St. Tammany County Court Records

What Is St. Tammany County Court Records

Court records in St. Tammany Parish (officially a parish rather than a county in Louisiana) constitute official documentation of judicial proceedings maintained by various courts within the parish jurisdiction. These records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents generated during legal proceedings, including case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.

Court records are distinct from other public records such as:

• Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
• Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
• Tax records
• Voting records

In St. Tammany Parish, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

• 22nd Judicial District Court
• Justice of the Peace Courts
• Slidell City Court
• Covington Mayor's Court
• Mandeville Mayor's Court
• Abita Springs Mayor's Court
• Pearl River Mayor's Court
• Folsom Mayor's Court
• Madisonville Mayor's Court

These courts generate records pertaining to various legal matters including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law cases, probate matters, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1, court records are defined as "all books, records, writings, accounts, letters and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers...prepared, possessed, or retained for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of any business" of public bodies, including courts.

The St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian of records for the 22nd Judicial District Court, maintaining both historical and current judicial documentation.

Are Court Records Public In St. Tammany County

Court records in St. Tammany Parish are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Louisiana Public Records Law, Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that all records maintained by public bodies, including courts, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

• Civil case files
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Judgments and orders
• Docket sheets
• Hearing schedules
• Property records
• Marriage licenses
• Probate records

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to statutory exemptions or court orders. These may include:

• Juvenile records (except in limited circumstances)
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health commitment records
• Records sealed by court order
• Certain domestic violence cases
• Records containing sensitive personal information

It is important to note that federal court records for cases involving St. Tammany Parish residents but heard in federal courts are governed by federal access rules rather than state law. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system maintained by the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The Louisiana Supreme Court has established rules regarding public access to court records, balancing the presumption of openness with privacy concerns and practical considerations. These rules are implemented by local courts, including those in St. Tammany Parish, to facilitate public access while protecting sensitive information.

How To Find Court Records in St. Tammany County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in St. Tammany Parish may utilize several methods to locate and access judicial documentation. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
2. Complete a records request form available at the clerk's office
3. Provide case information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
4. Present valid identification
5. Pay applicable search and copy fees

St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court - Covington Office
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-8700
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court - Slidell Office
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-8700
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Written Requests:

1. Submit a detailed written request to the appropriate court clerk
2. Include specific case information and documents sought
3. Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
4. Enclose payment for applicable fees
5. Allow 3-5 business days for processing

Online Requests:

1. Visit the St. Tammany Parish public records request portal
2. Complete the electronic request form
3. Provide required information about the desired records
4. Submit payment for any applicable fees
5. Receive notification when records are available

For records from municipal courts, contact the specific court directly:

Slidell City Court
501 Bouscaren Street, Suite 1
Slidell, LA 70458
(985) 643-5274
Slidell City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, custodians of public records must present requested records during regular office hours or provide copies upon payment of reasonable fees. Requests may be denied only if the records are specifically exempted by law or sealed by court order.

How To Look Up Court Records in St. Tammany County Online?

St. Tammany Parish offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many record types.

St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court Online Records:

1. Navigate to the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court website
2. Select "Court Records" from the main menu
3. Create a user account or log in to an existing account
4. Choose the appropriate search option (name, case number, etc.)
5. Enter the required search criteria
6. Review the list of matching cases
7. Select specific cases to view available documents
8. Pay applicable fees to view or download documents

This portal provides access to:

• Civil case records
• Criminal case records (non-confidential)
• Property records
• Marriage records
• Probate records

Louisiana Judicial Administrator's Office Portal:

1. Visit the Louisiana Supreme Court website
2. Select "Court Records Search"
3. Choose "22nd Judicial District" (St. Tammany Parish)
4. Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
5. Review search results
6. Select cases to view basic information

This system provides:

• Case status information
• Party names
• Hearing dates
• Judge assignments
• Docket entries

Municipal Court Records: Some municipal courts in St. Tammany Parish maintain independent online systems:

Slidell City Court Online Records:

1. Access the Slidell City Court website
2. Select "Case Search"
3. Enter required search information
4. Review case information
5. Request copies of specific documents if needed

For federal cases involving St. Tammany Parish residents but heard in federal courts:

1. Visit the PACER website
2. Create an account or log in
3. Select "Find a Case"
4. Choose "Eastern District of Louisiana"
5. Enter search criteria
6. Review results and access available documents

Online access to certain records may be restricted due to confidentiality laws or technical limitations. In such cases, in-person requests may be necessary to obtain complete information.

How To Search St. Tammany County Court Records for Free?

Louisiana law provides for free public inspection of court records pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, which states that "the custodian shall present any public record to any person of the age of majority who so requests." While inspection is free, fees may be charged for copies or certified documents.

The following options are available for free access to St. Tammany Parish court records:

In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours to inspect records without charge. Computer terminals are available at the clerk's office for searching electronic records at no cost, though printing fees may apply.

St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court - Covington Office
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-8700
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Free Online Resources:

1. St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court Case Information - Basic case information is available without charge, though document viewing may require payment
2. Louisiana Supreme Court Case Search - Provides free access to basic case information
3. St. Tammany Parish Government Records - Offers limited access to certain public records

Public Library Access: St. Tammany Parish Library branches provide free public computer access that can be used to search online court records:

St. Tammany Parish Library - Covington Branch
310 W. 21st Avenue
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 893-6280
St. Tammany Parish Library
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Limited Free Searches: Some online systems offer limited free searches before requiring payment:

• Name searches may be free, while document viewing requires payment
• Basic case information may be available without charge
• Docket listings may be accessible without fees

While free options exist, comprehensive searches or document retrieval typically involve fees, particularly for copies, certified documents, or extensive searches requiring staff assistance.

What's Included in a St. Tammany County Court Record?

Court records in St. Tammany Parish contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The following components are typically included in court records:

Civil Case Records:

• Petition/Complaint
• Summons and service documentation
• Answers and responsive pleadings
• Motions and supporting memoranda
• Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
• Affidavits and declarations
• Court orders and judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts (if prepared)
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Settlement agreements (if filed)
• Appeals documentation

Criminal Case Records:

• Bill of information or indictment
• Arraignment documentation
• Bond/bail information
• Motions and responses
• Evidence lists
• Witness lists
• Court orders
• Plea agreements
• Sentencing documents
• Probation reports (may be confidential)
• Appeal documents

Family Law Records:

• Petitions for divorce or separation
• Child custody and support documents
• Parenting plans
• Financial affidavits
• Property division agreements
• Domestic violence protection orders
• Adoption petitions and decrees (often sealed)
• Name change petitions

Probate Records:

• Wills and codicils
• Petitions for probate
• Letters testamentary or administration
• Inventories of estate assets
• Claims against estates
• Accountings
• Distribution plans
• Succession judgments

Case Docket:

• Chronological listing of all filings
• Hearing dates and outcomes
• Judge assignments
• Attorney information
• Filing dates
• Fee payments

Judgment Index:

• Names of judgment debtors and creditors
• Judgment amounts
• Judgment dates
• Satisfaction of judgment notations

Certain information may be redacted or sealed pursuant to state law or court order, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Names of minor children in sensitive cases
• Victim information in certain criminal cases
• Medical and mental health information

The completeness of court records may vary based on case age, with older records sometimes having limited availability or requiring retrieval from archives.

How Long Does St. Tammany County Keep Court Records?

St. Tammany Parish maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Program and the Louisiana Supreme Court. These schedules vary by record type and significance.

Permanent Retention: The following records are preserved indefinitely:

• Civil and criminal case files involving capital punishment
• Civil judgments affecting title to real property
• Adoption records
• Interdiction proceedings
• Succession (probate) records
• Marriage licenses
• Civil and criminal minute books
• Mortgage and conveyance records
• Indexes to all permanent records

Extended Retention Periods:

• Felony criminal cases: 75 years after final disposition
• Civil judgments: 10 years after satisfaction or 30 years after rendition
• Domestic violence cases: 30 years
• Child support cases: Until the youngest child reaches age 27
• Juvenile delinquency records: Until subject reaches age 31
• Civil cases with monetary judgments: 10 years after satisfaction

Standard Retention Periods:

• Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
• Small claims cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Civil cases dismissed without prejudice: 10 years
• Temporary restraining orders: 3 years after expiration

These retention periods are established pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36, which authorizes the Secretary of State to establish retention schedules for public records. The Louisiana Supreme Court Records Management Policy provides additional guidance specific to court records.

Records that have exceeded their retention period may be destroyed after proper authorization, though indexes and basic case information are often retained permanently. Historical records of significant public interest may be preserved beyond standard retention periods and may be transferred to the Louisiana State Archives for permanent preservation.

Digital conversion efforts are currently underway to preserve older paper records electronically, though this process is ongoing and not all historical records have been digitized.

Types of Courts In St. Tammany County

St. Tammany Parish's judicial system consists of several courts with varying jurisdictions and authority. The following courts operate within the parish:

22nd Judicial District Court
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-5300
22nd Judicial District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The 22nd Judicial District Court serves as the parish's court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases, felony criminal matters, domestic relations cases, juvenile proceedings, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. This district covers both St. Tammany and Washington Parishes.

Slidell City Court
501 Bouscaren Street, Suite 1
Slidell, LA 70458
(985) 643-5274
Slidell City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Slidell City Court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases up to $25,000, small claims up to $5,000, and preliminary matters in felony cases occurring within Slidell city limits.

Justice of the Peace Courts
St. Tammany Parish has eight Justice of the Peace districts, each with its own elected Justice of the Peace and Constable. These courts handle small claims up to $5,000, evictions, and certain civil matters. Contact information for specific districts is available through the St. Tammany Parish Government website.

Mayor's Courts
Several municipalities in St. Tammany Parish operate Mayor's Courts with limited jurisdiction over municipal ordinance violations and traffic offenses:

Covington Mayor's Court
317 N. Jefferson Avenue
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 892-1811
City of Covington
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Mandeville Mayor's Court
3101 E. Causeway Approach
Mandeville, LA 70448
(985) 626-7740
City of Mandeville
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Federal Court (Eastern District of Louisiana)
500 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 589-7650
Eastern District of Louisiana
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

While located in New Orleans, this federal court has jurisdiction over federal cases involving St. Tammany Parish residents.

The court hierarchy in Louisiana proceeds from limited jurisdiction courts (Mayor's Courts, Justice of the Peace Courts) to general jurisdiction district courts (22nd Judicial District), then to the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal, and finally to the Louisiana Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do St. Tammany County Courts Hear?

The courts in St. Tammany Parish adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction determined by case type, monetary value, and geographic boundaries.

22nd Judicial District Court:

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Civil lawsuits exceeding $25,000
• Domestic relations (divorce, custody, support)
• Successions (probate)
• Juvenile matters (delinquency, child in need of care)
• Adoptions
• Interdictions
• Property disputes
• Appeals from lower courts
• Tort claims
• Contract disputes
• Real estate litigation

Slidell City Court:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases within city limits
• Traffic violations within city limits
• Civil cases up to $25,000
• Small claims up to $5,000
• Evictions within city limits
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases
• City ordinance violations
• Peace bonds

Justice of the Peace Courts:

• Small claims up to $5,000
• Eviction proceedings
• Civil suits up to $5,000
• Peace bonds
• Notarial services
• Perform marriages

Mayor's Courts:

• Municipal ordinance violations
• Traffic violations within town/city limits
• Parking violations
• Public nuisance cases
• Animal control violations
• Certain misdemeanors occurring within municipal boundaries

Federal Court (Eastern District of Louisiana):

• Federal criminal prosecutions
• Civil cases involving federal questions
• Diversity jurisdiction cases (parties from different states with claims exceeding $75,000)
• Bankruptcy proceedings
• Patent and copyright cases
• Civil rights claims
• Maritime/admiralty cases
• Federal tax disputes

Case assignment within the 22nd Judicial District Court follows a random allotment system to distribute cases among the district judges. Specialized divisions or sections may handle specific case types, such as drug court, veterans court, behavioral health court, or domestic violence court.

The monetary thresholds for court jurisdiction are established by Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 4841 and related statutes, which define the jurisdictional limits for various courts within the state judicial system.

How To Find a Court Docket In St. Tammany County

Court dockets in St. Tammany Parish provide chronological listings of scheduled court proceedings and filed documents. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court website
2. Select "Court Records" or "Docket Search"
3. Create an account or log in if required
4. Choose search criteria (date range, judge, case type)
5. Review docket listings for specific dates or cases
6. Note that some online docket systems may require subscription or per-use fees

In-Person Docket Review:

1. Visit the appropriate courthouse during business hours
2. Request docket information at the clerk's office
3. Specify the desired date, courtroom, or judge
4. Review printed docket sheets or use public access terminals
5. Request copies of specific docket entries if needed

St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court - Covington Office
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 809-8700
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Telephone Docket Information:

1. Contact the clerk's office for the appropriate court
2. Provide case number or party names
3. Request specific docket information
4. Note that detailed information may require in-person or online access

Court-Specific Dockets: For municipal courts, contact the specific court directly:

Slidell City Court
501 Bouscaren Street, Suite 1
Slidell, LA 70458
(985) 643-5274
Slidell City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Daily Court Calendars:

1. Check courthouse bulletin boards for daily docket postings
2. Review posted schedules outside individual courtrooms
3. Note that these postings typically show only the current day's proceedings

Attorney Access: Attorneys registered with the court's electronic filing system may have enhanced access to docket information through secure portals.

Docket information typically includes:

• Case numbers
• Party names
• Scheduled hearing dates and times
• Courtroom assignments
• Presiding judge
• Nature of scheduled proceedings
• Filing dates of documents

Pursuant to Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 253, the clerk of court is responsible for maintaining the court docket and making it available for public inspection during regular business hours.

Which Courts in St. Tammany County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Louisiana judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and comprehensive documentation of all matters heard. Conversely, "courts not of record" typically maintain only basic records of outcomes rather than detailed transcripts.

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 13:1896, the following courts in St. Tammany Parish are classified as courts not of record:

Justice of the Peace Courts: All eight Justice of the Peace districts in St. Tammany Parish operate as courts not of record. These courts handle:

• Small claims up to $5,000
• Eviction proceedings
• Peace bonds
• Notarial services

While these courts maintain basic case information and judgments, they do not create or preserve verbatim transcripts of proceedings. Appeals from Justice of the Peace Courts are heard de novo (new trial) in the 22nd Judicial District Court, rather than as reviews of existing records.

Mayor's Courts: The following municipal courts are not courts of record:

• Covington Mayor's Court
• Mandeville Mayor's Court
• Abita Springs Mayor's Court
• Pearl River Mayor's Court
• Folsom Mayor's Court
• Madisonville Mayor's Court

These courts handle municipal ordinance violations and minor traffic offenses. They maintain basic documentation of cases and outcomes but do not create official transcripts of proceedings. Appeals from Mayor's Courts proceed to the 22nd Judicial District Court for new trials.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects:

• Appeal procedures (de novo trials vs. record review)
• Evidentiary standards
• Procedural formality
• Record retention requirements

By contrast, the following St. Tammany Parish courts are courts of record:

• 22nd Judicial District Court
• Slidell City Court

These courts maintain comprehensive records including verbatim transcripts of proceedings when court reporters are present. Appeals from these courts to higher courts are based on review of the existing record rather than new trials.

The classification of courts as "of record" or "not of record" is established by the Louisiana Constitution Article V and implementing statutes, which define the structure and authority of the state judicial system.

Lookup Court Records in St. Tammany County

St. Tammany Parish public records request portal

St. Tammany Parish - The official website of Louisiana

St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court - Slidell

Eastern District of Louisiana | United States District Court

Judicial Branch - The official website of Louisiana