Orleans Parish Felony Records

Orleans Parish felony records are maintained by the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk in New Orleans. Clerk Darren Lombard oversees case records, evidence, and court documents for the criminal court. Orleans Parish has a unique court structure compared to other Louisiana parishes, with separate criminal and civil district courts. The ClerkConnect portal has replaced the older Docket Master system for online case inquiry access. This page covers how to find and request Orleans Parish felony records.

Orleans Parish Criminal District Court

Orleans Parish has a distinct court structure from other Louisiana parishes. Rather than a standard district court with general jurisdiction, Orleans Parish has a separate Orleans Parish Criminal District Court that handles all felony cases in the parish. Clerk Darren Lombard is the clerk of the criminal court, managing case records and evidence. The clerk also serves as the chief elections officer for Orleans Parish. The criminal court clerk's office is the primary source for felony records in New Orleans.

The criminal court website at criminalcourt.org provides information about the court, clerk services, and case access. The court handles all felony charges prosecuted by the Orleans Parish District Attorney. Records held at the criminal court clerk's office include charging documents, arraignment records, court minutes, motions, plea agreements, and sentencing orders for all felony cases processed in New Orleans. The Orleans Parish Civil District Court is a separate entity with its own clerk at orleanscivilclerk.com, handling civil suits and related matters.

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.

Online Case Access and ClerkConnect

Online access to Orleans Parish 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. You can 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. Victim-Witness Advocates at the DA's office can also assist with case status updates for victims and witnesses involved in active cases.

Orleans Parish is undergoing a significant $30 million technology upgrade to its criminal justice system, including a new case management platform. This upgrade may affect how records are accessed online. Check criminalcourt.org for the most current information about available online services and access methods as the new system rolls out. ClerkConnect remains the current standard for online inquiry access.

Historical Records and New Orleans City Archives

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 of interest for genealogical research and historical criminal case information. Current records, meaning those from the mid-20th century to the present, are maintained at the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court clerk's office rather than the city archives. Contact the appropriate office based on the time period you need.

The New Orleans Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal offenses and traffic violations. This is a separate court from the Criminal District Court and is not the source for felony records. If you are looking for a felony case, contact the Criminal District Court clerk. If you need information about a misdemeanor or traffic matter, contact the New Orleans Municipal Court directly. The distinction between these courts matters because each maintains separate records.

Public Records Law and Statewide Resources

Louisiana public records law at RS 44:31 gives any person of majority age the right to inspect public records held by the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Clerk. The clerk must prove any exemption applies if access is denied. RS 44:3 restricts active criminal case records until those cases reach final judgment. RS 44:32 allows the clerk to charge reasonable fees for copies. Expungement under RS 44:9 can remove eligible records from public access by court order. Most felony convictions in Louisiana are not eligible for expungement.

The city of New Orleans is coextensive with Orleans Parish. All felony cases in New Orleans go through the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court and the clerk's office at criminalcourt.org. For statewide criminal history checks, contact the Louisiana State Police at (225) 925-6095. State background checks cost $26, or $39.25 with FBI records. The LSP Internet Background Check portal handles authorized agency requests. Federal felony cases from Orleans Parish go through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and are searchable via PACER.

The eClerks LA portal at eclerksla.com provides statewide online access to Louisiana court records as a supplemental tool to the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court's official records system at criminalcourt.org.