Rapides Parish Court Records

In Rapides Parish, court records encompass a variety of materials such as books, recordings, microfilm, tape, memoranda, and paper that document the proceedings of a case. The contents of a Louisiana court record within the Rapides jurisdiction are typically tailored to the specific type of case. For instance, in a civil case, you may find court sermons, a docket, transcripts, memoranda, exhibits, complaint or claim details, affidavits, evidence, court transcripts, notes, depositions, interrogatories, and final judgments. Conversely, a criminal court record may include a warrant, writ, and docket, among other items. Nevertheless, many of the documents within the court records for both case types are similar.

These court records play a crucial role for Rapides Parish's public, law enforcement officials, and judiciary. Pertinent records linked to the appealed case are retrieved when dealing with an appeal. Furthermore, examining court records provides insight into the sequence of events when an individual commits a crime and subsequently faces the consequences.

The Office of the Clerk is responsible for the maintenance and distribution of court records. Individuals interested in accessing these records can reach out to the office for more information or inquiries.

Are Court Records Public in Rapides Parish?

Yes. Under Louisiana Public Record Law RS 44:1, court records are categorized as public and are available for inspection and reproduction. However, certain sections of a court record may only be accessible to authorized individuals. These restricted segments may consist of financial reports, health records, social security numbers, driver's license numbers, details of an ongoing investigation, the identity or contact information of victims or witnesses, and so forth. There are also instances where certain records may not be accessible at all, such as court records involving minors, sensitive family cases, or criminal records.

Moreover, although court records are considered public in Rapides, individuals with a prior felony conviction are only permitted to request records related to their cases.

Rapides Parish Court Records Search

Rapides Parish offers various options for individuals interested in conducting a court record search within the parish. These include:

• Using the RAPID E-search system online to locate specific records
• Sending a request form via mail or visiting the Office of the Clerk or the courthouse in person to request access to records
• Exploring the use of third-party websites to search for court records within the parish

Rapides Parish Court Records Search by Name

Louisiana provides the option to search court records using various criteria such as the name of a record subject, available through online, mail, or in-person methods.

In Rapides Parish, individuals can avail themselves of in-person services by visiting the clerk's office or the courthouse where the case was heard. By providing a name for the search, residents can request to inspect copies of court records, especially when certified copies are required. Additionally, inquirers can choose to fill out and send the public request form by mail.

Another option for conducting a court record search by name is the online platform provided by the Clerk of Court in Rapides Parish through the RAPID E-search system. Interested individuals need to register and select a subscription plan, including daily, monthly, or annual options with corresponding fees.

Upon registration and receipt of a confirmation email, an invoice reflecting the chosen subscription fee is added to the user account. After payment, the researcher can begin the search, with the subscription being completed upon credit card authorization. The cost of printing a copy from the online database varies depending on the subscription type.

The pec of using this provision is that residents can conveniently access court records from whatever location round the clock, except during system downtime due to maintenance.

Rapides Parish Courts

Rapides Parish is home to a total of 24 courts, comprising the District, City, Justice, and Mayor’s courts, with each court type having jurisdiction over specific case types. The following are the locations of each court.

District Courts in Rapides Parish

Rapides 9th Judicial District Court
701 Murray Street
P.O. Box 952
Alexandria, LA 71309
Phone: (318) 473-8153
Fax: (318) 473-4667

City Courts in Rapides Parish

Alexandria City Court
515 Washington Street
P.O. Box 30
Alexandria, LA 71309
Phone: (318) 449-5146

Pineville City Court
904 Main Street
P.O. Box 3671
Pineville, LA 71361
Phone: (318) 449-5656

Justice of the Peace Courts in Rapides Parish

Justice of the Peace Ward 2
3870 Highway 457
Alexandria, LA 71302
Phone: (318) 563-8421

Justice of the Peace Ward 3, 1st Justice Court
P.O. Box 106
Cheneyville, LA 71325
Phone: (318) 201-6891

Justice of the Peace Ward 3, 2nd Just. Court
P.O. Box 766
Lecompte, LA 71346
Phone: (318) 623-2035

Justice of the Peace Ward 4, 1st Justice Court
P.O. Box 194, Woodworth, LA 71485
Phone: (318) 201-1989

Justice of the Peace Ward 4, 2nd Just. Court
21 Science Hill Cemetery Road
Glenmora, LA 71433
Phone: (318) 748-4382

Justice of the Peace Ward 5, 1st Justice Court
157 Dixie Church Road
Sieper, LA 71472
Phone: (318) 793-4815

Justice of the Peace Ward 5, 2nd Justice Court
36 Ed Miller Road
Elmer, LA 71424
Phone: (318) 659-4357 (home)
Phone: (318) 442-9251 (work)

Justice of the Peace Ward 6
257 West River Road
Glenmora, LA 71433
Phone: (318) 748-4493

Justice of the Peace Ward 7, 1st Justice Court
1681 Lena Flatwoods Road
Lena, LA 71477
Phone: (318) 793-4891

Justice of the Peace Ward 7, 2nd Justice Court
P.O. Box 45
Boyce, LA 71409
Phone: (318) 880-8341

Justice of the Peace Ward 8
3530 England Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303

Justice of the Peace Ward 10
4221 Aspen Court
Pineville, LA 71360
Phone: (318) 640-5073

Justice of the Peace Ward 11
88 Daisy Bell Lane
Deville, LA 71328
Phone: (318) 466-5329
Phone: (318) 664-1828

Mayor's Courts in Rapides Parish

Ball Mayor's Court
100 Municipal Lane
P.O. Box 800
Ball, LA 71405
Phone: (318) 640-9604
Fax: (318) 641-9847

Boyce Mayor's Court
807 Londonderry Avenue
P.O. Box 146
Boyce, LA 71409
Phone: (318) 793-2175
Fax: (318) 793-5978

Cheneyville Mayor's Court
802 Klock Street
P.O. Box 322
Cheneyville, LA 71325
Phone: (318) 279-2155
Fax: (318) 279-2266

Forest Hill Mayor's Court
4300 Highway 112
P.O. Box 309
Forest Hill, LA 71430
Phone: (318) 748-6300
Fax: (318) 748-8850

Glenmora Mayor's Court
1000 7th Street
P.O. Box 265
Glenmora, LA 71433
Phone: (318) 748-4885
Fax: (318) 748-4649

Lecompte Mayor's Court
1302 Weems Street
P.O. Box 649
Lecompte, LA 71346
Phone: (318) 776-5488
Fax: (318) 776-0004

McNary Mayor's Court
53 West Cady Avenue
P.O. Box 1197
Glenmora, LA 71433
Phone: (318) 748-8264
Fax: (318) 748-8524

Woodworth Mayor's Court
9363 Hwy 165 South
P.O. Box 228
Woodworth, LA 71485
Phone: (318) 442-1198
Fax: (318) 487-6110

Rapides Parish Superior Court Case Search

Rapides Parish does not have a Superior Court, but the District Court in the Parish operates as the highest authority of jurisdiction, presiding over civil, criminal, and juvenile cases within the Parish in a capacity similar to that of a Superior Court.

Rapides Parish District Court Records

The District Court in Rapides is the 9th Judicial District Court in the state and comprises seven divisions. It holds jurisdiction over various cases, including felonies, disputes over contracts or property rights, personal injury claims, marriage and family matters, estate, probate, and succession rights, as well as misdemeanors, and violations of parish ordinances within Rapides Parish. It also oversees some cases handled by other courts, at times having parallel jurisdiction with lower courts.

Access to public district court records is available online, by mail, and in person. Residents have the option to utilize any of these methods to obtain a sorted record, requiring only the provision of identifying details of the court record based on the search parameters.

For those choosing to use the online database, the initial step is to register, a straightforward process initiated by clicking on the registration button. Online searches are not free. Similarly, sending a mail request or conducting an in-person inspection is uncomplicated.

Additionally, interested persons can find the court docket and calendars online on its web page.

Rapides Parish Criminal Records

Customarily, a Rapides Parish criminal record includes both a Rapides Parish arrest and court records. These records are not publicly accessible in Louisiana and can only be obtained by authorized individuals. However, according to LSA-R.S. 15:574.12, specific details available to the public include the type of offense, the individual's age, the sentence's duration, the crime committed, and the conviction date. Individuals seeking these records can obtain a local criminal record from the Sheriff’s office, a state-based record from the Department of Police, or request a criminal history check from the FBI.

The Rapides Parish Office of the Sheriff supervises the Criminal Records Section. This department maintains criminal and traffic reports, which can be accessed upon request. Generally, requests must be submitted in writing via mail or in person. As per the state's policy on accessing criminal records, background checks are limited to the subject of the record, job applicants, and employers. Payment is accepted in the form of a cashier's check or money order. Inquiries or written requests should be directed to:

Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office
Attn: Criminal Records
2005 Vandevelde Avenue
Alexandria, LA 71303
Phone: (318) 473-6857
Fax: (318) 449-5463

The fee for a background check is $5. For a fingerprint check, a requester would need to obtain a fingerprint card for $10. The typical response time is five working days. Although members of the public may not be able to access the full details of a criminal record, one can view Rapides Parish arrest records online on the Sheriff’s web page.

The Louisiana Department of Police, Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information, maintains the Computerized Criminal History (LACCH) system, serving as the repository for Louisiana's criminal history. This database provides individuals with the necessary information. Similar to local criminal histories, this service is only available to residents of Louisiana with a criminal history who wish to obtain their records.

At the federal level, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) maintains criminal records, which can be accessed online, via mail, or in person. Individuals can obtain their records for $18.

Rapides Parish Criminal Court Case Lookup

In contrast to closed criminal records provided by law enforcement, court records in Rapides are considered to be open. Residents can access Rapides Parish criminal court case records online and can request physical copies via mail or in person.

When accessing records online, individuals can utilize the case management system provided by the courts in Rapides to look up case records. Those preferring to request records via mail can send their requests to the clerk of court or directly to the courthouse that handled the case.

Additionally, residents have the option to visit the courthouse where the case was heard to request access to a specific case. In any of the scenarios, the resident would simply need to provide the necessary details to retrieve the case record.

Get Rapides Parish Civil Court Records

Rapides Parish civil court records encompass all non-criminal court documents maintained by the judicial system in the Parish. These records include a broad range of cases such as property damage, family matters, probate issues, divorce proceedings, juvenile misconduct, outstanding personal loans, unpaid rent, and personal injuries.

The management and upkeep of civil records are the responsibility of the court that presided over the case. Securing civil court records generally follows a similar process to obtaining criminal case records, with requesters choosing their preferred method of access. Efficient retrieval of court records, especially through a case number search, often requires specific identifying information. In cases where the case number is unknown, providing as many details as possible can aid in locating the desired case record.

As previously mentioned, online searches for civil court records are not typically free of charge. Additionally, individuals may be required to pay a fee to obtain copies of records either through mail or in person.

Rapides Parish Family Court Records

While Rapides Parish does not have a dedicated family court, family matters are addressed by the District Court within the Parish. This covers issues relating to juveniles, divorce proceedings, child custody, paternity disputes, child support matters, visitation orders, and adoptions, among others.

Individuals seeking public access to family court records can directly contact the District Court via mail or choose to visit in person. Residents also have the option of consulting with the clerk of court for inquiries or making use of an online platform to streamline the record retrieval process.

Family court records hold significant importance and should be handled with care. Primarily involved in family-related affairs, a certified family court record serves as a legally recognized document that holds weight in the eyes of the court. For instance, an adoption record signifies that a non-biological child holds similar rights within a family unit through documented legal provisions.

Rapides Dissolution of Marriage Records

The District Court typically oversees the dissolution of marriage proceedings and maintains the related records thereafter. While the process for obtaining these records is straightforward, it is important to note that the complete record may not be accessible to the public unless they are the subject of the record. In general, basic information may be available to members of the public. Individuals seeking records of a marriage dissolution can reach out directly to the District Court for inquiries.

Rapides Parish Marriage and Divorce Records

Rapides Parish marriage and divorce records are generally considered public and can be accessed by interested individuals unless they are classified as confidential or sealed. Typically, these records are maintained and made accessible to the public through the Office of the Clerk of Court. Residents can request these records by providing the necessary details, and the process for obtaining them follows the same procedures as acquiring other court records.

On the other hand, Rapides Parish marriage certificates and divorce certificates can only be obtained by the individuals named in the records. The record holder is required to provide identification to verify their identity. These certificates can be obtained through mail requests or in-person visits.

Mail requests should be addressed to the Office of the Court Clerk. A copy of a Rapides Parish marriage certificate is $6.

Rapides Birth and Death Records

Rapides Parish's vital records encompass birth and death records. According to LA Rev Stat § 40:41, birth records are confidential until 100 years after the birth date, while death records are strictly confidential until 50 years after the event. As a result, access to these court records is limited to individuals directly related to the record or those authorized by court order.

In adherence to the specified law governing the accessibility of birth and death records in the state, only the following individuals can obtain Rapides Parish's birth certificate or death certificate:

Authorized individuals who can order a birth certificate include:

• The person named on the document
• The current spouse of the person named on the document
• Parent of the person named on the document
• An 18-year-old or older child of the subject of the record
• Sibling of the record bearer
• Grandparent or grandchild of the person named on the record
• A legal representative of the record bearer

Authorized individuals who can order a death certificate include:

• Listed spouse of the record bearer
• Parent of the person named on the record
• Sibling or adult child of the record bearer
• Surviving grandparent or grandchild of the subject of the document or any other immediate family member
• A beneficiary of an insurance policy, pension plan, retirement account, trust, financial institution account, or security account (with evidence)
• A legal representative

Certificates of birth or death in Rapides can be requested online through an approved private vendor, via mail, or in person. Requesters sending mail must complete the Application for Certified Copy of Birth/Death Certificate form, provide a photo ID, and submit the required fee. Mailed requests should be sent to:

Vital Records Registry
P.O. Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160

The processing time for mailed requests is 8-10 weeks. Alternatively, customers can choose to visit the Vital Records Central Office at,

Vital Record Office
1450 Poydras Street
Suite 400, New Orleans,
LA 70112

for in-person requests.

Birth records older than 100 years and death records older than 50 years from Rapides Parish can be accessed at the Louisiana State Archives. Additionally, interested individuals can obtain certified copies of birth records (long and short form) from the clerk of the court.

Note: Individuals who do not qualify to obtain a birth or death record would need to submit an authorization to release birth and death records (Statute R.S. 40:41).

Both birth and death records are typically utilized to establish legal claims.

Rapides Parish Probate Court Records

The District Court holds jurisdiction over probate hearings, which encompass cases related to estates, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships. Individuals in need of conducting a record check for probate cases can do so through online, mail, or in-person methods. The process for accessing these records aligns with the procedures for obtaining other court records within the parish.

To initiate a record check, individuals have the option of reaching out to the clerk of the court's office or visiting the District Court in person. In either case, the requester will be required to provide the relevant details and fulfill any associated fees to facilitate the search process. It is worthy of note that accessing probate records can provide crucial information for parties involved in legal matters of estates, wills, or guardianships.

Rapides Parish Property Records

Property records in Rapides Parish are considered open records and are typically maintained by the Office of the Assessor. The office provides public access to these records through online, mail, and in-person channels.

An online property records database is available through the Assessor's website, allowing individuals to conduct searches using various parameters such as the owner's name, parcel number, property ID, mailing address, subdivision, assessment number and location.

Inquiries can also be made via mail or by visiting the Assessor's Office during business hours at the following address and contact information:

Rapides Parish Assessor's Office
701 Murray Street, Ste 101
Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone: (318) 448-8511
Fax: (318) 443-7354

Conducting a Rapid Parish property search would provide details about the property, owner's name, tax payments, property description, parcel maps, assessments, and property classifications. Additionally, information on property boundaries, land use, and zoning is also available.

These comprehensive details are invaluable for individuals interested in purchasing a property, as they enable residents to make informed decisions based on the pertinent information obtained from the record.

Rapides Parish Court Records Online

Given the convenience of accessing court records online, it may appear to be a favorable option. The good news is that online databases of court records are not solely provided by government-managed sites; individuals can also access such databases through third-party sites operated by separate entities.

However, there are pros and cons to using private sites, as with any other online resource. While some sites may offer basic information at no cost and provide extensive coverage, the accuracy of the data may not be guaranteed, and it could be outdated. Additionally, users may come across sites that charge less for usage compared to government-provided databases, but the data retrieved may not be suitable for official purposes. Ultimately, residents should exercise due diligence to ensure that the data obtained from these sources is reliable.

Researchers seeking to find Rapides court records can opt to use third-party sites like Louisianacourtrecords.us.