Court records in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, can be searched through several channels. CaddoParishCourt.org can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the parish. Additional access points include official court websites, the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court, and public terminals located at courthouse offices. Whether you need to look up a civil suit, check a criminal case status, or find traffic violation records, these resources provide a starting place.
Caddo Court System & Jurisdictions
Caddo Parish has several courts, each handling different case types. Knowing which court holds the docket you need saves time.
- First Judicial District Court — This is the parish's general-jurisdiction trial court. It handles felony criminal cases, civil suits (including those exceeding the jurisdictional limits of city court), family law matters such as divorce, custody, adoption, and child support, as well as successions (Louisiana's equivalent of probate). Juvenile matters are also heard within the district court system.
- Shreveport City Court — Handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil cases involving smaller amounts that fall within city court limits. The Criminal/Traffic Division maintains records related to criminal charges and traffic offenses processed through this court. Shreveport City Court also has a small claims division for minor disputes.
- Justices of the Peace — Caddo Parish has several Justice of the Peace courts that handle minor civil disputes and small claims outside the City of Shreveport. The Louisiana state page for Caddo Parish lists contact information for Justices of the Peace and Constables.
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana — Federal cases involving Caddo Parish are heard through the Western District of Louisiana, which has a division in Shreveport. Federal dockets are searched through PACER, not through parish offices.
If you are unsure which court holds a particular case, start with the Clerk of Court's office for district-level matters or the Shreveport City Court for municipal-level cases.
Caddo Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding today's or this week's court schedule depends on which court is hearing the case.
First Judicial District Court
Court calendars for the First Judicial District Court are typically posted at the courthouse and may be available through the Clerk of Court's office. Contact the clerk directly to confirm hearing dates, times, and courtroom assignments for a specific case.
Shreveport City Court
Shreveport City Court has implemented a new case management system. Online tools to research cases are available through the city court's website. Check there for upcoming hearing dates, case status, and court records payments.
Tips for Finding Hearing Information
- Have your case number ready — calendars are usually organized by case number and division.
- Call the clerk's office the business day before your hearing to confirm the time and courtroom.
- For federal cases, use the PACER system at pacer.uscourts.gov to view the docket and scheduled events.
How to Get a Copy of a Caddo Court Document
The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court is the custodian of records for the First Judicial District Court. The office maintains civil suits, criminal cases, marriage licenses, conveyances, mortgages, and court minutes.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, making them valid for legal proceedings, background checks, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are informational duplicates without the official seal. They are generally less expensive but may not be accepted for legal purposes.
How to Request Records
- In person — Visit the Clerk of Court's office at the Caddo Parish Courthouse. Public terminals may be available for self-service lookups.
- By mail — Send a written request with the case number (if known), party names, case type, and a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Online — For Shreveport City Court records, use the city court's online case management tools. For parish-level records, check the Clerk of Court's website for any available online search portals.
Caddo Parish also accepts public records requests by phone, email, or in writing, though written requests are recommended.
Clerk of Court Mailing Address
Records That May Be Restricted
Juvenile records, adoption records, and certain sealed cases are generally not available to the public. Expunged criminal records are also restricted. If you are unsure whether a record is accessible, ask the clerk before submitting payment.
Caddo Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Louisiana are set by statute (La. R.S. 13:841 et seq. for clerks of court). The following table reflects common fee categories. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk of Court, as fees may be updated by legislative action or court order.
| Service | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per page) | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Certification/seal on document | $5.00 |
| Record search (per name) | $10.00 – $25.00 |
| Copy of court minutes (per page) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Marriage license copy (certified) | $5.00 |
| Filing a civil suit (varies by type) | Varies — contact clerk |
Payment methods: The Clerk of Court typically accepts cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Online payments for Shreveport City Court cases can be made through the city court's payment portal.
Note: These are approximate ranges based on Louisiana statutory schedules. Exact fees may differ depending on document type, page count, and whether expedited processing is requested. Always verify the current fee with the issuing office before submitting your request.