Court records in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, are available through several channels. StTammanyParishCourt.org allows you to search publicly available information about court cases in the parish. Additionally, records can be found through official court resources, the Clerk of Court's office, and public terminals installed directly in the courthouse building.
St. Tammany Court System & Jurisdictions
St. Tammany Parish is part of the 22nd Judicial District Court, which also serves St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. This is the primary court of general jurisdiction. It handles the majority of cases — from serious criminal charges to large civil claims.
Here's how case types are distributed:
- 22nd Judicial District Court — criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors), civil claims, family cases (divorce, custody, alimony), probate cases, as well as juvenile matters. The Criminal Division of the Clerk of Court maintains and stores documents related to criminal proceedings.
- City Courts — the city courts of Covington and Slidell handle traffic violations, misdemeanors, and small civil claims within their respective municipalities.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — minor civil disputes involving small amounts and some administrative matters.
Federal cases involving the parish fall under the jurisdiction of the Eastern District of Louisiana (U.S. District Court). Appeals from state courts go to the First Circuit Court of Appeal of Louisiana. The overall structure of the state's judicial branch can be viewed on the official Louisiana website.
If you are unsure which court to search for a case, start with the 22nd JDC Clerk's office. The staff will advise whether the case is registered with them or if it should be searched in the city court.
St. Tammany Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of the 22nd Judicial District Court is usually published through the Clerk of Court's office. To find out which hearings are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or the current week, contact the clerk directly.
Several ways to check the schedule:
- Call the Clerk of Court's office in Covington and inquire about a specific case or date.
- Visit the courthouse in person — public terminals and bulletin boards often display the daily calendar.
- Check the StTammanyParishCourt.org website for information on scheduled hearings.
- For federal cases, use the PACER system via the Eastern District's website.
The city courts of Covington and Slidell have their own schedules. Call the respective city court to confirm the date and time of a specific hearing.
How to Get a Copy of a St. Tammany Court Document
The St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court maintains records for all 22nd JDC cases. Copies of documents can be obtained in several ways.
Certified and Non-Certified Copies
Non-certified copy — a regular photocopy of a document. Suitable for review. A certified copy bears the official seal of the clerk and confirms the authenticity of the document — it is required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or when executing legal transactions.
How to Order
- In person — visit the Clerk of Court's office. Bring identification and know the case number or the names of the parties.
- By mail — send a written request with case details and payment to the clerk's address:
The Slidell branch of the clerk also accepts requests:
- Online — some documents can be ordered through the Clerk of Court's website. Check for online service availability on the clerk's site.
For sheriff's criminal records (arrests, bookings), contact the Sheriff's Criminal Records Division at 985-809-8242.
Access Restrictions
Not all records are public. Juvenile cases, sealed cases, and some family proceedings have restricted access according to the Louisiana Public Records Law. If a document is unavailable, the clerk will explain the reason.
St. Tammany Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and document searches are set according to Louisiana law and the Clerk of Court's internal rules. Below is an approximate fee table — exact amounts should be confirmed directly with the clerk's office, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search (by name or case number) | Depends on the type of request; confirm with the clerk |
| Non-certified copy (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Certified copy | $5.00 and up (depending on the document) |
| Certification of an existing copy | $5.00 |
| Criminal background check (through sheriff) | Confirm with the Criminal Records Division |
| State-level criminal background check (LSP) | Set by Louisiana State Police |
Payment is usually accepted in cash, money order, or cashier's check. Some offices accept credit cards — confirm in advance. For mail requests, include a money order payable to "St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court."
To submit a public records request to the parish government (not court, but administrative documents), there is a separate procedure — available to individuals aged 18 and over.