Court records in Bossier Parish, Louisiana can be searched through several channels. BossierParishCourt.org can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the parish. You can also access records through official court resources such as the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court, the 26th Judicial District Court, and public terminals available at the courthouse in Benton. Additional state-level tools and in-person visits to the clerk's office offer further ways to locate case information.
Bossier Court System & Jurisdictions
Bossier Parish falls within the 26th Judicial District Court, which serves Bossier Parish and Webster Parish. Louisiana's judicial branch includes district courts, city courts, and justice of the peace courts — each handling different case types.
26th Judicial District Court
This is the parish's court of general jurisdiction, located in Benton. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil suits exceeding the jurisdictional limit of city courts
- Family law matters — divorce, custody, child support, and protective orders
- Succession (probate) proceedings
- Juvenile cases
Bossier City Court
Bossier City Court handles cases arising within Bossier City limits, including:
- Misdemeanor criminal offenses
- Traffic violations
- Civil suits up to $50,000 (per Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure)
- Small claims matters
- Eviction proceedings
Justice of the Peace Courts
Justice of the peace courts in Bossier Parish handle minor civil disputes up to $5,000 and may perform certain other limited functions. These courts operate in individual wards throughout the parish.
Federal Cases
Federal matters involving Bossier Parish are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, with the nearest division in Shreveport. Federal case records can be accessed online through PACER.
Bossier Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding out when a case is scheduled for hearing depends on which court is handling the matter.
26th Judicial District Court
Court calendars and docket schedules for the 26th Judicial District Court can be obtained by contacting the Court Administrator's office. Individual judges may maintain separate dockets, so you should specify the division or judge assigned to your case when inquiring.
Bossier City Court
Bossier City Court maintains its own calendar for traffic, criminal, and civil matters. Contact the court clerk directly to confirm hearing dates and times.
Tips for Checking Schedules
- Call the clerk's office of the relevant court and provide the case number or party name.
- Visit the courthouse and check posted dockets or use public terminals where available.
- Ask whether the court publishes calendars online — availability varies by division and judge.
How to Get a Copy of a Bossier Court Document
The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court maintains records for the 26th Judicial District Court, including civil filings, criminal case documents, judgments, mortgage records, and conveyance records.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the original court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the clerk's attestation. They are useful for personal reference but generally not accepted for legal purposes.
How to Request Documents
In person: Visit the Clerk of Court office at the Bossier Parish Courthouse in Benton. Bring the case number or as much identifying information as possible (party names, approximate filing date, case type).
By mail: Send a written request with the case details, the type of copy needed (certified or uncertified), and a check or money order for the applicable fees to:
Online: Some Bossier Parish court records may be searchable through the clerk's online portal or through BossierParishCourt.org. For federal cases, use the PACER system through the Western District of Louisiana website.
Records That May Be Restricted
- Juvenile case records
- Adoption records
- Sealed criminal records (expungements)
- Records subject to protective orders
- Certain family court filings involving minors
If you are unsure whether a record is publicly accessible, ask the clerk before submitting your request.
Bossier Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Bossier Parish are set by Louisiana statute and the Clerk of Court's fee schedule. The following table lists common charges. Contact the Clerk of Court to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 for the first page, $1.00–$2.00 per additional page |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00–$2.00 |
| Certification / seal only | $5.00 |
| Record search (per name) | $10.00–$25.00 |
| Filing a civil suit | Varies by case type; contact clerk |
| Mortgage / conveyance record copy | $5.00 first page, additional per-page fee |
Source: Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 13 (Courts and Judicial Procedure) and the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court fee schedule. Fees are approximate and subject to change.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash (in person only)
- Check or money order made payable to the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court
- Credit or debit cards may be accepted in person; confirm with the clerk's office
For background checks through the Louisiana State Police Internet Background Check system, a separate fee applies under Louisiana Revised Statute 15:587, including a $5.00 technology surcharge per search. This is a state-level service and is not processed through the Clerk of Court.