Calcasieu County Court Records
What Is Calcasieu County Court Records
Court records in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana (commonly referred to as Calcasieu County) encompass all official documentation generated during judicial proceedings within the parish's court system. These records are maintained by the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court and serve as the official documentation of court activities and decisions.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status information
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate and succession records
These records differ from other public records such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and vital records (birth and death certificates), which are maintained by different government entities. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and their outcomes.
In Calcasieu Parish, court records are maintained by several courts within the Louisiana judicial system, including:
- 14th Judicial District Court (handling felony criminal cases, civil matters over $50,000, family law, probate)
- Calcasieu Parish Justices of the Peace Courts
- City Courts (Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeQuincy, Vinton)
- Calcasieu Parish Juvenile Court
Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1, court records are generally considered public records, defined as "all books, records, writings, accounts, letters and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers...prepared, possessed, or retained for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of any business" of public bodies.
Are Court Records Public In Calcasieu County
Court records in Calcasieu Parish are generally public documents accessible to citizens under Louisiana's Public Records Law, specifically Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:31, which states that "any person of the age of majority may inspect, copy, or reproduce any public record." This right of access is further supported by Article XII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution, which establishes 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:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed cases)
- Criminal case files (post-charging, with certain exceptions)
- Court dockets and calendars
- Final judgments and orders
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate and succession records
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile court records (except in limited circumstances)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Certain family court matters involving minors
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Grand jury proceedings
- Cases under investigation prior to formal charges
It is important to note that federal court records for cases in the Western District of Louisiana, which includes Calcasieu Parish, are governed by federal access rules rather than state law. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.
The Louisiana Supreme Court has established rules regarding public access to court records, which are implemented by local courts. These rules balance the public's right to access with privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice.
How To Find Court Records in Calcasieu County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Calcasieu Parish may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of court records for the 14th Judicial District Court.
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Calcasieu 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.
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court
1000 Ryan Street, Room 8
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 437-3550
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request including:
- Case number or party names
- Specific documents requested
- Contact information
- Payment for applicable fees (call ahead to confirm amount)
- Address the request to the Clerk of Court's office.
Online Access:
The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court offers online search services through their eSearch portal. Users may:
- Create an account on the eSearch portal
- Select the appropriate record type (civil, criminal, marriage, etc.)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- Pay applicable fees for document access and downloads
For criminal records specifically, the Criminal Records Department maintains these files and can provide certified copies upon request.
When requesting records, be prepared to provide:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing or case activity
- Document types needed
Standard processing times vary based on request volume and complexity, typically ranging from same-day service for simple requests to several business days for more extensive searches.
How To Look Up Court Records in Calcasieu County Online?
Calcasieu Parish offers comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. These systems allow users to search and retrieve court information remotely, enhancing public accessibility to judicial records.
The primary online portal for Calcasieu Parish court records is the Clerk of Court's eSearch system. This platform provides access to:
- Civil case records
- Criminal case records
- Marriage records
- Property records
- Mortgage certificates
- Judgments
To utilize the eSearch system:
- Navigate to the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court online search services page
- Create a user account or log in with existing credentials
- Select the desired record type from the available options
- Enter search parameters (case number, party name, date range)
- Review search results and select specific documents to view
- Pay applicable fees for document access and downloads
The system offers both subscription-based access for frequent users and pay-per-document options for occasional searches.
For criminal case information specifically, users may access the Criminal Records Department section of the Clerk's website, which provides specialized search capabilities for criminal matters.
Additionally, the Louisiana Judicial Branch offers a statewide case information portal that includes some Calcasieu Parish court data. This system provides basic case information but typically does not include document images.
Users should note that while basic case information is often available at no cost, fees generally apply for viewing and downloading document images. These fees are established pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes and help support the maintenance of the electronic records system.
How To Search Calcasieu 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(A), which states that "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 in person is available without charge.
In Calcasieu Parish, citizens may access court records for free through the following methods:
In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours to examine court records without charge. The office is located at:
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court
1000 Ryan Street, Room 8
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 437-3550
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court
When requesting records for in-person inspection:
- Provide case information to the clerk
- Present valid identification
- Records will be retrieved for on-site review
- No fee is charged for viewing records
- Copying fees apply if printed copies are requested
Limited Free Online Access: The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court website offers some free online services, including:
- Court docket information
- Case status checks
- Hearing schedules
- Basic case information
While comprehensive document access through the eSearch portal typically requires payment, basic case information is often available at no cost. The Clerk's office also maintains public access terminals at their physical location where visitors can search electronic records without charge.
For criminal records, limited information may be available through the Criminal Records Department section of the Clerk's website without fees, though comprehensive searches and document retrieval generally incur costs.
What's Included in a Calcasieu County Court Record?
Court records in Calcasieu Parish contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but generally include the following components:
Civil Case Records:
- Petition or complaint initiating the lawsuit
- Summons and service documentation
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Court orders and rulings
- Judgment or dismissal documents
- Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
Criminal Case Records:
- Bill of information or indictment
- Arraignment documentation
- Bond and detention information
- Pre-trial motions
- Evidence suppression hearings
- Plea agreements
- Trial transcripts (when prepared)
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
Family Court Records:
- Petition for divorce or separation
- Child custody and support documents
- Visitation schedules
- Property division agreements
- Protective orders
- Mediation results
- Final judgment of divorce
- Post-judgment modifications
Probate/Succession Records:
- Petition for probate
- Death certificate
- Will (if applicable)
- Letters testamentary or of administration
- Inventory of assets
- Creditor claims
- Inheritance tax documentation
- Final distribution orders
Case Docket Sheets: All case types include a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. This document provides a complete history of the case from filing to disposition.
The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court maintains these records in accordance with Louisiana law. While most documents are public, certain sensitive information may be redacted or restricted, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minor children.
How Long Does Calcasieu County Keep Court Records?
Calcasieu Parish maintains court records according to retention schedules established by Louisiana law and the Louisiana Supreme Court. These schedules vary by record type and case disposition, ensuring that records are preserved for appropriate periods while managing storage resources effectively.
The retention of court records in Calcasieu Parish is governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36, which establishes baseline requirements for public records retention. Additionally, the Louisiana Supreme Court has issued specific guidelines for judicial records retention that apply to all parish courts.
Standard retention periods for major record types include:
Civil Cases:
- General civil litigation: Permanent retention for cases that establish precedent; minimum 10 years for routine matters
- Domestic relations cases (divorce, custody): Permanent retention
- Small claims cases: 10 years after final judgment
- Civil appeals: Permanent retention
Criminal Cases:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 3 years after final disposition
- Expunged records: Removed from public access per court order, but maintained under seal according to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 973
Probate/Succession Records:
- Wills and succession proceedings: Permanent retention
- Estate inventories and accountings: Permanent retention
Other Records:
- Marriage licenses: Permanent retention
- Notarial acts: Permanent retention
- Court minutes and dockets: Permanent retention
- Administrative records: Varies by document type (3-10 years)
The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court has implemented both physical and electronic preservation systems to maintain these records. Many older records have been digitized to ensure long-term preservation while maintaining accessibility.
It should be noted that even after the minimum retention period has expired, many court records are preserved indefinitely due to their historical and legal significance. The Clerk's office works in conjunction with the Louisiana State Archives to ensure proper preservation of records with enduring value.
Types of Courts In Calcasieu County
Calcasieu Parish's judicial system consists of several courts with varying jurisdictions, each serving specific legal functions within Louisiana's judicial framework.
14th Judicial District Court
1001 Lakeshore Drive
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 437-3400
14th Judicial District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The 14th Judicial District Court serves as the parish's primary court of general jurisdiction, handling:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters exceeding $50,000
- Domestic relations (divorce, custody, support)
- Successions and probate
- Juvenile matters (through a dedicated division)
Calcasieu Parish Juvenile Court
1000 Ryan Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 721-3500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Juvenile Court has exclusive jurisdiction over:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Child in need of care cases
- Families in need of services
- Adoption proceedings
- Child support enforcement in certain cases
Lake Charles City Court
118 West Mill Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 491-1565
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sulphur City Court
501 East Napoleon Street
Sulphur, LA 70663
(337) 527-6930
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
DeQuincy City Court
300 Holly Street
DeQuincy, LA 70633
(337) 786-8211
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Vinton City Court
1200 Horridge Street
Vinton, LA 70668
(337) 589-7534
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
City Courts handle:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Civil matters up to $50,000
- Small claims proceedings
Justices of the Peace Courts Multiple locations throughout the parish Jurisdiction includes:
- Civil matters up to $5,000
- Small claims
- Evictions
- Performing marriages
The judicial hierarchy in Louisiana places these courts in ascending order:
- Justice of the Peace Courts
- City Courts
- District Courts (14th Judicial District Court)
- Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal
- Louisiana Supreme Court
Appeals from Calcasieu Parish courts are directed to the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal in Lake Charles, with final appeals going to the Louisiana Supreme Court in New Orleans.
What Types of Cases Do Calcasieu County Courts Hear?
The courts in Calcasieu Parish adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction divided among the various courts based on case type and monetary value. Each court within the parish's judicial system handles specific categories of cases as established by Louisiana law.
14th Judicial District Court handles:
- Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, robbery, drug trafficking, etc.)
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $50,000 in value
- Domestic relations matters:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody determinations
- Child and spousal support
- Community property partitions
- Successions and probate matters
- Property disputes and real estate litigation
- Personal injury and tort claims
- Complex commercial litigation
- Appeals from lower courts within the parish
Calcasieu Parish Juvenile Court exclusively handles:
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child abuse and neglect cases
- Child in need of care proceedings
- Families in need of services
- Adoption matters
- Termination of parental rights
- Certain child support enforcement cases
City Courts (Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeQuincy, Vinton) adjudicate:
- Misdemeanor criminal offenses
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Traffic infractions
- Civil matters up to $50,000
- Small claims proceedings (up to $5,000)
- Eviction proceedings
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Peace bonds
Justice of the Peace Courts handle:
- Civil disputes up to $5,000
- Small claims matters
- Eviction proceedings
- Performing marriage ceremonies
- Notarial services
For federal matters affecting Calcasieu Parish residents, the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana has jurisdiction over:
- Federal criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases involving federal questions
- Diversity jurisdiction cases (between parties from different states)
- Bankruptcy proceedings
- Patent and copyright disputes
- Federal habeas corpus petitions
The distribution of cases among these courts ensures efficient administration of justice while providing appropriate forums for resolving legal disputes based on their complexity and subject matter.
How To Find a Court Docket In Calcasieu County
Court dockets in Calcasieu Parish provide a chronological listing of scheduled court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and other judicial events. These dockets are essential tools for attorneys, litigants, and members of the public seeking information about upcoming court activities.
The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court maintains and publishes court dockets for the 14th Judicial District Court. These dockets can be accessed through several methods:
Online Access:
- Visit the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court website
- Navigate to the "Court Dockets" section
- Select the appropriate court division or judge
- Choose the desired date range
- View or download the published docket
The online docket system typically displays:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Hearing types
- Scheduled times
- Assigned courtrooms
- Presiding judges
In-Person Inspection: Court dockets are posted daily in the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse at:
Calcasieu Parish Courthouse
1001 Lakeshore Drive
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 437-3550
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Physical copies of dockets are typically posted near each courtroom and at the Clerk of Court's office.
Telephone Inquiry: For same-day docket information, individuals may contact:
- Clerk of Court's office: (337) 437-3550
- Specific court division (numbers vary by division)
When inquiring about docket information, be prepared to provide:
- Case number (if known)
- Party names
- Attorney names
- Approximate hearing date
For criminal cases specifically, docket information may also be available through the Criminal Records Department of the Clerk's office.
City Courts within Calcasieu Parish maintain separate docket systems. Contact the specific City Court directly for docket information:
- Lake Charles City Court: (337) 491-1565
- Sulphur City Court: (337) 527-6930
- DeQuincy City Court: (337) 786-8211
- Vinton City Court: (337) 589-7534
Docket information is typically updated daily, though last-minute changes may occur due to continuances, settlements, or other case developments.
Which Courts in Calcasieu County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Louisiana judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that maintains formal documentation of its proceedings, including transcripts and detailed records that can be used in appeals. Conversely, courts "not of record" typically do not maintain comprehensive transcripts of proceedings, and appeals from these courts generally result in a new trial (trial de novo) rather than a review of the existing record.
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 13:1896, which governs appeals from city courts, certain courts in Calcasieu Parish are not courts of record for specific case types:
Justice of the Peace Courts throughout Calcasieu Parish are not courts of record. These courts handle:
- Civil matters up to $5,000
- Small claims proceedings
- Eviction cases
- Peace bonds
Appeals from Justice of the Peace Courts are heard de novo (new trial) in the 14th Judicial District Court.
City Courts in Calcasieu Parish (Lake Charles, Sulphur, DeQuincy, and Vinton) function as courts of record for some matters but not for others:
- For criminal cases where the potential punishment does not exceed six months imprisonment, these courts typically do not function as courts of record
- For civil matters below certain thresholds, they may not maintain complete records
- Appeals from these non-record proceedings are heard de novo in the 14th Judicial District Court
By contrast, the following Calcasieu Parish courts are courts of record:
- 14th Judicial District Court
- Calcasieu Parish Juvenile Court
- City Courts (for certain proceedings, particularly those involving higher penalties or civil matters above statutory thresholds)
The distinction between courts of record and those not of record is significant for appellate purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the case essentially starts anew at the higher court level, with no deference given to the lower court's findings. This contrasts with appeals from courts of record, where the appellate court reviews the existing record for errors of law or procedure.