Criminal records in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, are accessible through several channels. LivingstonParishCourt.org allows you to search publicly available information on criminal cases by name or case number. Besides this resource, records can be obtained through the parish's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk of court's office, which maintains and supports the parish's official records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Livingston
There are several ways to find criminal records in Livingston Parish. Which one to choose depends on what exactly you need and how quickly.
Online Search
- Go to LivingstonParishCourt.org. Enter the full name of the person or case number to view publicly available criminal case data.
- For a state-level criminal history check, use the LSP Internet Background Check portal from the Louisiana State Police. The search is conducted in accordance with La. R.S. 15:587 and requires a fee.
- If the person is under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, they can be found through the offender search system on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections website.
In-Person Visit
The Livingston Parish Clerk of Court provides access to court records at their office. Visit the office in the courthouse in Livingston and request to view a criminal case. You usually need to have identification with you.
Written Request
You can send a written request to the clerk of court by mail. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. A public records request for the parish can also be submitted through the public records request form on the parish government's website.
For the search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth
- Case number
Search Livingston Criminal Cases by Case Number
Criminal case numbers in Louisiana typically have a standard format consisting of several elements:
- Year of filing — a two-digit or four-digit number (e.g., 24 or 2024)
- Case type letter code — for example, "CR" for criminal cases or "FE" for felonies
- Sequential number — a unique number assigned in chronological order
Example: 2024-CR-001234. The first part indicates the year, the second part indicates the category, and the numerical tail identifies the specific case. If you know the number, enter it in full — this is the fastest way to find the desired record. Partial numbers may not yield results.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Livingston
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of what each of them means.
Charges
| Element | What it means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | Reference to the specific article of the Louisiana Revised Statutes allegedly violated |
| Severity | Felony — a serious crime; Misdemeanor — a less serious offense; Infraction — minor |
| Amended charge | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to another — usually less serious — during plea negotiations |
Case Status
- Pending — the case has been filed but is not yet resolved
- Active — the case is in progress
- Disposed — the court has rendered a decision or the case has been closed otherwise
- Closed — all procedures are completed, including sentence execution
Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the defendant's first appearance before a judge, charges are announced
- Preliminary hearing — the judge decides if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial — parties discuss procedural issues before the trial begins
- Sentencing — the judge announces the punishment after a guilty plea
- Review — review of probation conditions or other obligations
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not guilty | The defendant is found not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — the prosecutor withdrew the charges or the judge dismissed the case |
| Acquitted | The court or jury acquitted the defendant after considering the case on its merits |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue further prosecution |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Livingston
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court seal, accepted by government agencies and employers. Regular printouts from online portals do not have legal force.
Where to Apply
The main custodian of court records in the parish is the Clerk of Court. State-level criminal history checks are processed by the Louisiana State Police.
Livingston Parish Clerk of Court
Livingston Parish Prison (for arrest and detention records):
Ways to Submit a Request
- In person — visit the clerk of court's office with a photo ID
- By mail — send a written request with the full name, date of birth, case number (if known), and a copy of the ID
- Online — for state criminal history checks, use the LSP Internet Background Check portal
To obtain a certified copy, you usually need to present a valid government-issued photo ID. If a third party is submitting the request, a notarized consent from the record subject or a court order may be required.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Livingston
The cost of services depends on the type of request and the agency processing it. Below are estimated fees.
| Service | Cost | Source / Note |
|---|---|---|
| State criminal history check (LSP Internet Background Check) | Base fee + $5 technology fee | La. R.S. 15:587D.(1) |
| Copy of court document (per page) | Set by the clerk of court | Contact the Clerk of Court for details |
| Document certification | Set by the clerk of court | Added to the cost of the copy |
Specific amounts for copying and certifying documents are determined by the Livingston Parish Clerk of Court's office. Call (225) 686-2216 to learn the current rates before submitting a request.
Processing Times
- Online check via LSP — results are usually available within a few business days
- Request to the clerk of court in person — simple copies are often issued on the day of the request
- Mail request — may take from one to several weeks depending on the office's workload
If you need a document urgently, the fastest option is to visit the clerk of court's office in person.