions, or parties from different states may be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, which has a division in Lake Charles. Federal case records are accessed through the PACER system, not through the parish Clerk of Court.
Louisiana's judicial branch also includes courts of appeal; Calcasieu Parish is within the Third Circuit Court of Appeal.
Calcasieu Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court publishes court dockets on its website. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Visit the Calcasieu Clerk of Court homepage.
- Look for the Court Dockets link, which provides access to current scheduling information for the 14th Judicial District Court.
- Select the division or date range you need. Dockets are typically organized by judge or courtroom division.
A few practical tips:
- Dockets are usually posted the business day before hearings, though timing can vary.
- If you cannot find a specific hearing online, call the Clerk's office directly — staff can confirm whether a case is on the calendar.
- Criminal dockets and civil dockets may be listed separately.
For current inmates and upcoming court appearances related to arrests, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office inmate roster lists individuals currently booked into the parish jail, along with charge information.
How to Get a Copy of a Calcasieu Court Document
Online
The Clerk of Court offers an eSearch portal where registered users can look up criminal record indexes and purchase document images. Civil record indexes are available through the Clerk Connect system, accessible via the Online Search Services page. You will need to create an account to use these tools. Documents purchased online are generally uncertified copies.
In Person
Visit the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court office to request certified or uncertified copies of court documents. Bring the case number or enough identifying details (party names, approximate filing date) so staff can locate the record.
By Mail
Written requests can be mailed to the address above. Include:
- Full names of the parties involved
- Case number, if known
- Type of document requested (e.g., judgment, petition, minutes)
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A return address and payment (check or money order payable to the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court)
Contact the Clerk's office beforehand to confirm the current fee amount so your payment is correct.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies carry the Clerk's official seal and signature. They are typically required for legal proceedings, government filings, and official transactions.
- Uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference or informal use.
Under Louisiana's Public Records Law (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.), most court records are generally public. However, certain records — including juvenile cases, adoption proceedings, and expunged criminal records — are restricted by law.
Calcasieu Court Records Fees & Payment
The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court charges fees for searches, copies, and certifications. The table below reflects commonly applicable fees. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk's office before submitting a request, as fees may be updated by administrative order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (first page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $1.00 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Criminal record search (Clerk's office) | Contact Clerk for current fee |
| Online eSearch document image | Per-page fee applies (set by portal) |
| LSP statewide criminal background check | $26.00 (includes $5 technology fee) |
Payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Online portal transactions typically require a credit or debit card. The Louisiana State Police Internet Background Check system, which covers statewide criminal history rather than parish court dockets specifically, charges its own separate fee and accepts online payment.
If you need a record but are unsure of the exact cost, call the Clerk's office at (337) 437-3550 before mailing payment. For large or complex requests — such as a full case file with dozens of pages — fees can add up, so ask for an estimate first.