Bossier Parish Public Records /Bossier Parish Court Records

Bossier County Court Records

What Is Bossier County Court Records

Court records in Bossier Parish, Louisiana comprise all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the parish's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1, court records are classified as public records and are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital records, and tax documents.

The courts that maintain records in Bossier Parish include:

26th Judicial District Court (serving Bossier and Webster Parishes)
Bossier City Court
Bossier Parish Justice of the Peace Courts
Bossier Parish Juvenile Court

These courts generate and maintain records for various case types including:

Civil litigation (personal injury, contract disputes, property matters)
Criminal proceedings (misdemeanors and felonies)
Family law matters (divorce, custody, support)
Probate cases (wills, estates, guardianships)
Traffic violations
Small claims

The Louisiana Judicial Branch oversees the state court system, which includes Bossier Parish courts. Court records serve as the official documentation of judicial proceedings and are essential for transparency in the legal system, providing a historical account of court activities and decisions.

Are Court Records Public In Bossier County

Court records in Bossier Parish are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. § 44:1 et seq.) and the constitutional right of public access to court proceedings. The Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3, establishes that "No person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established by law."

Records that are typically available to the public include:

Civil case files
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets
Hearing schedules
Court calendars

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute, including:

Juvenile proceedings (La. Ch.C. Art. 412)
Adoption records
Mental health proceedings
Certain domestic violence cases
Cases involving minors as victims
Grand jury proceedings
Records sealed by judicial order

The Louisiana Supreme Court has established rules governing public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns and the administration of justice. Federal court records for cases in Bossier Parish are governed by different rules than state court records and are accessible through the federal PACER system.

Members of the public seeking access to court records should be aware that while the right to access is broadly established, specific limitations may apply based on the nature of the case and applicable state laws.

How To Find Court Records in Bossier County in 2026

Members of the public may access Bossier Parish court records through several methods currently available. The primary point of contact for most court records is the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court's office:

Bossier Parish Clerk of Court
204 Burt Boulevard
Benton, LA 71006
318-965-2336
Bossier Parish Clerk of Court

To obtain court records, individuals may:

Visit the Clerk's office in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
Submit a written request using the Public Records Request Form
Access certain records through online portals (detailed in subsequent sections)
Contact the specific court where the case was heard

When requesting records in person or by mail, requestors should provide:

Case number (if known)
Names of parties involved
Approximate date of filing or case activity
Type of case (civil, criminal, etc.)
Specific documents needed

Pursuant to La. R.S. § 44:32, the custodian of records must make records available during regular office hours. Fees for copies of court records are established by La. R.S. § 13:841 and vary based on document type and certification requirements.

For records from Bossier City Court, contact:

Bossier City Court
620 Benton Road
Bossier City, LA 71111
318-741-8086
Bossier City Court

For federal court records involving cases in Bossier Parish, contact the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana:

U.S. District Court - Western District of Louisiana, Shreveport Division
300 Fannin Street, Suite 1167
Shreveport, LA 71101
318-676-4273
Western District of Louisiana

How To Look Up Court Records in Bossier County Online?

Bossier Parish offers several online resources for accessing court records electronically. The primary online systems currently available include:

Bossier Parish Clerk of Court Online Records
The Clerk's office maintains an online records portal that provides access to:
- Civil case indexes
- Criminal case indexes
- Marriage records
- Property records
- Mortgage records
To search these records:
- Navigate to the Clerk's website
- Select the appropriate record type
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review search results and select specific records to view
- Pay applicable fees for document copies if needed
Louisiana Judicial Branch Case Information Portal
The Louisiana Supreme Court maintains a statewide case information system that includes some Bossier Parish cases. This system provides:
- Case status information
- Party names
- Docket entries
- Scheduled hearings
Search capabilities include lookup by case number, party name, or attorney.
Federal Court Records - PACER
For federal cases involving Bossier Parish residents or entities, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system provides online access to U.S. District Court and Bankruptcy Court records. The Western District of Louisiana maintains federal court records for the region including Bossier Parish.
Louisiana Supreme Court Docket Search
For appeals cases that have reached the state's highest court, the Louisiana Supreme Court Docket Search provides case information.

Users should note that online access may be limited for certain case types, and some documents may only be available by visiting the courthouse in person. Additionally, user registration and fees may apply for certain online systems.

How To Search Bossier County Court Records for Free?

Louisiana law provides for free public inspection of court records under La. R.S. § 44:32, which states that "the custodian shall present any public record to any person of the age of majority who so requests." While obtaining copies typically involves fees, several options exist for searching Bossier Parish court records at no cost:

In-Person Inspection
Members of the public may visit the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours to inspect court records without charge. Computer terminals are available for public use to search indexes and case information.

Bossier Parish Clerk of Court
204 Burt Boulevard
Benton, LA 71006
318-965-2336
Bossier Parish Clerk of Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Limited Free Online Resources
The following online resources provide free access to basic court information:
- Louisiana Supreme Court Case Search - Free access to appellate case information
- Louisiana Judicial Branch Court Calendars - Free access to court schedules
- Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - Free access to current inmate information
Public Access Computers at Libraries
The Bossier Parish Library system provides public computers with internet access that can be used to search publicly available court information:

Bossier Parish Central Library
2206 Beckett Street
Bossier City, LA 71111
318-746-1693
Bossier Parish Libraries
PACER Fee Waiver
For federal court records, the PACER system offers fee waivers for certain users and waives fees if usage charges do not exceed $30 per quarter. Additionally, if users accrue less than $30 in charges in a quarterly billing cycle, all fees are waived.

While basic searches may be conducted for free, obtaining copies of documents typically involves fees established by La. R.S. § 13:841, which sets the fee schedule for clerk of court services. Current fees include $1.00 per page for regular copies and $5.00 per document for certified copies.

What's Included in a Bossier County Court Record?

Court records in Bossier Parish contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. Pursuant to La. C.C.P. Art. 251, the clerk of court is responsible for maintaining these records. A comprehensive court record typically includes:

For Civil Cases:

Petition or complaint initiating the lawsuit
Summons and proof of service
Answers and responsive pleadings
Motions and supporting memoranda
Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
Affidavits and declarations
Court orders and rulings
Judgment or dismissal
Transcripts of proceedings (if ordered)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Appeal documents (if applicable)

For Criminal Cases:

Charging documents (indictment, information, or bill of information)
Arrest warrant or summons
Booking information
Bond/bail information
Arraignment records
Pre-trial motions and rulings
Plea agreements
Trial transcripts (if ordered)
Verdict forms
Sentencing documents
Probation/parole information
Appeal documents (if applicable)

For Family Law Cases:

Petition for divorce or separation
Child custody and support documents
Property division agreements
Domestic violence protection orders
Adoption records (typically sealed)
Name change petitions
Paternity determinations

For Probate Cases:

Will and testament
Petition for probate
Letters testamentary or of administration
Inventory of estate assets
Claims against the estate
Accounting reports
Distribution orders

Case Docket: All court records include a docket sheet or case summary that chronologically lists all actions taken in the case, including:

Filing dates
Hearing dates
Document submissions
Court rulings
Party appearances
Case status updates

The completeness of court records may vary based on case type, age of the case, and whether certain documents have been sealed or redacted pursuant to La. R.S. § 44:3 or other applicable statutes protecting confidential information.

How Long Does Bossier County Keep Court Records?

Bossier Parish maintains court records according to the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Retention Schedule and applicable state laws. The retention periods vary based on record type and significance:

Permanent Retention:

Judgment indexes (civil and criminal)
Minute books
Civil suit records involving real property
Criminal felony case files
Adoption records
Interdiction proceedings
Succession (probate) records
Marriage records
Civil and criminal case docket books
Juvenile court records (with restricted access)

Extended Retention (20+ years):

Criminal misdemeanor case files (20 years after final disposition)
Civil suits not involving real property (20 years after final disposition)
Domestic relations cases (20 years after judgment)

Medium-Term Retention (5-10 years):

Traffic cases (5 years after final disposition)
Small claims court records (10 years after final disposition)
Expunged records (maintained separately with restricted access)

Short-Term Retention (1-3 years):

Routine administrative records
Temporary restraining orders after expiration
Subpoenas after return

Louisiana Revised Statute § 13:917 specifically addresses the preservation of court records, requiring that "all papers in civil suits, documents, and records filed with the clerk of court" be preserved in accordance with the records retention schedule established by the secretary of state.

For older records that may have been archived, the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court maintains an archival system. Some historical records may have been transferred to the Louisiana State Archives for permanent preservation.

Digital conversion efforts are currently underway to preserve older paper records electronically, though the process is ongoing. Researchers seeking historical court records should contact the Clerk's office directly to determine availability and access procedures for archived materials.

Types of Courts In Bossier County

Bossier Parish's court system consists of several levels of courts with varying jurisdictions. The parish is part of Louisiana's 26th Judicial District, which also includes Webster Parish. The courts currently operating in Bossier Parish include:

26th Judicial District Court
204 Burt Boulevard
Benton, LA 71006
318-965-2214
26th Judicial District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

This is the parish's primary court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases, felony criminal matters, family law cases, juvenile matters, and probate proceedings. The court has six elected judges who preside over cases in both Bossier and Webster Parishes.

Bossier City Court
620 Benton Road
Bossier City, LA 71111
318-741-8086
Bossier City Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

This limited jurisdiction court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases involving amounts up to $50,000, small claims up to $5,000, and preliminary matters in felony cases occurring within Bossier City limits.

Bossier Parish Justice of the Peace Courts
Bossier Parish has multiple Justice of the Peace districts, each with its own elected Justice of the Peace. These courts handle small claims up to $5,000, evictions, and certain civil matters. Contact information for specific Justice of the Peace courts can be obtained from:

Bossier Parish Police Jury
204 Burt Boulevard
Benton, LA 71006
318-965-2329
Bossier Parish Police Jury

Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal
430 Fannin Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
318-227-3700
Second Circuit Court of Appeal
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

This appellate court reviews cases appealed from the district courts in Bossier Parish and other parishes within its jurisdiction.

Louisiana Supreme Court
400 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-310-2300
Louisiana Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The state's highest court, which may review decisions from the Second Circuit Court of Appeal.

U.S. District Court - Western District of Louisiana, Shreveport Division
300 Fannin Street, Suite 1167
Shreveport, LA 71101
318-676-4273
Western District of Louisiana
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

This federal court handles federal cases involving Bossier Parish residents or entities.

The court hierarchy follows the standard progression from limited jurisdiction courts (Justice of the Peace, City Court) to general jurisdiction courts (District Court) to appellate courts (Court of Appeal, Supreme Court).

What Types of Cases Do Bossier County Courts Hear?

Bossier Parish courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by the Louisiana Constitution and state statutes. The distribution of case types among the courts is as follows:

26th Judicial District Court:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits exceeding $50,000 in value
Domestic relations cases (divorce, child custody, support)
Successions (probate)
Juvenile matters
Adoptions
Property disputes
Personal injury claims
Contract disputes
Appeals from city court and justice of the peace courts

Bossier City Court:

Misdemeanor criminal cases within city limits
Traffic violations
Civil lawsuits up to $50,000
Small claims up to $5,000
Evictions within city limits
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
City ordinance violations
DWI/DUI cases (first and second offense)

Justice of the Peace Courts:

Small claims up to $5,000
Eviction proceedings in unincorporated areas
Civil suits up to $5,000
Justice of the peace courts cannot hear:
- Divorce cases
- Civil matters exceeding $5,000
- Felony or serious misdemeanor cases
- Juvenile matters

Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal:

Appeals from district court decisions
Supervisory writs
Original proceedings in limited circumstances

Louisiana Supreme Court:

Discretionary review of lower court decisions
Direct appeals in limited cases
Attorney disciplinary matters
Judicial conduct cases
Matters involving the state constitution

U.S. District Court (Western District of Louisiana):

Federal question cases
Diversity jurisdiction cases
Federal criminal prosecutions
Bankruptcy proceedings
Patent and copyright cases
Civil rights claims
Cases involving federal agencies

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by La. R.S. § 13:1401-1408 for district courts, La. R.S. § 13:1871-1900 for city courts, and La. R.S. § 13:2581-2590 for justice of the peace courts. Case assignment within the 26th Judicial District Court follows an allotment system pursuant to local court rules established under La. C.C.P. Art. 253.1.

How To Find a Court Docket In Bossier County

Court dockets in Bossier Parish provide a chronological listing of all cases scheduled for hearing and all actions taken in individual cases. Members of the public may access court dockets through several methods:

In-Person at the Clerk's Office
The most comprehensive access to court dockets is available at:

Bossier Parish Clerk of Court
204 Burt Boulevard
Benton, LA 71006
318-965-2336
Bossier Parish Clerk of Court

Visitors may request to view:
- Daily court calendars
- Case-specific docket sheets
- Master docket books (historical)
Online Docket Access
Limited docket information is available through:
- 26th Judicial District Court Website - Provides court calendars and hearing schedules
- Louisiana Judicial Branch Case Information - Offers case status information for some courts
- Bossier Parish Clerk of Court Online Records - Provides subscription-based access to case information
Telephone Inquiry
Basic docket information may be obtained by calling:
- District Court: 318-965-2214
- Bossier City Court: 318-741-8086
Staff can provide hearing dates and times for specific cases when the case number is provided.
For Federal Court Dockets
Federal cases involving Bossier Parish are accessible through:
- PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) - Requires registration and involves fees
- Western District of Louisiana - Provides information about federal court access

When searching for docket information, it is helpful to have:

Case number
Party names
Filing date (approximate)
Case type

Pursuant to La. C.C.P. Art. 251, the clerk of court is responsible for maintaining the court docket. Daily court calendars are typically posted in the courthouse and may be available on the court's website. For specialized dockets such as drug court or veterans court, contact the specific program coordinator through the district court.

Which Courts in Bossier County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Louisiana judicial system, certain courts do not maintain an official verbatim record of their proceedings and are classified as "courts not of record." Pursuant to La. R.S. § 13:1896, which addresses the recording of proceedings in city courts, and La. R.S. § 13:2585, which governs justice of the peace courts, the following courts in Bossier Parish are not courts of record:

Justice of the Peace Courts
Bossier Parish has multiple Justice of the Peace districts, each with its own elected Justice of the Peace. These courts:

Do not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings
Keep only written records of judgments, orders, and case filings
Do not employ court reporters
Maintain simplified record-keeping systems

Characteristics of Courts Not of Record:

Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new trial) in the district court
No official transcript exists for appellate review
Proceedings are typically less formal
Record-keeping is limited to essential documents and outcomes

By contrast, the 26th Judicial District Court and Bossier City Court are courts of record, meaning they:

Maintain verbatim records of proceedings
Employ court reporters or electronic recording systems
Generate official transcripts when requested
Maintain comprehensive case files

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeals purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the district court conducts a completely new trial rather than reviewing the proceedings of the lower court for errors. This is because no official record exists to review.

For individuals with cases in Justice of the Peace courts, it is important to understand that while written judgments and orders are maintained, the testimony and arguments presented are not preserved in an official transcript unless parties make private arrangements for recording.