Court records of St. Martin Parish in Louisiana can be accessed through several channels. StMartinparishCourt.us allows you to view publicly available information about parish court cases. Additionally, records are available through official district court resources, the Clerk of Court's office, and public terminals directly in the courthouse. Below is a practical guide to finding, ordering, and obtaining parish court documents.
St. Martin Court System & Jurisdictions
The 16th Judicial District Court operates in St. Martin Parish, which also serves Iberia and St. Mary Parishes. This district court handles the majority of cases arising within the parish.
Types of Cases Handled by 16th JDC
- Criminal cases — felonies and misdemeanors that fall outside the jurisdiction of municipal courts
- Civil suits without monetary limits
- Family cases: divorce, child custody, alimony, adoption
- Probate cases — the process of estate administration and succession proceedings according to Louisiana civil law
- Juvenile cases, including delinquency and dependency matters
Traffic violations are usually handled by the St. Martinville City Court or Justice of the Peace Courts, depending on where the ticket was issued. Small civil claims may also be heard in the Justice of the Peace Court.
If you're unsure which court has jurisdiction over your case, contact the St. Martin Parish Clerk of Court's office for guidance on where the case is registered.
St. Martin Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of court hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be obtained in several ways.
- Call the court office. The quickest option is to call the Clerk of Court and inquire about a specific case or hearing date.
- Visit the courthouse. The daily docket is usually posted in the lobby. Public terminals may also be available.
- Online resources. You can check information about scheduled hearings on StMartinparishCourt.us. The official profile of the parish on the Louisiana state website contains contact details for local institutions where you can verify the schedule.
Note: The schedule changes frequently. Hearings are rescheduled, cases are postponed. Always confirm the date and time immediately before your visit.
How to Get a Copy of a St. Martin Court Document
The St. Martin Parish Clerk of Court stores and issues copies of court documents — from court decisions to hearing transcripts. Here's what you need to know before making a request.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
A certified copy bears the clerk's seal and signature, confirming its authenticity. Such a copy is needed for official purposes: submission to another court, immigration procedures, real estate transactions. An uncertified copy is suitable for personal review.
How to Order
- In person. Visit the Clerk of Court's office in St. Martinville. You will need the case number or the full name of a party and an approximate date. The document is usually prepared the same day.
- By mail. Send a written request with the case details, type of copy (certified or uncertified), and a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
- Online. Some documents can be found through StMartinparishCourt.us. For certified copies, you typically need to contact the clerk directly.
Mailing address of the office:
Access Restrictions
Most court records in Louisiana are public. However, juvenile cases, certain family cases, and sealed records are closed to the general public. Arrest and criminal history records can be checked through the Louisiana State Police criminal history check system. Information about individuals under the supervision of the Department of Public Safety & Corrections can be found in their online database.
St. Martin Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set by the Clerk of Court in accordance with Louisiana state law (La. R.S. Title 13). Exact amounts may vary, so it's advisable to verify the current rate with the office before making a request. Below are estimated fees typical for Louisiana parishes.
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search (per name) | $10–$25 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50–$1.00 |
| Certified copy of a document | $2.00–$5.00 for the first two pages, then per additional page |
| Signature certification | $5.00 and up |
| Copy of court judgment | Depends on the document's volume |
Payment is accepted in person at the office — cash, check, or money order. For mail requests, a check or money order payable to St. Martin Parish Clerk of Court is usually required. Confirm whether credit cards are accepted by calling (337) 394-2210.
Requests for public records in Louisiana are governed by La. R.S. Title 44. State and local agencies are required to provide access to public documents within a reasonable time, and record retention standards are set by the Secretary of State.