St. Tammany County Criminal Records
What Is St. Tammany County Criminal Records
Criminal records in St. Tammany Parish (commonly referred to as St. Tammany County) are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the parish jurisdiction. These records document the complete history of a person's criminal activity as processed through local law enforcement agencies and the courts.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office or local police departments. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas, establishing that an individual has been found legally responsible for a criminal offense.
- Felony Records: Documentation of more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, as defined under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:2.
- Misdemeanor Records: Documentation of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 and older are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Louisiana Children's Code § 412.
- Warrant Information: Documentation of active warrants for arrest versus historical warrant records.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in St. Tammany Parish:
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office
300 Brownswitch Road
Slidell, LA 70458
985-726-8000
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office
22nd Judicial District Court
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
985-809-8300
22nd Judicial District Court
St. Tammany Clerk of Court
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
985-809-8700
St. Tammany Clerk of Court
Louisiana State Police - Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
7919 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-925-6006
Louisiana State Police
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of:
- Initial arrests and bookings
- Formal charges filed
- Arraignment proceedings
- Plea information
- Trial records
- Verdict and sentencing details
- Probation and parole information
The legal definition and maintenance of criminal records in Louisiana is governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:3, which establishes parameters for record creation, maintenance, and public accessibility.
Are Criminal Records Public In St. Tammany County
Criminal records in St. Tammany Parish are generally considered public records under Louisiana law, with specific exceptions. The Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. § 44:1 et seq.) establishes that records created, used, or maintained by public bodies are presumptively open to public inspection.
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1(A)(2)(a):
"All books, records, writings, accounts, letters and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers, and all copies, duplicates, photographs, including microfilm, or other reproductions thereof, or any other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, including information contained in electronic data processing equipment, having been used, being in use, or prepared, possessed, or retained for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of any business, transaction, work, duty, or function which was conducted, transacted, or performed by or under the authority of the constitution or laws of this state, or by or under the authority of any ordinance, regulation, mandate, or order of any public body or concerning the receipt or payment of any money received or paid by or under the authority of the constitution or the laws of this state, are 'public records', except as otherwise provided in this Chapter or the Constitution of Louisiana."
However, important exceptions to public access exist:
- Active Investigations: Records pertaining to pending criminal investigations are exempt from disclosure under La. R.S. § 44:3(A)(1).
- Juvenile Records: Records involving minors are generally confidential pursuant to the Louisiana Children's Code.
- Expunged Records: Records that have been legally expunged are removed from public access.
- Sealed Records: Records sealed by court order are not publicly accessible.
- Certain Personal Information: Specific personal identifiers may be redacted to protect privacy.
The following categories of criminal records are typically available to the public:
- Adult arrest records (post-booking)
- Court proceedings and dockets
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in St. Tammany Parish must follow established procedures through the appropriate custodial agency, which may include the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, the St. Tammany Clerk of Court, or the Louisiana State Police, depending on the specific records sought.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In St. Tammany County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in St. Tammany Parish may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
- Complete a Criminal Records Request Form, providing the subject's full name and date of birth.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees ($10-$25 depending on record type).
- Records may be provided immediately or within 3-5 business days for more complex requests.
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office - Records Division
300 Brownswitch Road
Slidell, LA 70458
985-809-8242
Criminal Records Department
Through the Clerk of Court:
- Visit the Criminal Records Department at the St. Tammany Parish Courthouse.
- Provide case number or defendant name for search.
- Request specific documents from identified cases.
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50-$1.00 per page).
- For certified copies, additional fees apply.
St. Tammany Clerk of Court - Criminal Department
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
985-809-8700
Criminal Department
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate agency (Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court).
- Include subject's full name, date of birth, and specific records requested.
- Provide a copy of requestor's identification.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Enclose payment by check or money order for applicable fees.
State-Level Background Checks:
- Submit fingerprints through an authorized fingerprinting location.
- Complete the Louisiana State Police background check application.
- Pay the required fee ($26 for standard background check).
- Results typically provided within 7-10 business days.
Louisiana State Police - Bureau of Criminal Identification
7919 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-925-6006
Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections
For expedited service, requestors may utilize priority processing options where available for an additional fee. All requests must comply with applicable state laws regarding record access and privacy protections.
How To Find Criminal Records in St. Tammany County Online?
St. Tammany Parish offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.
St. Tammany Clerk of Court Online Records Portal:
The St. Tammany Clerk of Court maintains a comprehensive case management system accessible through their website. Users may:
- Search by defendant name, case number, or filing date
- View case summaries, charges, and disposition information
- Access court calendars and dockets
- View limited case documents (some may require in-person requests)
To access this system:
- Navigate to the St. Tammany Clerk of Court website
- Select "Case Search" from the main menu
- Create a user account (free registration required)
- Accept terms of use
- Enter search criteria
- Review available case information
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup:
The Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster searchable online:
- Provides current inmate information only
- Includes booking date, charges, and bond information
- Updated daily
- Does not include historical incarceration records
Access this resource at the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office website under the "Inmate Lookup" section.
Louisiana State Police Internet Background Check System:
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Louisiana State Police offers an online background check system:
- Requires subject consent for non-criminal justice purposes
- Provides statewide criminal history information
- Includes arrests, charges, and dispositions
- Requires payment of applicable fees ($26 per search)
This system can be accessed through the LSP Internet Background Checks portal.
Louisiana Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry:
Maintained by the Louisiana State Police, this registry provides:
- Information on registered sex offenders in St. Tammany Parish
- Searchable by name or geographic area
- Includes offender photos, addresses, and conviction information
- Free public access
This registry can be accessed through the Louisiana State Police website.
Important Limitations:
Online systems have certain restrictions:
- Some documents may only be available through in-person requests
- Certain case types (juvenile, expunged, sealed) are not accessible online
- Document downloads may incur fees
- Some systems require registration or account creation
- Historical records may have limited online availability
For the most comprehensive access to criminal records, a combination of online and in-person research methods may be necessary.
Can You Search St. Tammany County Criminal Records for Free?
St. Tammany Parish provides several options for accessing criminal records at no cost, though certain limitations apply. Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, the public has the right to inspect public records without charge during regular business hours, though fees may be assessed for copies or certified documents.
Free In-Person Inspection Options:
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:
St. Tammany Parish Courthouse - Clerk of Court
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
985-809-8700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
St. Tammany Clerk of Court
St. Tammany Parish Justice Center
300 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
985-809-5500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Free Online Resources:
Several digital platforms offer free access to certain criminal record information:
-
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup
- Provides current jail population information
- Searchable by name
- Includes current charges and booking information
- No registration required
-
St. Tammany Clerk of Court Basic Case Search
- Offers limited case information without charge
- Provides case numbers, filing dates, and party names
- Does not include document downloads
- Free registration required
-
Louisiana Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry
- Complete information on registered sex offenders
- Searchable by name or location
- Includes photos and offense information
- No registration or fees required
Cost-Associated Services:
While inspection is free, the following services typically incur fees:
- Document copies ($0.50-$1.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($5-$10 per document)
- Background check reports ($26 through Louisiana State Police)
- Expedited processing (varies by agency)
- Complete case file copies (varies by page count)
Per Louisiana law, these fees must reflect the actual cost of providing the service and cannot be used to discourage public records access. Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances for indigent requestors or public interest matters.
For the most comprehensive free access, in-person inspection remains the optimal approach, as online systems often provide only summary information without charge.
What's Included in a St. Tammany County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in St. Tammany Parish typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content varies based on the nature of the case and the maintaining agency, but generally includes the following categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed
- Probable cause statement
- Bail or bond amount
- Pre-trial detention status
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and jurisdiction
- Court of record (e.g., 22nd Judicial District Court)
- Filing date and case type
- Formal charges filed with statutory citations
- Classification of charges (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned
- Court appearance dates
- Motion and hearing records
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Case outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrant status
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offense details
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
- Victim information (often redacted in public copies)
- Evidence inventory references
The comprehensiveness of criminal records depends on case progression through the justice system. Records for cases resulting in conviction typically contain more extensive documentation than those dismissed early in the process. Access to certain elements may be restricted based on privacy laws and court orders.
How Long Does St. Tammany County Keep Criminal Records?
St. Tammany Parish maintains criminal records according to Louisiana's records retention requirements, which vary by document type and case disposition. The retention of these records is governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36 and agency-specific retention schedules approved by the State Archives.
Felony Case Records:
- Case files for violent felonies (homicide, sexual assault, armed robbery): Permanent retention
- Non-violent felony case files: Minimum 10 years after case closure
- Capital punishment cases: Permanent retention
- Post-conviction relief files: 5 years after final judgment
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- General misdemeanor cases: 5 years after case closure
- DWI/DUI cases: 10 years after case closure
- Domestic violence cases: 10 years after case closure
- Cases resulting in probation: Duration of sentence plus 5 years
Arrest Records:
- Arrests resulting in conviction: Retained with corresponding case file
- Arrests without prosecution: 5 years from date of arrest
- Arrests resulting in acquittal: 5 years from date of acquittal
- Expunged arrests: Removed from public access per court order
Court Documents:
- Court minutes: Permanent retention
- Judgment and sentencing orders: Permanent retention
- Trial transcripts in felony cases: 20 years
- Exhibits: Returned after appeals exhausted or destroyed per court order
- Docket books: Permanent retention
Jail and Incarceration Records:
- Booking records: 10 years from release
- Inmate medical records: 10 years from release
- Disciplinary reports: 5 years from creation
Sex Offender Registration:
- Tier 1 offenders: 15 years from completion of sentence
- Tier 2 offenders: 25 years from completion of sentence
- Tier 3 offenders: Lifetime registration and record retention
The St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court and Sheriff's Office have implemented digital archiving systems for older records, allowing for the preservation of historically significant case files beyond mandatory retention periods. Physical records may be converted to electronic format after designated time periods to conserve storage space while maintaining accessibility.
Records scheduled for destruction are reviewed by the District Attorney's Office and relevant law enforcement agencies before disposal to ensure no pending legal matters require their retention. The destruction process follows secure protocols established by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management program.
Lookup Criminal Records in St. Tammany County
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Criminal Records Department
St. Tammany Clerk of Court Criminal Department
Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections