Calcasieu Parish Court Records are official documents that detail every civil, criminal, family, and probate case handled by the 14th Judicial District Court in Lake Charles, Louisiana. These records include filed motions, final judgments, hearing transcripts, docket entries, and disposition reports. They are maintained at the historic 1948 Calcasieu County Courthouse located at 1000 Ryan Street, directly across from Lakeshore Park. The Clerk of Court’s office manages all public requests during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, via phone at (337) 437-3550 or fax at (337) 437-3833. Certified copies can be requested online, by mail, or in person, and same-day pickup is available for verified requests submitted before noon.
How to Search Calcasieu Parish Court Records
Searching Calcasieu Parish Court Records is simple and free through multiple channels. The primary online portal is hosted by CountyOffice.org, which provides searchable PDFs and scanned images of case files indexed by case number, filing date, and party names. For certified copies or older records not digitized, visit the records room at 1000 Ryan Street or submit a written request with the full name, date of birth, and exact case number. The Criminal Records Department maintains a searchable archive dating back to 1987, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. Civil records cover over 12,000 deeds, liens, and court orders processed annually. All requests must include identifying details to ensure accurate retrieval.
Online Search Tools and Databases
Several official platforms offer access to Calcasieu Parish Court Records. The Clerk of Court’s website (calclerkofcourt.com) provides direct links to civil, criminal, and recording departments. CountyOffice.org hosts a comprehensive search engine for court cases, including adoptions, divorces, and land disputes. Louisiana State Records (louisiana.staterecords.org) also indexes arrest logs, police reports, and background certifications. These tools allow users to filter results by case type, date range, and involved parties. Electronic recording is available through the state’s e-recording portal for attorneys and title companies. Public databases also include property tax rolls, GIS maps, and historic deed information.
In-Person and Mail Requests
For records not available online, visit the Clerk of Court’s office at 1000 Ryan Street during business hours. The records room accepts walk-in requests from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Mail requests should be sent to PO Box 1030, Lake Charles, LA 70602, and must include a self-addressed stamped envelope, payment, and complete case details. Faxed requests can be sent to (337) 437-3833 and are processed within 24 hours. Certified copies require a nominal fee and valid photo ID. Same-day pickup is offered for requests submitted before noon with proper verification.
Types of Records Available in Calcasieu Parish
Calcasieu Parish Court Records span four main categories: civil, criminal, family, and probate. Civil records include contract disputes, property boundary conflicts, small claims, and liens. Criminal records cover felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and background certifications with court dispositions and probation status. Family court files contain adoptions, divorces, child custody, and support orders. Probate records include wills, estate settlements, guardianships, and name changes. Each document is indexed by case number, filing date, and parties involved, enabling researchers to trace procedural history back to the original filing.
Civil Court Records
Civil court records in Calcasieu Parish document non-criminal legal disputes between individuals or organizations. These include breach of contract cases, property damage claims, landlord-tenant issues, and small claims under $5,000. The civil records division processes over 12,000 documents yearly, including deeds, mortgages, and court orders. Records are indexed by plaintiff and defendant names, case number, and filing date. Certified copies can be ordered online or in person. The supervisor for civil records can be reached at (337) 437-3558, extension 126. Same-day service is available for requests submitted before noon.
Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records in Calcasieu Parish include charges filed and processed through the 14th Judicial District Court. These records cover felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations dating back to 1987. They do not include arrests dismissed before arraignment or cases resolved through diversion programs. Background certifications show court dispositions, probation status, and sealed records released under Louisiana law. Requests must specify the individual’s full name, date of birth, and exact case number. The Criminal Records Department can be contacted at (337) 437-3550. Appeals, archives, and bond information have dedicated extensions listed on the official website.
Family and Probate Records
Family court records in Calcasieu Parish include adoptions, divorces, child custody, and support cases. Probate records cover wills, estate administration, guardianships, and name changes. These files are sensitive and may have restricted access depending on the case type. Juvenile records are available through extensions 206 or 131. Marriage licenses and passport applications are also processed by the court. All requests require valid ID and case details. Certified copies can be obtained in person or by mail. The civil records team handles these filings and can be reached at (337) 437-3558.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court is located at 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601, in the historic 1948 courthouse opposite Lakeshore Park. The mailing address is PO Box 1030, Lake Charles, LA 70602. The main phone number is (337) 437-3550, and the fax line is (337) 437-3833. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The records room accepts in-person requests from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Certified copies are available for pickup the same day if requested before noon. Staff extensions for specific departments are listed on the official website.
Department Extensions and Services
The Clerk of Court’s office has dedicated extensions for different services. Civil records supervisor: ext. 126. Probate filings: ext. 127. Land records: ext. 132. Marriage licenses: ext. 203. Passport applications: ext. 147 or 176. Criminal appeals: ext. 176. Archives: ext. 193 or 207. Bonds: ext. 152. Juvenile records: ext. 206 or 131. Subpoenas: ext. 134. Recording department supervisor: ext. 170. Assistant supervisors: ext. 128. Data entry and indexing: ext. 129, 208, 143, or 173. These extensions ensure callers reach the right team quickly.
Fees and Processing Times
Fees for Calcasieu Parish Court Records vary by service. Certified copies cost a nominal fee, typically under $20. Background checks and criminal history reports may cost more. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or money order. Online requests through CountyOffice.org may include processing fees. Same-day pickup is free for verified requests submitted before noon. Mail and fax requests take 1–3 business days. Electronic recording through the state portal is available for attorneys and title companies. All fees are listed on the Clerk of Court’s website.
Same-Day and Expedited Services
Same-day service is available for verified requests submitted before noon. This includes certified copies of civil, criminal, and probate records. In-person pickup is offered at the records room. Expedited processing is not available for mail or fax requests. Electronic submissions through the state e-recording portal are processed within 24 hours. For urgent needs, contact the relevant department directly using the extensions listed on the website. Staff will confirm availability and provide instructions.
Electronic Recording and Online Access
Calcasieu Parish supports electronic recording through the Louisiana state e-recording portal. Attorneys, title companies, and lenders can submit deeds, mortgages, and easements online. The Recording Department processes over 3,500 instrument filings monthly. Public-access databases include property tax rolls, GIS maps, and historic deed information. Online searches are free through CountyOffice.org and the Clerk of Court’s website. Scanned filings are accepted via fax at (337) 437-3833. Digital records date back to the late 1990s, with older files available in physical archives.
GIS and Property Records
Property records in Calcasieu Parish include tax rolls, parcel maps, and conveyance documents. The Parish Assessor’s Office and Clerk of Court maintain these records. Users can search by parcel number, owner name, or address. Tax assessment histories date back to 1995. GIS mapping layers show zoning, flood zones, and land use. These tools are available online and support cross-jurisdictional research. Certified copies of deeds and liens can be ordered through the Recording Department.
Legal Restrictions and Privacy Concerns
Not all Calcasieu Parish Court Records are publicly accessible. Juvenile cases, adoptions, and certain probate files may be sealed or restricted. Louisiana law allows sealed records to become public under specific conditions. Requests for restricted files require court approval or a valid legal reason. The Clerk of Court only retains records for charges filed and processed through the 14th Judicial District Court. Arrests not leading to charges or resolved through diversion are not included. Always verify access rules before submitting a request.
Background Checks and Employment Screening
Employers and agencies can request background certifications from the Criminal Records Department. These reports include court dispositions, probation status, and eligible sealed records. They do not include arrests without charges. Requests must include the individual’s full name, date of birth, and case number. Certified reports are issued for a fee and can be mailed or picked up. The process takes 1–3 business days. Online verification is not available for employment screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calcasieu Parish Court Records are essential for legal research, background checks, and personal verification. Below are common questions and answers to help users navigate the system efficiently.
How do I get a certified copy of a court record?
To get a certified copy, visit the records room at 1000 Ryan Street or submit a written request by mail or fax. Include the full name, date of birth, case number, and payment. Certified copies cost a nominal fee and are available for pickup the same day if requested before noon. Online orders can be placed through CountyOffice.org. Valid photo ID is required for in-person pickup.
Are juvenile records available to the public?
Juvenile records in Calcasieu Parish are generally not public. Access is restricted to authorized parties such as parents, attorneys, or court officials. Requests must be made through extensions 206 or 131. Court approval may be required for non-custodial access. The Clerk of Court does not release juvenile files without proper authorization.
Can I search court records online for free?
Yes, free online searches are available through CountyOffice.org and the Clerk of Court’s website. These portals provide searchable PDFs and scanned images of case files. Results can be filtered by case type, date, and party names. Certified copies require a fee and must be requested separately. Older records may not be digitized and require in-person visits.
What information do I need to request a criminal record?
To request a criminal record, provide the individual’s full name, date of birth, and exact case number. The record must involve a charge filed and processed through the 14th Judicial District Court. Arrests without charges or resolved through diversion are not included. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or fax. Certified reports include court dispositions and probation status.
How long does it take to process a record request?
Same-day pickup is available for verified requests submitted before noon. Mail and fax requests take 1–3 business days. Electronic submissions through the state e-recording portal are processed within 24 hours. Expedited service is not offered. Processing times may vary during peak periods or for complex cases.
Are property records part of court records?
Property records such as deeds, liens, and mortgages are maintained by the Recording Department and are part of public court records. They are indexed separately from civil and criminal cases. Users can search by parcel number or owner name. GIS maps and tax rolls are also available online. Certified copies can be ordered through the Clerk of Court.
Can I get a background check for employment?
Yes, background certifications are available through the Criminal Records Department. These reports include court dispositions, probation status, and eligible sealed records. They do not include arrests without charges. Requests require the individual’s full name, date of birth, and case number. Reports are issued for a fee and take 1–3 business days to process.
Official Website: calclerkofcourt.com
Phone: (337) 437-3550
Fax: (337) 437-3833
Address: 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601
Mailing: PO Box 1030, Lake Charles, LA 70602
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday
