St Tammany Parish Criminal Records are official documents that show a person’s criminal history within the parish. These records include arrests, charges, court cases, convictions, and sentences. They are kept by government offices and are available to the public under Louisiana law. Anyone can request these records for background checks, legal matters, or personal use. The main office handling these records is the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court. Records go back to 1977 and are stored in an electronic system. You can get copies in person, by mail, or online through approved portals. Fees apply, and valid ID is required. This page explains where to go, how to request records, what they include, and how long it takes.
Where to Get St Tammany Parish Criminal Records
There are three main ways to get St Tammany Parish Criminal Records: in person, by mail, or online. The St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court handles most criminal case files. Their office is at 520 Old Spanish Trail, Suite 500, Covington, LA 70434. It’s open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can walk in and ask to view or copy records during these hours. If you mail your request, send it to P.O. Box 1090, Covington, LA 70434. Include a completed form, a copy of your government-issued photo ID, and a check or money order for the fee. For faster service, use the online GovQA portal run by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. This system lets you upload forms, pay by card, and receive digital copies quickly.
Types of Records Available
St Tammany Parish Criminal Records cover many kinds of legal cases. These include misdemeanor offenses like theft or simple assault. Felony records show serious crimes such as burglary, drug trafficking, or violent offenses. Juvenile adjudications are also kept but may have access limits due to privacy laws. Non-support cases involve failure to pay child support. Traffic citations for adults and minors are included too. Each record shows the person’s name, date of birth, case number, charges filed, court dates, and final judgment. Some files also list bond amounts, sentencing details, and whether the case was appealed. All records from 1977 to today are in the electronic docket system.
Fees and Payment Methods
Getting St Tammany Parish Criminal Records costs money. The standard fee is $25 per document at the Clerk of Court. Certified copies cost extra. The Finance and Administration division charges $30 for a standard report and $45 for a background sheet. The Sheriff’s Office online portal charges $15 per record with a three-day turnaround. Louisiana State Police charge $26 for a statewide report plus $10 if fingerprints are needed. Pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on how you apply. Make checks payable to the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court. Always include your name, contact info, and the subject’s full name and date of birth.
Required Information for Requests
To get St Tammany Parish Criminal Records, you must provide specific details. Start with the subject’s full legal name. Include their date of birth. If you know the case number or docket number, add that too. It speeds up the search. You also need a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license. For mailed requests, send a signed letter or form. For online requests, upload the form and ID through the secure portal. If you’re asking for someone else’s record, you may need a signed release from them. The office will not process incomplete requests.
Online Request Process
The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office uses GovQA for online requests. Go to their public records portal and create a free account. Fill out the request form with the person’s name, date of birth, and case details if known. Upload a copy of your ID. Pay the $15 fee with a credit or debit card. The system gives you a ticket number to track progress. Most requests are done in three business days. You’ll get an email when the record is ready. Download it securely from your account. The system keeps logs for security and audits.
In-Person Visit Guidelines
Visit the Clerk of Court at 520 Old Spanish Trail, Suite 500, Covington, LA 70434. Bring a valid photo ID. Arrive between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Tell the staff you want to view or copy criminal records. They’ll help you find the right file in the electronic system. You can read case minutes, witness statements, and judgment entries on site. If you need copies, pay the fee at the counter. Staff can certify copies for court use for an extra charge. No appointment is needed, but lines may be long near lunch or end of day.
Mailed Request Instructions
Mail your request to Criminal Customer Service Department, P.O. Box 1090, Covington, LA 70434. Use the official request form from the Clerk’s website. Include the subject’s full name, date of birth, and case numbers if known. Attach a copy of your government-issued photo ID. Write a check or money order for $25 per document. Make it payable to St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court. Processing takes up to ten business days. For records before 1977, call the Archives Department at (985) 809-8746. They keep older files in a separate storage location.
Statewide Criminal History Reports
For a full Louisiana criminal history, contact the Louisiana State Police. Their headquarters is at 7919 Independence Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. You can go in person or mail your request. The fee is $26 per report. If you apply in person, add $10 for fingerprint processing. You must bring two fingerprints on the official LSP form, a copy of your driver’s license, and a signed affidavit. Mail requests take five to seven business days. This report includes records from all parishes, not just St Tammany.
Contact Information for Assistance
If you have questions about St Tammany Parish Criminal Records, call the right office. For Clerk of Court records, call (985) 809-8242. Ask for Major Lauren Hudson, Custodian of Records. Capt. Keith Canizaro also helps with requests. For Sheriff’s Office records, use the same number. For land records, call (985) 643-6969. For civil cases, call Division E at (985) 809-8736. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Staff can explain fees, forms, and processing times.
Common Uses for Criminal Records
People request St Tammany Parish Criminal Records for many reasons. Employers use them for background checks before hiring. Landlords check tenants to reduce risk. Lawyers need them for legal cases. Individuals look up their own records to correct errors. Schools may require them for staff working with children. Courts use them during sentencing or bail hearings. Insurance companies sometimes ask for them. These records help protect public safety and ensure fairness in legal matters.
Privacy and Access Rules
Most St Tammany Parish Criminal Records are public under Louisiana law. But some parts are restricted. Juvenile records are sealed in many cases. Sealed or expunged records are not available to the public. You must show a legal reason to access them. Law enforcement and courts can see more than regular citizens. Always bring ID when requesting records. The office will verify your identity before releasing anything. Do not share someone else’s record without permission. Misuse can lead to legal trouble.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing time depends on how you apply. Online requests through GovQA take about three business days. Mailed requests to the Clerk of Court take up to ten business days. In-person visits may get same-day service if the file is easy to find. Louisiana State Police reports take five to seven days after they receive everything. Rush service is not available. Plan ahead if you need records for court or travel. Check your request status by calling the office or using your GovQA ticket number.
What If the Record Is Wrong?
If you find an error in St Tammany Parish Criminal Records, contact the Clerk of Court right away. Give them the case number and explain the mistake. They will review the file and correct it if needed. For serious errors, you may need to file a motion in court. Keep copies of all letters and receipts. If the error affects your job or housing, tell the employer or landlord you’re fixing it. Accurate records protect your rights and reputation.
Expungement and Record Sealing
Some criminal records can be removed or sealed. In Louisiana, certain misdemeanors and felonies qualify for expungement. This means the record is hidden from public view. You must apply through the court that handled your case. The process takes months and may require a lawyer. Not all crimes can be expunged. Violent crimes, sex offenses, and DUIs often cannot be sealed. Talk to a local attorney to see if you qualify. Once done, your St Tammany Parish Criminal Records will show the case as expunged.
Related Services and Departments
The St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court also handles civil cases, land records, and elections. The Civil Department manages domestic violence petitions, probate, and contract disputes. The Land Records office keeps deeds, liens, and property maps. Their address is 520 Old Spanish Trail, 5th Floor, Slidell, LA 70458. Call (985) 643-6969 for help. The Sheriff’s Office runs jails and provides inmate lookup tools. All these services support public safety and legal transparency.
Tips for First-Time Requesters
If you’ve never requested St Tammany Parish Criminal Records, start simple. Use the online GovQA portal for speed. Have the person’s full name and date of ready. Bring ID if going in person. Double-check the address and fee before mailing. Keep a copy of your request and receipt. If you’re unsure, call ahead. Staff are trained to help. Don’t guess the case number—leave it blank if unknown. Most requests are approved quickly if done right.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
You have the right to see most criminal records in St Tammany Parish. But you must use them responsibly. Do not post records online or share them without cause. Employers must follow federal laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Landlords need consent before checking tenants. If you misuse records, you could face fines or lawsuits. Always act in good faith. Respect privacy while using public information legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get someone else’s criminal record?
Yes, if it’s a public record. You don’t need their permission, but you must provide their full name, date of birth, and valid ID. Some records like juveniles may be restricted.
How much does it cost to get a criminal record?
Fees range from $15 to $45 depending on the office and type of report. The Clerk of Court charges $25 per document. The Sheriff’s online portal charges $15.
Can I check my own criminal record?
Yes. Bring your ID to the Clerk of Court or use the online portal. You can review your record for free on site or pay for a copy.
Are old records available?
Records from 1977 to today are in the electronic system. Older files are in archives. Call (985) 809-8746 for pre-1977 requests.
How long does expungement take?
Expungement can take 3 to 6 months. It requires court approval. Not all crimes qualify. Consult a lawyer for help.
Can I get a certified copy?
Yes. Certified copies cost extra and are needed for court or official use. Ask at the counter when you request the record.
What if I don’t know the case number?
You can still request the record using the person’s full name and date of birth. The case number just speeds up the search.
St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court
520 Old Spanish Trail, Suite 500
Covington, LA 70434
Phone: (985) 809-8242
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday