Criminal records in Lafayette County, Louisiana, are public documents that can be accessed through several channels. LafayetteParishCourt.org allows you to search for public information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records are available through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies — including the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office — and the Clerk of Court, which maintains original court materials.
How to Search Criminal Records in Lafayette
The search for criminal records begins with the information you have. The full name of the person is the minimum, but a date of birth or case number significantly narrows the results.
Online Search
- Visit LafayetteParishCourt.org and use the search by name or case number to view public data on criminal cases.
- To search for inmates under the supervision of the state's Department of Corrections, use the offender information search tool on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections website.
- Federal cases heard in Lafayette fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. The search is available through the PACER system.
In-Person Request
The Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court's office provides access to court records directly at the courthouse. You can ask the clerk to find a case or use public access terminals if available.
Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court
Written Request
To obtain an official criminal history at the state level, submit a written request to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification. The request requires a completed form, fingerprints, and payment. For public records requests, Lafayette Consolidated Government also accepts written requests in accordance with the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.).
What you need for the search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
- Type of crime or approximate date of the event (if available)
Search Lafayette Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the quickest way to find a specific record. In Louisiana, criminal cases typically have a format that includes:
- Letter prefix — indicates the type of case (e.g., "CR" for criminal cases)
- Year of filing — two or four digits of the year the case was opened
- Sequential number — a consecutive number assigned by the Clerk of Court
For example, a case might look like CR-2024-01234. The exact format depends on the level of the court — district court, city court, or parish court may use slightly different numbering schemes. If you are unsure of the format, contact the court clerk — they can help identify the case even with a partial number.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Lafayette
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of the main ones.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Louisiana Criminal Code (e.g., La. R.S. 14:67 — theft) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more severe one during the proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision has been made yet
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed
Types of Hearings
Arraignment — the first court appearance where the charges are announced to the defendant. Preliminary hearing determines if there is enough evidence for further proceedings. Pre-trial conferences address procedural issues before the trial begins. Sentencing occurs after a guilty plea or jury verdict, and review hearings monitor compliance with sentencing conditions.
Case Results
- Guilty — a plea or verdict of "guilty"
- Not Guilty — acquittal
- Dismissed — the case is closed without a verdict
- Acquitted — full acquittal by the court or jury
- Nolle Prosequi — the prosecutor dropped the charges
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Lafayette
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with a court seal that are accepted by other institutions as legally valid.
Where to Apply
For court records, contact the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court. For a complete criminal history at the state level, contact the Louisiana State Police.
Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court
Louisiana State Police — Bureau of Criminal Identification
How to Submit a Request
- In Person: Visit the court clerk's office with valid ID (driver's license or passport). Provide the case number or the full name of the accused.
- By Mail: Send a written request specifying the case, a copy of your ID, and payment (check or money order payable to Clerk of Court).
- Through the State: For a background check, submit a request to the Louisiana State Police with a completed form, fingerprints, and payment.
For requests for public information from the Department of Corrections, all inquiries must be submitted in writing to the Deputy Secretary's Office.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Lafayette
The fee amount depends on the type of request and the institution. Below are approximate rates set according to Louisiana law.
| Service | Cost | Source / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 – $2.00 | Clerk of Court, according to La. R.S. 13:844 |
| Document certification | $5.00 per document (approximate) | Clerk of Court |
| State-level criminal history check | $26.00 | Louisiana State Police |
| Fingerprint-based criminal history check (FBI) | $39.25 | Louisiana State Police + FBI |
Processing time varies. Requests submitted in person to the court clerk are usually processed the same day or within a few business days. Criminal history checks through the Louisiana State Police may take from two to six weeks, depending on the volume of requests. Check current rates directly with the institution — they may change.