St. Landry County Court Records
What Is St. Landry County Court Records
Court records in St. Landry Parish (commonly referred to as St. Landry County) encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the parish's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under Louisiana Public Records Law § 44:1. Court records typically include case files, docket sheets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing information.
St. Landry Parish court records are distinct from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voting records
The following courts maintain records within St. Landry Parish:
- 27th Judicial District Court
- St. Landry Parish Justice of the Peace Courts
- Opelousas City Court
- Eunice City Court
These courts generate records pertaining to civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. According to the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 251, the Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of all court records for the parish.
Are Court Records Public In St. Landry County
Court records in St. Landry Parish are generally considered public documents pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:31, which establishes that "any person of the age of majority may inspect, copy, or reproduce any public record." This right of access is further reinforced by Article XII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution, which states 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."
Records typically available to the public include:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Property records
- Marriage licenses
However, certain exceptions and limitations exist. Under Louisiana law, some records may be sealed or redacted to protect:
- Juvenile records (except in specific circumstances)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Certain domestic violence cases
- Records containing personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers
- Grand jury proceedings
It is important to note that federal court records for cases involving St. Landry Parish residents but heard in federal courts are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. The Louisiana Supreme Court has established additional rules regarding public access to court records through its administrative rules.
How To Find Court Records in St. Landry County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in St. Landry Parish may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form, specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information.
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees.
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
118 S. Court St., Suite 101
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 942-5606
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
Written Requests:
- Submit a detailed written request to the Clerk of Court by mail.
- Include specific case information, contact details, and a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents.
Online Access:
- Navigate to the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court website.
- Register for an account on the parish's record search portal.
- Pay subscription or per-search fees as required.
- Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or date range.
For criminal records, individuals may also contact:
St. Landry Parish District Attorney's Office
231 S. Union St.
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 948-3041
27th Judicial District Attorney
Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 13:841, the Clerk of Court may charge reasonable fees for searching, copying, and certifying court records. Current fees include search fees, copy fees (per page), and certification fees for official documents.
How To Look Up Court Records in St. Landry County Online?
St. Landry Parish offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These resources allow members of the public to search for and retrieve certain court documents without visiting the courthouse in person.
Parish-Level Online Resources:
The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court maintains an online records portal that provides access to:
- Civil case records
- Criminal case dockets
- Property records
- Marriage records
To utilize this system:
- Visit the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court website
- Select "Online Records" from the navigation menu
- Create a user account or log in as a guest (limited access)
- Choose the appropriate record type
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- Review search results and select specific documents
- Pay applicable fees for document viewing or downloading
State-Level Online Resources:
The Louisiana Judicial Branch provides additional online access options:
- Louisiana Supreme Court Case Query System - for appellate cases involving St. Landry Parish matters
- Louisiana Court Connect - for participating district courts
- Louisiana Protective Order Registry - for protective orders issued in domestic violence cases
When searching these systems, users should note that:
- Document availability varies by court and case type
- Some records may only display basic case information rather than full documents
- Certain sensitive or sealed records will not appear in online searches
- Historical records may not be digitized and require in-person requests
Online access to court records is governed by the Louisiana Supreme Court Rules for Electronic Filing and Service, which establish guidelines for digital document management and public access.
How To Search St. Landry County Court Records for Free?
Louisiana law provides for free public inspection of court records under certain circumstances. According to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:32, "The custodian shall present any public record to any person of the age of majority who so requests." While copying fees may apply, examination of records is generally available without charge.
Free In-Person Access Options:
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Public Access Terminals: The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court's office maintains public computer terminals where visitors may search court records at no cost during regular business hours.
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
118 S. Court St., Suite 101
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 942-5606
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM -
Court Docket Review: Daily court dockets are typically posted in public areas of the courthouse and may be viewed without charge.
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Law Library Access: The 27th Judicial District Court Law Library provides free access to certain court records and legal research materials.
27th Judicial District Court Law Library
118 S. Court St.
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 942-5606
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Limited Free Online Access:
While comprehensive online access typically requires subscription or per-document fees, some basic information is available at no cost:
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The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court website offers free case number lookup and basic docket information without requiring payment.
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The Louisiana Supreme Court website provides free access to appellate opinions and case status information.
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The Louisiana Protective Order Registry allows authorized agencies to verify the existence of protective orders without charge.
Researchers should note that while initial searches may be free, obtaining copies of actual documents typically incurs fees as established by state law. Additionally, certified copies always require payment of statutory fees regardless of the request method.
What's Included in a St. Landry County Court Record?
Court records in St. Landry Parish contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. The contents of these records are governed by the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure and the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure.
Civil Case Records typically include:
- Petition or complaint initiating the lawsuit
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders and rulings
- Discovery documents (interrogatories, depositions, etc.)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Witness testimonies and affidavits
- Final judgment or dismissal
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
Criminal Case Records typically include:
- Charging documents (bill of information or indictment)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Booking information
- Bond/bail documentation
- Arraignment records
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Plea agreements
- Trial transcripts (if requested)
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation/parole information
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
Family Court Records typically include:
- Petition for divorce or separation
- Child custody and support orders
- Visitation schedules
- Property division agreements
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Adoption proceedings
- Name change petitions
- Paternity determinations
Probate Records typically include:
- Last will and testament
- Petition for probate
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Inventory of estate assets
- Claims against the estate
- Accounting reports
- Distribution orders
- Succession judgments
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 is often the starting point for record searches.
How Long Does St. Landry County Keep Court Records?
St. Landry Parish maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Program and governed by Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:36. These schedules vary by record type and significance.
Permanent Retention Records:
- Final judgments in civil cases
- Criminal felony case files
- Successions and probate matters
- Property records and conveyances
- Marriage licenses
- Adoption proceedings
- Interdictions and tutorships
- Minutes of court proceedings
- Indexes to all permanent records
Extended Retention Records:
- Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Juvenile delinquency records: Until subject reaches age 31
- Domestic violence protective orders: 10 years after expiration
- Child support enforcement records: Until youngest child reaches age 23
- Traffic violations: 5 years after case closure
- Small claims cases: 10 years after final judgment
Standard Retention Records:
- Civil cases without real property implications: 10 years after final disposition
- Preliminary criminal proceedings not resulting in charges: 3 years
- Administrative records: 3-5 years depending on type
- Financial records: 3-6 years depending on type
The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court has implemented a records management system that includes both physical and digital preservation methods. Historical records of significant value may be transferred to the Louisiana State Archives for permanent preservation after their active use period has ended.
It is important to note that while records may be retained according to these schedules, their accessibility may change over time. Older records might be stored off-site or only available in microfilm or other archival formats, potentially requiring additional time for retrieval and possibly incurring higher search fees.
Types of Courts In St. Landry County
St. Landry Parish operates within Louisiana's unified court system, with several levels of courts serving different jurisdictional functions. The parish court structure follows the hierarchy established by the Louisiana Constitution, Article V.
27th Judicial District Court
118 S. Court St.
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 942-5606
27th Judicial District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The 27th Judicial District Court serves as the parish's court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases, felony criminal matters, family law proceedings, juvenile cases, probate matters, and property disputes. The court has seven divisions, each presided over by an elected judge who serves a six-year term.
Opelousas City Court
315 N. Main St.
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 948-2570
Opelousas City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Opelousas City Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil matters under $25,000, small claims up to $5,000, and preliminary hearings for felony cases occurring within Opelousas city limits.
Eunice City Court
300 S. 2nd St.
Eunice, LA 70535
(337) 457-6845
Eunice City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Eunice City Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil matters under $25,000, small claims up to $5,000, and preliminary hearings for felony cases occurring within Eunice city limits.
Justice of the Peace Courts St. Landry Parish has multiple Justice of the Peace districts, each with its own elected Justice of the Peace. These courts handle small claims up to $5,000, evictions, certain civil matters, and can perform marriages. Contact information for specific Justice of the Peace districts can be obtained from:
St. Landry Parish Police Jury
118 S. Court St., Suite 100
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 942-6863
St. Landry Parish Government
Appeals from these courts follow different paths depending on the originating court. Appeals from Justice of the Peace and City Courts are heard by the 27th Judicial District Court, while appeals from the District Court proceed to the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal in Lake Charles, with final appeals potentially reaching the Louisiana Supreme Court in New Orleans.
What Types of Cases Do St. Landry County Courts Hear?
The courts in St. Landry Parish adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictional authority as established by Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 2 and related statutes.
27th Judicial District Court handles:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $25,000
- Domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, support)
- Successions and probate matters
- Property disputes and real estate litigation
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child in need of care cases
- Adoptions and name changes
- Interdictions and tutorships
- Appeals from lower courts within the parish
Opelousas and Eunice City Courts handle:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations and DWI/DUI cases
- Civil lawsuits up to $25,000
- Small claims up to $5,000
- Eviction proceedings
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- City ordinance violations
- Peace bonds
Justice of the Peace Courts handle:
- Small claims up to $5,000
- Eviction proceedings
- Certain civil matters within jurisdictional limits
- Performance of marriage ceremonies
- Notarial services
Each court maintains its own docket and calendar of proceedings. The 27th Judicial District Court operates specialized divisions for certain case types, including a drug court program for qualifying offenders and dedicated domestic sections for family matters.
Criminal prosecutions in all courts are conducted by the 27th Judicial District Attorney's Office, while civil matters involve private attorneys or self-represented litigants. The Public Defender's Office provides representation for indigent defendants in criminal proceedings across all court levels within the parish.
How To Find a Court Docket In St. Landry County
Court dockets in St. Landry Parish provide a chronological listing of scheduled court proceedings and filed documents for each case. These dockets are accessible through several methods as provided under Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 253.
In-Person Docket Access:
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Visit the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours.
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
118 S. Court St., Suite 101
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 942-5606
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM -
Request to view the daily court docket or specific case docket.
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Provide case number, party names, or hearing date information to the clerk.
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Review the docket at public terminals or in printed form.
Online Docket Access:
- Navigate to the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court website.
- Select "Court Records" or "Docket Search" from the available options.
- Create an account or log in if required.
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range).
- Review docket information for matching cases.
- Pay any applicable fees for detailed document access.
Telephone Docket Information:
Limited docket information may be available by calling the appropriate court:
- 27th Judicial District Court: (337) 942-5606
- Opelousas City Court: (337) 948-2570
- Eunice City Court: (337) 457-6845
Specialized Docket Information:
For criminal cases, additional docket information may be available through:
St. Landry Parish District Attorney's Office
231 S. Union St.
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 948-3041
27th Judicial District Attorney
Daily court dockets are typically posted in the courthouse lobby each morning. These listings show all cases scheduled for that day, organized by courtroom and judge. For specific case tracking, the case docket provides a complete history of all filings, hearings, and actions taken since case initiation.
Attorneys registered with the court's electronic filing system may receive automatic docket updates for their cases through the Louisiana Court Connection portal.
Which Courts in St. Landry County Are Not Courts of Record?
In St. Landry Parish, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of their proceedings as defined by Louisiana Revised Statute § 13:1896. These "courts not of record" operate under different procedural rules regarding documentation and appeals.
Justice of the Peace Courts throughout St. Landry Parish are not courts of record. These courts:
- Do not employ court reporters to transcribe proceedings
- Maintain only basic documentation of cases and outcomes
- Do not produce official transcripts of hearings
- Handle limited jurisdiction matters (small claims, evictions)
When a case is appealed from a Justice of the Peace Court, the appeal results in a completely new trial (trial de novo) at the 27th Judicial District Court rather than a review of the lower court proceedings.
Mayor's Courts in smaller municipalities within St. Landry Parish are also not courts of record. These administrative courts:
- Handle municipal ordinance violations and minor traffic offenses
- Maintain minimal case documentation
- Are presided over by the mayor or an appointed magistrate
- Provide for appeals through trial de novo at the appropriate city or district court
By contrast, the following St. Landry Parish courts ARE courts of record:
- 27th Judicial District Court
- Opelousas City Court
- Eunice City Court
These courts employ court reporters who create verbatim transcripts of proceedings, maintain comprehensive case files, and produce official records that can be used in appeals. When cases from these courts are appealed, the appellate court reviews the existing record rather than conducting a new trial.
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for:
- Determining appeal procedures
- Establishing precedential value of decisions
- Preserving testimony and evidence
- Creating an official history of proceedings