Court records in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, can be searched through several channels. EastBatonRougeParishCourt.org can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the parish. Beyond that, official court resources — including the Clerk of Court's online portal, in-person visits to the clerk's office, and public-access terminals at the courthouse — offer additional ways to look up docket information, case filings, and hearing schedules.
East Baton Rouge Court System & Jurisdictions
East Baton Rouge Parish has multiple courts, each handling specific case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over a matter is essential before searching for docket records.
- 19th Judicial District Court — The general jurisdiction trial court for East Baton Rouge Parish. It handles felony criminal cases, civil suits exceeding the City Court's monetary limit, family law matters (divorce, custody, child support, adoption), successions (probate), and juvenile proceedings. Civil and criminal dockets are maintained separately by the Clerk of Court.
- Baton Rouge City Court — Handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil matters up to $50,000 (per Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure). City Court also processes small claims, evictions, and protective orders. You can look up City Court warrants through the city's official portal, though all warrants should be confirmed through the official court file.
- Family Court — Domestic matters such as divorce, custody, and support are handled within the 19th JDC's Family Court division.
- Juvenile Court — Delinquency, child-in-need-of-care, and other juvenile proceedings fall under the Juvenile Court division of the 19th JDC. Most juvenile records are confidential under Louisiana law.
If you are unsure which court handled a case, start with the 19th JDC Clerk of Court, which maintains the broadest range of records for the parish.
East Baton Rouge Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars — sometimes called docket sheets or hearing schedules — list cases set for today, tomorrow, and the coming week. Here is how to find them:
- 19th JDC Court Calendar — The 19th Judicial District Court publishes division-specific dockets. Contact the Clerk of Court or check the court's website for daily and weekly hearing schedules organized by division and judge.
- Baton Rouge City Court — City Court dockets for criminal, traffic, and civil divisions can be obtained by contacting the court directly. The Open Data BR portal provides searchable warrant data updated daily, which can help verify active cases.
- In-Person Access — Public terminals at the courthouse allow you to search scheduled hearings. The Clerk of Court's office can also confirm whether a specific case is on an upcoming docket.
If you need to confirm a hearing date, call the division clerk for the judge assigned to the case. Dockets can change on short notice due to continuances or settlements.
How to Get a Copy of a East Baton Rouge Court Document
The East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court is the official custodian of most court records filed in the parish. You can request copies in several ways:
Online
The Clerk of Court offers an online records search portal where you can look up case information. Some documents may be viewable or downloadable. Certified copies typically require an in-person or mail request.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Court's office at the courthouse to request certified or uncertified copies. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved. A government-issued ID may be required.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties
- Type of document requested
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to the Clerk of Court at the address above. For public records requests related to city or parish government departments (rather than court filings), those are handled separately through the Parish Attorney's Office.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are usually required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and government filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the official seal. They work for personal reference or informal use.
Some records are restricted by law. Juvenile records, adoption records, and certain sealed criminal records are not available to the general public.
East Baton Rouge Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in East Baton Rouge Parish are set by Louisiana statute and the Clerk of Court's fee schedule. The following table reflects commonly assessed charges. Contact the Clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 for first page, $2.00 each additional page |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00–$2.00 |
| Record search (per name) | $10.00–$25.00 |
| Certification / authentication | $5.00 per certification |
| Filing exemplified copies | Varies — contact Clerk |
Payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some services may accept credit or debit cards; ask at the counter or check the Clerk's website for current payment options. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court.
Fee amounts are guided by Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 13 (Courts and Judicial Procedure), which authorizes clerks to charge for copies, searches, and certifications. If you are requesting a large volume of records, call ahead to get an estimate before submitting payment.