New Orleans Felony Records
New Orleans felony records are maintained by the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk in New Orleans. Clerk Darren Lombard oversees case records for all felony matters prosecuted in Orleans Parish. New Orleans is coextensive with Orleans Parish, meaning all felony cases in the city go through the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, not a standard district court with civil jurisdiction.
New Orleans Quick Facts
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court
New Orleans has a unique court structure compared to other Louisiana cities. All felony cases in New Orleans go through the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, which is a separate court from the Orleans Parish Civil District Court. The criminal court clerk manages case records, evidence, and court documents for all felony prosecutions brought by the Orleans Parish District Attorney.
Clerk Darren Lombard oversees the criminal court clerk's office. The clerk also serves as the chief elections officer for Orleans Parish. For felony records access, the criminal court clerk's office and its website at criminalcourt.org are the correct places to start. The Orleans Parish Civil District Court at orleanscivilclerk.com handles civil suits and related matters and is a completely separate office.
The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court website at criminalcourt.org is the primary source for felony records information, clerk contact details, and case access for criminal matters in New Orleans.
Clerk of Court Contact Information
The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk's office handles public records requests for felony case files. The clerk's website at criminalcourt.org provides current contact information, office hours, and the address for the New Orleans courthouse. For in-person requests, visit during regular business hours and bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies carry an additional fee.
The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court contact page at criminalcourt.org/contact-info.html provides current address, phone, and hours for the New Orleans courthouse, useful for submitting felony records requests.
Online Case Access and ClerkConnect
Online access to New Orleans felony records is available through the ClerkConnect portal at clerkconnect.com. ClerkConnect replaced the older Docket Master system as the primary online case inquiry tool for Orleans Parish criminal cases. Search by name or case number to find case status, charge information, and court hearing records for felony matters before the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.
Orleans Parish is undergoing a significant technology upgrade to its criminal justice system. This upgrade may affect how records are accessed online over time. Check criminalcourt.org for the most current information about available online services and access methods. ClerkConnect remains the current standard for online inquiry access.
Historical Records and Municipal Court
For older historical records, the New Orleans City Archives at nolacityarchives.org holds civil court records from 1804 to 1926 and criminal court records from 1830 to 1931. These historical records are useful for genealogical research. Current records from the mid-20th century to the present are held at the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court clerk's office.
The New Orleans Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal offenses and traffic violations. It is a separate court from the Criminal District Court and is not the source for felony records. If you need a felony case, contact the Criminal District Court clerk at criminalcourt.org. If you need a misdemeanor or traffic matter, contact the New Orleans Municipal Court. The distinction matters because each court maintains separate records.
Under RS 44:31, any person of majority age has the right to inspect public records. RS 44:3 restricts active criminal case records until final judgment. RS 44:32 allows the clerk to charge reasonable copy fees. Expungement under RS 44:9 can remove eligible records from public access, but most felony convictions are not expungeable in Louisiana. For statewide criminal history, contact the Louisiana State Police at (225) 925-6095. State background checks cost $26, or $39.25 with FBI records. Federal felony cases go through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and are searchable via PACER.