Criminal records in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. BossierParishCourt.org can help find publicly available criminal case information. The Bossier Parish Clerk of Court, the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office, and state-level repositories also maintain criminal records that may be searched or requested through their respective offices.
How to Search Criminal Records in Bossier
Several methods are available for searching Bossier Parish criminal records. What you need to begin depends on the method, but generally you should have at least one of the following:
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth
- Case number
- Booking number (for jail/arrest records)
Through BossierParishCourt.org
Start at BossierParishCourt.org to search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases filed in Bossier Parish. You can search by name or case number to locate case details, charges, and court dates.
Online — State and Federal Portals
- Louisiana State Police Internet Background Check: The LSP Internet Background Check system allows the public to run a criminal history check on individuals, pursuant to La. R.S. 15:587D.(1). A fee and technology surcharge apply.
- Louisiana Department of Corrections: To locate someone currently in state custody, use the offender information search maintained by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections.
- Federal Cases: Criminal cases prosecuted in federal court within Bossier Parish fall under the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Federal case documents can be accessed online through the PACER system for non-sealed cases.
In Person
Visit the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court office in Benton to search criminal case records at public access terminals or request assistance from staff. The 26th Judicial District Court handles criminal matters in Bossier Parish.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request for criminal record information to the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth if known, and any available case number. For statewide criminal history records, submit a request through the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification.
Search Bossier Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by that number is the most direct way to pull up a specific criminal record. In Louisiana district courts, case numbers generally follow a format that includes:
- A numeric sequence assigned by the clerk's office when the case is filed
- A year indicator — often a two-digit or four-digit year prefix or suffix showing when the case was initiated
- A letter or division code — some parishes append a letter to indicate the division or type of case (e.g., "CR" for criminal)
In the 26th Judicial District Court, which serves Bossier Parish and Webster Parish, criminal case numbers typically begin with a numeric docket number followed by a year designation. When entering a case number into a search tool, use the exact format shown on any court documents you have — including dashes, slashes, or letter prefixes. Even a small formatting error can prevent a match.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Bossier
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Louisiana Revised Statute (La. R.S.) section the defendant is accused of violating |
| Felony | Serious offenses carrying potential imprisonment at hard labor (e.g., armed robbery, murder) |
| Misdemeanor | Less serious offenses punishable by up to six months in parish jail and/or fines |
| Amended charges | Original charges may be changed through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion; the amended charge replaces or modifies the original |
Case Status
- Pending: Charges have been filed but the case has not reached a final resolution
- Active: The case is currently being litigated with upcoming hearings or trial dates
- Disposed: The case has reached a final outcome — conviction, dismissal, or acquittal
- Closed: All proceedings, including sentencing and any post-conviction motions, are complete
Hearings
- Arraignment: The defendant is formally advised of charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary hearing: A judge determines whether probable cause exists to proceed (felony cases)
- Pre-trial conference: Attorneys discuss case management, potential plea deals, and trial preparation
- Sentencing: The judge imposes a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction at trial
- Review hearing: A follow-up hearing to check compliance with probation or other conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant was convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not guilty | Defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges were dropped by the prosecution or the court |
| Nolle prosequi | The district attorney declined to prosecute; charges may potentially be refiled |
| Acquitted | The court or jury found insufficient evidence for conviction |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Bossier
Certified copies of criminal court records in Bossier Parish are issued by the Clerk of Court. These are official copies bearing the clerk's seal and signature, suitable for legal proceedings, background verification, or personal documentation.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Court office in Benton. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can locate the record and prepare certified copies while you wait, depending on volume.
- By mail: Send a written request to the Clerk of Court at the address below. Include the defendant's full name, case number if available, the specific documents requested, and a return address. Enclose payment for applicable fees.
- Phone inquiry: Call 318-965-2336 to confirm availability of a record and current fees before visiting or mailing a request.
Statewide Criminal History
For a certified criminal history report covering all Louisiana parishes, submit a request through the Louisiana State Police Internet Background Check system. This requires the subject's name, date of birth, and payment of applicable fees. Under La. R.S. 15:587, certain requesters may need to provide fingerprints or additional authorization.
What You Need
- Valid government-issued photo ID (in-person requests)
- Defendant's full legal name
- Case number (if known)
- Payment for fees (check, money order, or cash for in-person; check or money order for mail)
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Bossier
Fees for criminal record copies and background checks in Bossier Parish are set by statute and local fee schedules. Contact the Clerk of Court at 318-965-2336 to confirm current amounts before submitting a request.
| Service | Estimated Fee | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50–$1.00 | Standard clerk copy fee; confirm with clerk's office |
| Certified copy | $2.00–$5.00 per document (plus per-page charges) | Certification fee set by La. R.S. 13:844 and local schedule |
| LSP Internet Background Check | $26.00 + $5.00 technology fee | Per La. R.S. 15:587D.(1); paid online at ibc.dps.louisiana.gov |
| Federal court records (PACER) | $0.10 per page (cap per document) | U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often processed the same day, depending on staff availability and record complexity
- Mail requests: Typically 5–10 business days after receipt of the request and payment
- LSP background checks: Results are usually available within minutes for online requests; mail-in fingerprint-based checks may take several weeks
Fees are subject to change. Always verify current amounts directly with the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court or the relevant agency before sending payment.