Criminal records in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, are available through several channels. TerrebonneParishCourt.org allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the parish. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office, and the Clerk of Court's office. Each of these sources serves different types of inquiries—from checking case status to obtaining certified copies.
How to Search Criminal Records in Terrebonne
Start your search by determining what specific information you need. For a basic case search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the individual (name in Latin script, as in court documents)
- Date of birth
- Case number, if known
Online Search
- Visit TerrebonneParishCourt.org to search publicly available information about parish criminal cases.
- For state-level criminal history checks, use the LSP Internet Background Check system, administered by the Louisiana State Police. This check is conducted in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 15:587D.(1).
- Federal cases involving the parish are available through the PACER system — the portal for electronic access to federal court records.
In-Person Request
The Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court maintains original criminal case records. You can visit the office and use public access terminals or ask the clerk to find the required case. The Clerk of Court's contact information can be found on the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court page.
Mail or Written Request
The Sheriff's Office accepts written requests for public records in accordance with the Louisiana Public Records Law (LRS 44:1 et al.). More details can be found on the Sheriff's Office Records Request page. Requests to the state criminal history repository are submitted through the Louisiana State Police.
Search Terrebonne Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In Louisiana, the format of a criminal case number usually consists of several elements:
- Filing Year — two or four digits indicating the year the case was opened.
- Case Type Code — for example, "CR" for criminal cases or "FE" for felonies in some courts.
- Sequential Number — a unique sequential number assigned to the case by the clerk's office.
An example might look like this: 2024-CR-01234. The exact format depends on the specific parish court. If you do not know the case number, searching by name and date of birth is an alternative, although it may return multiple results for common surnames.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Terrebonne
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of the main categories.
Charges
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific article of the Louisiana Revised Statutes under which the charge is brought |
| Severity | Felony (a serious crime), Misdemeanor (a less serious crime), or Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce the charges during the proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — proceedings are actively ongoing
- Disposed — the case has been resolved (a verdict has been rendered, closed, or dismissed)
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed
Hearings
Types of hearings typically recorded in the records:
- Arraignment — the first official presentation of charges; the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.
- Pre-Trial — a procedural hearing before the trial begins.
- Sentencing — a hearing to issue a sentence 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 dropped the charges or the court dismissed the case |
| Acquitted | Acquittal after a full trial |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor formally declined to prosecute |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Terrebonne
Certified copies of criminal records are officially authenticated documents accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies. In Terrebonne Parish, different agencies are responsible for issuing them depending on the type of record.
Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court maintains records of criminal cases heard in the parish court. You can request them in person or by mail.
What you need for the request:
- Full name of the person for whom the record is requested
- Case number (if known)
- Valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office
To obtain arrest records or other law enforcement documents, contact the Sheriff's Office Public Records Department. Requests are accepted in accordance with the Louisiana Public Records Law (LRS 44:1 et seq.).
State-Level Criminal History Check
The Louisiana State Police provides an official criminal history check through the Internet Background Check. This service operates 24/7 and provides results based on the state database.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Terrebonne
The cost depends on the type of request and the agency you contact. Below are approximate fees.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | Depends on the Clerk of Court — inquire upon request | Clerk of Court |
| Document certification | Additional fee to the cost of the copy — inquire at the office | Clerk of Court |
| State criminal history check (online) | Base fee + $5 Technology Fee in accordance with La. R.S. 15:587D.(1) | Louisiana State Police |
| Public records request (Sheriff's Office) | Possible copying fees — depend on the volume of the request | TPSO |
Processing times for requests vary. Online checks through the LSP usually provide results within minutes. Written requests to the Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office may take from a few business days to two weeks, depending on the complexity and volume of the request. For an exact fee calculation, call the Clerk of Court's office at (985) 868-5660 before submitting a request.