St. Tammany County Warrant Search

What Is a Search Warrant In St. Tammany County?

A search warrant in St. Tammany County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specified location and seize designated items or evidence. Search warrants are fundamental legal instruments that balance the government's interest in investigating crimes against citizens' constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 161, a search warrant is "a written order of a court, directed to a peace officer, commanding him to search for and to seize things or persons described in the warrant." To obtain a search warrant in St. Tammany Parish, law enforcement must:

• Demonstrate probable cause that a crime has been committed
• Specify the place to be searched
• Identify the items to be seized
• Present this information under oath to a judge or magistrate

Search warrants differ significantly from other types of warrants issued in St. Tammany Parish:

• Arrest warrants authorize the apprehension of a specific person suspected of committing a crime
• Bench warrants are court orders issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
• Capias warrants direct law enforcement to take a person into custody for specific court proceedings

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, § 5 of the Louisiana Constitution provide the legal foundation for search warrant requirements, protecting citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by government authorities.

Are Warrants Public Records In St. Tammany County?

The public record status of warrants in St. Tammany Parish follows a nuanced framework governed by Louisiana public records law and criminal procedure statutes. Under the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.), government records are generally presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by law.

For warrants in St. Tammany Parish, public accessibility depends on several factors:

• Active vs. Executed Warrants: Active warrants (those not yet served) are typically not public records to prevent suspects from evading law enforcement. Once executed, warrant information may become accessible.

• Sealed Warrants: Pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 162.2, a judge may order a warrant sealed for a specified period if disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing investigation, endanger witnesses, or compromise other legitimate law enforcement concerns.

• Juvenile Records: Warrants involving juvenile offenders are subject to confidentiality protections under Louisiana Children's Code Art. 412.

• Court Records: Once a warrant becomes part of a court proceeding, it generally becomes accessible through the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court, though certain sensitive information may be redacted.

The 22nd Judicial District Court and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office maintain warrant records according to these legal frameworks, balancing public transparency with law enforcement effectiveness and individual privacy rights.

How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In St. Tammany County?

Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in St. Tammany Parish may utilize several official channels. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office maintains the primary database of active warrants within the parish jurisdiction.

To check for warrants in St. Tammany Parish, members of the public may:

• Contact the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office directly:

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office
300 Brownswitch Road
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone: (985) 726-8000
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office

• Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division in person:

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
Phone: (985) 809-8207
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

• Check the 22nd Judicial District Court records:

22nd Judicial District Court Clerk of Court
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
Phone: (985) 809-8700
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court

When inquiring about possible warrants, individuals should be prepared to provide:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number (for verification purposes)
• Photo identification

For safety and procedural reasons, the Sheriff's Office generally will not confirm warrant status over the telephone, requiring in-person verification or formal written requests.

How To Check for Warrants in St. Tammany County for Free in 2026

St. Tammany Parish residents and interested parties may access warrant information at no cost through several official channels. The following methods provide free access to warrant information:

1. Online Sheriff's Office Warrant Search

   • Visit the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office website
   • Navigate to the "Warrants/Arrests" section
   • Enter the required identification information
   • Review any listed active warrants

2. In-Person Court Records Search

   • Visit the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center during regular business hours
   • Request assistance from the Clerk of Court staff to search for warrant records
   • Present valid identification

St. Tammany Parish Justice Center
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
22nd Judicial District Court

3. Public Access Terminals
   • Use the public computer terminals available at the St. Tammany Parish Library branches
   • Access the parish's public records portal
   • Search using name and date of birth

St. Tammany Parish Library - Covington Branch
310 W. 21st Avenue
Covington, LA 70433
Phone: (985) 893-6280
St. Tammany Parish Library

4. Written Request to Records Division
   • Submit a formal public records request to the Sheriff's Records Division
   • Include complete identifying information
   • Allow 3-5 business days for processing

When conducting warrant searches, individuals should understand that certain limitations apply pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 44:3, which exempts some law enforcement records from public disclosure.

What Types of Warrants In St. Tammany County

St. Tammany Parish courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving specific legal purposes within the criminal justice system. Understanding these warrant classifications is essential for both legal professionals and members of the public.

The primary warrant types issued in St. Tammany Parish include:

• Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. Arrest warrants in St. Tammany Parish must comply with Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 202.

• Bench Warrants: Court-ordered warrants issued when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court proceeding. Common triggers include missed arraignments, trial dates, or probation hearings.

• Search Warrants: Judicial orders authorizing law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence related to criminal investigations, as defined in Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 161-167.

• Capias Warrants: Directives to law enforcement to take a person into custody for court proceedings, often issued in felony cases or when a grand jury returns an indictment.

• Attachment Warrants: Issued when witnesses fail to appear after being properly subpoenaed.

• Fugitive Warrants: Issued when an individual is wanted in another jurisdiction and is believed to be in St. Tammany Parish.

• Probation/Parole Violation Warrants: Issued when an individual violates the terms of their probation or parole supervision.

The 22nd Judicial District Court, which serves St. Tammany Parish, maintains records of these various warrant types, with execution responsibilities primarily assigned to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office.

What Warrants in St. Tammany County Contain

Warrants issued in St. Tammany Parish contain specific legally required elements that establish their validity and scope. According to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 203 and related statutes, warrants must include comprehensive identifying information and procedural details.

Standard components of St. Tammany Parish warrants include:

• Case Identification: Court docket number, case name, and issuing court information
• Subject Information: Full legal name of the subject, physical description, date of birth, and last known address when available
• Legal Authority: Citation of the relevant Louisiana statutes authorizing the warrant
• Judicial Authorization: Name and signature of the issuing judge or magistrate
• Date of Issuance: When the warrant was signed and became effective
• Offense Details: For arrest warrants, the specific criminal charges and relevant statute numbers
• Bond Information: If applicable, the predetermined bail amount or notation of "no bond" status
• Execution Instructions: Specific directives to law enforcement regarding service of the warrant
• Return Requirements: Instructions for documenting the execution of the warrant

For search warrants specifically, additional required elements include:

• Precise description of the location to be searched
• Detailed inventory of items subject to seizure
• Time constraints for execution (typically within 10 days of issuance)

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office maintains warrant information in compliance with Louisiana Revised Statute 15:609, which governs law enforcement record-keeping requirements.

Who Issues Warrants In St. Tammany County

In St. Tammany Parish, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as prescribed by Louisiana law. This authority is carefully regulated to ensure proper legal oversight of law enforcement activities that may infringe upon constitutional rights.

The following judicial authorities may issue warrants in St. Tammany Parish:

• District Court Judges: The judges of the 22nd Judicial District Court have primary authority to issue all types of warrants within their jurisdiction. These judges preside over felony cases and have the broadest warrant-issuing authority.

22nd Judicial District Court
701 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
Phone: (985) 809-5300
22nd Judicial District Court

• Magistrate Judges: Appointed judicial officers who may issue warrants, particularly during non-business hours when district judges may not be readily available.

• Justices of the Peace: Limited authority to issue certain types of warrants in their specific wards within St. Tammany Parish, primarily for misdemeanor offenses.

• City Court Judges: Judges of the Slidell City Court and Covington City Court may issue warrants for offenses within their municipal jurisdictions.

Slidell City Court
501 Bouscaren Street
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone: (985) 643-4531
Slidell City Court

Covington City Court
609 N. Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
Phone: (985) 892-1398
Covington City Court

The warrant-issuing process requires these judicial officers to review sworn affidavits from law enforcement officers establishing probable cause before authorizing any warrant. This judicial review serves as a constitutional safeguard against unreasonable searches and seizures as protected by the Fourth Amendment and Article I, § 5 of the Louisiana Constitution.

How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In St. Tammany County

Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in St. Tammany Parish can access this information through several official channels. The parish maintains multiple access points for warrant verification to serve both residents and legal professionals.

To locate outstanding warrant information in St. Tammany Parish:

1. Sheriff's Office Warrant Division
   • Contact the dedicated warrant division directly for the most current information
   • Provide full name and date of birth for accurate search results

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office Warrant Division
300 Brownswitch Road
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone: (985) 726-7820
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office

2. Online Parish Warrant Database

   • Visit the Sheriff's Office website
   • Navigate to the public records or warrant search section
   • Enter required identification information
   • Review any active warrant listings

3. Clerk of Court Records Search

   • Visit the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court office
   • Request assistance with searching court records for outstanding warrants
   • Obtain certified copies of warrant documentation if needed

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

4. Legal Counsel Verification
   • Consult with an attorney who can access court records
   • Request a comprehensive background check that includes warrant information
   • Receive guidance on appropriate next steps if warrants are discovered

When conducting warrant searches, individuals should be prepared to verify their identity with government-issued photo identification. The Sheriff's Office maintains warrant information in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 44:3, which governs public access to law enforcement records.

How To Check Federal Warrants In St. Tammany County

Federal warrants represent a distinct category of legal instruments issued by federal courts rather than state or parish authorities. These warrants stem from alleged violations of federal law and are executed by federal law enforcement agencies. Residents of St. Tammany Parish seeking information about federal warrants must contact federal authorities, as these warrants are not maintained in parish databases.

To check for federal warrants that may be active in St. Tammany Parish:

1. Contact the U.S. Marshals Service
   • The U.S. Marshals Service is the primary federal agency responsible for executing federal warrants
   • They maintain the most comprehensive database of active federal warrants

U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Louisiana
500 Poydras Street, Suite 1120
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 589-6079
U.S. Marshals Service

2. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
   • The FBI field office can provide information about federal warrants related to FBI investigations
   • Verification of identity will be required

FBI New Orleans Field Office
2901 Leon C. Simon Dr.
New Orleans, LA 70126
Phone: (504) 816-3000
FBI New Orleans

3. Federal Court Records
   • The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana maintains records of federal cases
   • Public access terminals are available at the courthouse
   • Some records may be accessible through the federal PACER system

United States District Court - Eastern District of Louisiana
500 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 589-7650
U.S. District Court EDLA

4. Federal Public Defender's Office
   • For those who cannot afford private counsel, the Federal Public Defender may assist with federal warrant inquiries

Federal Public Defender's Office - Eastern District of Louisiana
500 Poydras Street, Room 318
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 589-7930
Federal Public Defender EDLA

Federal warrants are governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, particularly Rule 4 for arrest warrants and Rule 41 for search warrants, which establish different procedures than those followed in state courts.

How Long Do Warrants Last In St. Tammany County?

Warrants issued in St. Tammany Parish remain legally valid and enforceable according to specific timeframes established by Louisiana law. The duration of warrant validity varies by warrant type and is governed by statutory provisions that balance law enforcement needs with due process considerations.

The standard validity periods for warrants in St. Tammany Parish are:

• Arrest Warrants: Pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 205, arrest warrants remain active until executed or recalled by the issuing court. There is no automatic expiration date for arrest warrants in Louisiana, meaning they can remain in effect indefinitely until the subject is apprehended or the warrant is withdrawn.

• Search Warrants: Under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 163, search warrants must be executed within ten days after issuance. After this period, the warrant becomes invalid and law enforcement must obtain a new warrant to conduct the search.

• Bench Warrants: Similar to arrest warrants, bench warrants issued for failure to appear in court remain active until executed or recalled by judicial order. These warrants have no statutory expiration date in Louisiana.

• Misdemeanor Warrants: While the warrant itself does not expire, prosecution for misdemeanor offenses is subject to a two-year statute of limitations under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 572, which may affect the practical enforcement of older misdemeanor warrants.

• Felony Warrants: Remain active indefinitely, though prosecution timelines vary by offense according to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 571, ranging from four years for non-capital felonies to no limitation for capital crimes.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office maintains active warrants in their database system regardless of age, and these warrants remain enforceable according to the applicable statutory provisions.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In St. Tammany County?

The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in St. Tammany Parish varies based on case circumstances, judicial availability, and the urgency of the investigation. The process follows established procedures under Louisiana law while accommodating practical considerations of law enforcement operations.

The typical search warrant process in St. Tammany Parish includes:

1. Preparation Phase: Law enforcement officers must prepare a detailed affidavit establishing probable cause. This documentation typically requires:

   • 1-3 hours for routine cases
   • Several days for complex investigations requiring extensive evidence compilation

2. Judicial Review: Once submitted, the warrant application undergoes judicial scrutiny:

   • During regular court hours (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday), review may be completed within 1-2 hours
   • After-hours emergency warrants may be processed within 2-4 hours through the on-call judge system

3. Issuance and Execution: Upon approval, the warrant becomes immediately executable:

   • Must be executed within 10 days per Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 163
   • Tactical considerations may influence the timing of execution

For exigent circumstances where evidence might be destroyed or public safety is at immediate risk, expedited procedures exist:

• Telephonic Warrants: In urgent situations, judges may authorize warrants via telephone after hearing sworn testimony, with formal documentation to follow
• Electronic Submission: The 22nd Judicial District Court accepts digital warrant applications through secure channels for faster processing

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office coordinates with the District Attorney's Office and judicial officers to ensure search warrant applications meet legal standards under the Fourth Amendment and Article I, § 5 of the Louisiana Constitution, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Search Warrant Records in St. Tammany County