Criminal records in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, are available through several channels. StMartinparishCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the parish. In addition to this resource, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies — including the sheriff's office — and the Clerk of Court, which maintains and issues official copies of court documents in the parish.
How to Search Criminal Records in St. Martin
To search for criminal records in St. Martin Parish, you will need at least one of the following pieces of information: the person's full name, date of birth, or case number. Here are the main ways to search:
Online Search
- StMartinparishCourt.us — enter the name or case number to view publicly available data on criminal cases in the parish.
- Inmate Search through the Department of Corrections — on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections website, you can find information about individuals under state custody.
- Criminal History Check through State Police — Louisiana State Police Internet Background Checks allows you to order a criminal background check online by fingerprints or by name.
In-Person Visit
The St. Martin Parish Clerk of Court maintains all official court records of the parish. Visit the office in St. Martinville to use public access terminals or request the clerk to find a specific case. Contact information for the office is available through the state directory.
Written Request
You can send a written request to the Clerk of Court by mail. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), type of document requested, and a return address. For state-level criminal history checks, requests are directed to the Louisiana State Police. According to Louisiana law, the State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification is the official repository for criminal history data.
Search St. Martin Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the fastest way to find a specific record. In Louisiana, criminal cases typically have a format that includes several elements:
- Prefix or letter code — indicates the type of case (e.g., "CR" for criminal cases).
- Year of filing — a two-digit or four-digit number indicating the year the case was registered.
- Sequential number — a unique number assigned to the case within the year.
For example, a number like CR-2024-00512 indicates a criminal case registered in 2024 with a sequential number of 512. The exact format may vary slightly depending on the court level — the District Court uses its own numbering. If you do not know the case number, start your search by name through StMartinparishCourt.us, and then use the obtained number for further inquiries.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in St. Martin
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Revised Statutes of Louisiana (e.g., La. R.S. 14:98 — driving under the influence) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more severe one during the trial |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, and hearings are scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — all procedures are completed, including the execution of the sentence.
Types of Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant hears the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.
- Pre-Trial — parties discuss agreements and file motions.
- Sentencing — the imposition of a penalty after a guilty plea.
- Review — review of probation terms or another decision.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by the court or by own admission |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted after trial |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict — at the initiative of the prosecutor or court |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal — charges cannot be refiled |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in St. Martin
Official certified copies of criminal records are issued by the St. Martin Parish Clerk of Court. This office maintains all court documents of the parish, including criminal cases.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office in St. Martinville. Present a photo ID (driver's license or passport). Provide the defendant's full name, case number, or approximate date.
- By Mail — send a written request with case details, a copy of your ID, and payment (check or money order payable to Clerk of Court).
- State-Level Criminal History Check — for an official criminal history certificate, contact the Louisiana State Police through their online check system. This procedure requires fingerprinting.
St. Martin Parish Clerk of Court
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in St. Martin
Fees are set according to Louisiana law (La. R.S. Title 13) and the internal fee schedule of the Clerk of Court's office. Below are approximate rates — we recommend confirming exact amounts directly with the clerk.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50–$1.00 |
| Certification of copy | $2.00–$5.00 per document |
| Criminal history check through Louisiana State Police (online) | $26.00 |
| Fingerprint check (through LSP) | $39.25 and up (depending on the type of check and inclusion of FBI data) |
Processing Times
- In-Person Request at the Clerk's Office — copies are usually issued the same day or within a few business days.
- Mail Request — 5 to 15 business days, depending on complexity.
- Online Check through State Police — name-based results are available within 24–72 hours; fingerprint checks may take up to 4–6 weeks.
Payment at the Clerk's office is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. For online checks through LSP, payment is made by credit or debit card. Confirm current rates before submitting a request — fees may change.