East Baton Rouge Public Records /East Baton Rouge County Court Records

East Baton Rouge County Court Records

What Is East Baton Rouge County Court Records

East Baton Rouge Parish court records comprise all official documents and information created, collected, and maintained by the judicial system within East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. These records document the proceedings, decisions, and activities of various courts operating within the parish jurisdiction.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other documents filed by parties
Docket sheets chronicling case events and scheduling information
Judicial orders, decisions, and 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 documents

According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1, public records include "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, including courts.

Court records differ from other public records such as property records (maintained by the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court's land records division) and vital records (maintained by the Louisiana Department of Health).

The following courts maintain records in East Baton Rouge Parish:

19th Judicial District Court
300 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 389-4815
19th Judicial District Court

Baton Rouge City Court
233 St. Louis Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 389-5279
Baton Rouge City Court

East Baton Rouge Parish Family Court
300 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 389-4676
East Baton Rouge Family Court

East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court
8333 Veterans Memorial Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
(225) 354-1250
East Baton Rouge Juvenile Court

Are Court Records Public In East Baton Rouge County

Court records in East Baton Rouge Parish are generally public pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1 et seq.) and the constitutional right of access to public information established in Article XII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution. These laws establish the presumption that court records are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

Publicly accessible court records typically include:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed cases)
Criminal case files (post-charging, with exceptions for sealed or expunged records)
Judgments, orders, and decrees
Docket sheets and case indices
Hearing and trial schedules
Property records including mortgages, liens, and conveyances

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

Juvenile court proceedings (per Louisiana Children's Code Art. 412)
Adoption records
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

The Louisiana Supreme Court Rules provide additional guidance on public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. Federal court records for the Middle District of Louisiana (which includes East Baton Rouge Parish) are governed by federal rules and are accessible through the PACER system, separate from parish court records.

How To Find Court Records in East Baton Rouge County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in East Baton Rouge Parish may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the type of record sought and its age.

For in-person requests:

Visit the Clerk of Court's office at the courthouse where the case was filed
Complete a records request form specifying the case information
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable search and copy fees
Allow processing time for older or archived records

East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court
222 St. Louis Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 389-3950
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

For written requests:

Submit a detailed written request including case number, party names, and approximate date
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
Enclose payment for applicable fees (call ahead to confirm amount)
Allow 10-15 business days for processing

For attorney or authorized party access:

Register for the Louisiana Clerk of Court Association portal
Provide bar number or authorized credentials
Access available electronic records remotely
Pay subscription and/or per-document fees

When requesting records, the following information facilitates faster processing:

Complete case number (if known)
Full names of parties involved
Approximate date of filing or case activity
Type of case (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
Specific documents needed from the case file

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 13:841, the Clerk of Court charges statutory fees for searches and copies of court records. Current fee schedules are available at the Clerk's office or on their official website.

How To Look Up Court Records in East Baton Rouge County Online?

East Baton Rouge Parish offers several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems vary by court and record type, with different search capabilities and access levels.

The primary online resources include:

East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court Online Records

Access via ebrclerkofcourt.org
Click "Search Records" on the homepage
Registration required for full access (free registration available)
Search by name, case number, or property information
Records available include civil, criminal, and property records
Document images may require payment to view

19th Judicial District Court Case Information

Visit 19thjdc.org
Select "Case Information" from the menu
Search by case number, party name, or attorney
View case status, upcoming hearings, and docket entries
Limited to basic case information; full documents not available

Louisiana Supreme Court Case Search

Access through lasc.org
Navigate to "Docket Search"
Search appellate cases from East Baton Rouge Parish
View case status, briefs filed, and decision information
Limited to appellate matters

Louisiana Protective Order Registry

Restricted access for authorized agencies
Contains protective orders issued in domestic violence cases
Not publicly searchable due to confidentiality requirements

To conduct an effective online search:

Determine which court has jurisdiction over the case
Select the appropriate portal based on case type
Gather identifying information (names, dates, case numbers)
Create user accounts where required
Be prepared to pay for document copies or enhanced access
Note that recent filings may not appear immediately in online systems

Online access limitations include:

Certain confidential cases not displayed (juvenile, adoption, sealed records)
Document images may be unavailable for older cases
Technical limitations during system maintenance periods
Potential fees for document downloads or premium searches

How To Search East Baton Rouge County Court Records for Free?

East Baton Rouge Parish provides several options for accessing court records without payment, though some services may have limitations compared to fee-based alternatives.

Free public inspection options include:

In-person review at the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours
Public access terminals located in the courthouse (no fee for searching, only for printing)
Basic case information through the 19th Judicial District Court website
Limited searches through the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court website

According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, custodians of public records must provide free inspection during regular office hours. The statute states: "The custodian shall present any public record to any person of the age of majority who so requests." However, reasonable fees may be charged for copies or certified documents.

For free in-person access:

Visit the appropriate courthouse during business hours
Request to inspect specific records at the clerk's counter
Present identification if required
Use provided viewing areas to examine documents
Take notes as needed (photography may be restricted)

East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court
222 St. Louis Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 389-3950
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Free online access limitations:

Basic case information only (party names, case types, filing dates)
Document images typically require payment
Registration may be required even for free searches
Older records may not be available electronically
Search functionality may be limited compared to subscription services

The Louisiana Law Library also provides free public access to certain legal resources and assistance with court record searches, though document retrieval may incur fees.

What's Included in a East Baton Rouge County Court Record?

East Baton Rouge Parish court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but generally include the following components:

For civil cases:

Petition or complaint initiating the action
Summons and service documentation
Defendant's answer or response
Motions filed by either party
Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
Exhibits and evidence admitted during proceedings
Transcripts of hearings and trials
Judge's orders and rulings
Final judgment or dismissal
Post-judgment motions and enforcement documents
Appeal documentation if applicable

For criminal cases:

Charging documents (bill of information or indictment)
Arrest warrant or summons
Booking information
Bond documentation
Defendant's plea
Pre-trial motions and responses
Evidence and exhibit lists
Witness statements (if not sealed)
Trial transcripts
Verdict forms
Sentencing documents
Probation reports (may be confidential)
Appeal notices and briefs

For family court matters:

Petitions for divorce or separation
Child custody and support documents
Parenting plans
Financial disclosure forms
Property settlement agreements
Protective orders
Adoption petitions and decrees
Name change applications
Mediation reports
Court orders and judgments

For probate/succession cases:

Petition for probate
Death certificate (may be restricted)
Will and codicils
Letters testamentary or of administration
Inventory of assets
Creditor claims
Inheritance tax documentation
Final accounting
Judgment of possession
Property transfer documents

Case dockets serve as chronological indices of all filings and proceedings, listing each document, hearing, and action taken in the case. Court minutes record official proceedings during hearings and trials, documenting appearances, testimony, rulings, and other significant events.

How Long Does East Baton Rouge County Keep Court Records?

East Baton Rouge Parish maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management program and the Louisiana Supreme Court. These schedules vary by record type and significance.

Permanent retention applies to:

Civil and criminal case files with historical significance
Judgment indices
Minute books
Marriage licenses and certificates
Property records including conveyances and mortgages
Adoption records
Interdiction proceedings
Succession (probate) records
Capital felony cases

Extended retention periods include:

Felony criminal cases: 75 years after final disposition
Civil cases with monetary judgments: 30 years after final judgment
Divorce proceedings: 50 years after judgment
Child custody matters: Until youngest child reaches age 25
Juvenile delinquency records: Until subject reaches age 24 (with exceptions)
Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
Small claims cases: 10 years after judgment

According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36, public records must be preserved for at least three years unless a shorter period is approved by the state archivist and director of the division of archives. However, court records typically follow more specific retention schedules as outlined in the Louisiana Clerk of Court Records Retention Schedule.

Factors affecting retention include:

Case type and severity
Historical or precedential value
Continuing legal effect of judgments
Statutory requirements
Space limitations and microfilming/digitization status

After the retention period expires, records may be:

Transferred to the Louisiana State Archives
Microfilmed or digitized with originals destroyed
Destroyed according to approved disposition procedures
Maintained indefinitely at the clerk's discretion

Parties seeking older records should contact the Clerk of Court directly, as retrieval of archived materials may require additional time and special handling.

Types of Courts In East Baton Rouge County

East Baton Rouge Parish's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels. These courts operate within Louisiana's unified court system.

19th Judicial District Court
300 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 389-4815
19th Judicial District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The 19th JDC serves as the parish's court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases, felony criminal matters, and administrative appeals. The court has 15 divisions, each presided over by an elected judge serving a six-year term.

East Baton Rouge Parish Family Court
300 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 389-4676
East Baton Rouge Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Family Court has exclusive jurisdiction over domestic matters including divorce, child custody, support, community property, and protective orders. The court has four divisions with judges elected to six-year terms.

East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court
8333 Veterans Memorial Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
(225) 354-1250
East Baton Rouge Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Juvenile Court handles matters involving minors, including delinquency proceedings, child in need of care cases, adoption, and child support enforcement when the state is a party. The court has three divisions.

Baton Rouge City Court
233 St. Louis Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 389-5279
Baton Rouge City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

City Court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims up to $5,000, and civil matters up to $50,000 within Baton Rouge city limits. The court has five elected judges.

Baker City Court
1320 Alabama Street
Baker, LA 70714
(225) 778-1866
Baker City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Baker City Court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil matters up to $50,000 within Baker city limits.

Zachary City Court
4510 Main Street
Zachary, LA 70791
(225) 654-0044
Zachary City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Zachary City Court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil matters up to $50,000 within Zachary city limits.

Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal
1600 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 382-3000
First Circuit Court of Appeal
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The First Circuit hears appeals from the district, family, and juvenile courts in East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding parishes.

Louisiana Supreme Court
400 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 310-2300
Louisiana Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Supreme Court is Louisiana's highest court, hearing cases on writs from the courts of appeal and direct appeals in specific matters.

What Types of Cases Do East Baton Rouge County Courts Hear?

East Baton Rouge Parish courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions. Each court is authorized to hear specific case types as established by Louisiana law.

The 19th Judicial District Court handles:

Civil lawsuits exceeding $50,000 in value
Felony criminal prosecutions
Successions (probate matters)
Property disputes and real estate litigation
Medical malpractice claims
Complex commercial litigation
Administrative appeals from state agencies
Tax disputes with state and local governments
Mandamus and injunction proceedings
Judicial commitments for mental health treatment

The East Baton Rouge Parish Family Court adjudicates:

Divorce proceedings
Child custody and visitation disputes
Child and spousal support matters
Community property partitions
Domestic protective orders
Paternity establishment
Name changes
Adoptions (shared jurisdiction with Juvenile Court)
Marriage annulments
Emancipation of minors

The East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court presides over:

Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Child in need of care cases (abuse and neglect)
Families in need of services (FINS) matters
Adoptions
Child support when the state is a party
Termination of parental rights
Voluntary transfer of custody
Juvenile traffic violations
Truancy cases

The Baton Rouge City Court handles:

Civil lawsuits up to $50,000
Small claims up to $5,000
Misdemeanor criminal cases
Municipal ordinance violations
Traffic citations
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Evictions and landlord-tenant disputes
Protective orders (concurrent with Family Court)
City tax matters

The Baker City Court and Zachary City Court adjudicate:

Civil lawsuits up to $50,000 within their municipal boundaries
Misdemeanor criminal cases
Municipal ordinance violations
Traffic citations
Small claims
Evictions

The Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal reviews:

Appeals from final judgments of district courts
Supervisory writs on interlocutory rulings
Administrative agency appeals
Original jurisdiction in limited circumstances

The Louisiana Supreme Court considers:

Writs of certiorari from courts of appeal
Direct appeals in specific constitutional matters
Capital punishment cases
Judicial discipline proceedings
Attorney disciplinary matters
Questions certified by federal courts

How To Find a Court Docket In East Baton Rouge County

Court dockets in East Baton Rouge Parish provide chronological listings of cases scheduled for hearing and documents filed in each case. These records are accessible through several methods depending on the court and case type.

For online docket access:

Visit the 19th Judicial District Court website
Select "Case Information" from the navigation menu
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or attorney)
Review results showing case status and scheduled hearings
Note that document images may not be available without subscription

For Family Court dockets:

Access the East Baton Rouge Family Court website
Navigate to "Court Dockets" section
Search by division, date, or case type
Verify hearing information with the clerk for confirmation

For in-person docket research:

East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court
222 St. Louis Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 389-3950
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court

Visit during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
Request docket information at the appropriate division counter
Provide case number or party names
Review docket sheets on public access terminals
Request printed copies (fees apply)

For attorney access:

Register with the Louisiana Clerk of Court Association portal
Access comprehensive docket information remotely
Receive electronic notifications of docket updates
File documents electronically in applicable courts

Daily court dockets are typically posted:

On bulletin boards near courtrooms
At the clerk's office public information desk
On court websites (updated daily)
Through subscription services for attorneys

According to Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 253, the clerk of court is responsible for maintaining the court docket and ensuring public access to this information. Docket information typically includes:

Case number and filing date
Party names and attorney information
Scheduled hearing dates and times
Assigned judge or division
Document filings in chronological order
Case status and disposition information

Which Courts in East Baton Rouge County Are Not Courts of Record?

In East Baton Rouge Parish, certain courts operate as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts of all proceedings. This distinction affects appeal procedures and record-keeping requirements.

According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 13:1896, appeals from city courts in municipalities with populations of less than 50,000 are typically tried de novo (completely new trial) in district court, which is characteristic of courts not of record.

The following East Baton Rouge Parish courts are not courts of record:

Baker City Court
1320 Alabama Street
Baker, LA 70714
(225) 778-1866
Baker City Court
Zachary City Court
4510 Main Street
Zachary, LA 70791
(225) 654-0044
Zachary City Court
Central Mayor's Court (Administrative hearing officer system)
13421 Hooper Road, Suite 9
Central, LA 70818
(225) 262-5000
City of Central

In courts not of record:

Proceedings are not typically recorded verbatim by court reporters
Appeals involve a completely new trial (de novo) at the district court level
Documentary evidence must be preserved but testimony is not transcribed
Judges may be attorneys or non-attorneys depending on municipal requirements
Simplified procedures often apply to case processing

By contrast, courts of record in East Baton Rouge Parish include:

19th Judicial District Court
East Baton Rouge Parish Family Court
East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court
Baton Rouge City Court (as a larger municipality court)
Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal
Louisiana Supreme Court

These courts maintain official transcripts of proceedings, and appeals from these courts are based on the record established during the original proceedings rather than through new trials.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is established in Louisiana Constitution Article V and further defined in statutory law and jurisprudence.

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