Caddo court records are the official judicial filings of the First Judicial District Court and parish-level courts across Caddo Parish, Louisiana, covering civil, criminal, family, traffic, and probate matters. The Caddo Parish Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian under Louisiana Revised Statute 44:1, where these documents comprise pleadings, docket entries, judgments, and orders filed through the Shreveport courthouse at 501 Texas Street. Most Caddo Parish court records are open to the public, though certain categories carry restrictions — juvenile cases, adoption files, sealed expungements, and mental health commitments stay confidential by law. Anyone needing to find Caddo court records for legal research, background verification, or personal matters can access them through the Clerk’s free e-Records portal or by visiting the courthouse in person. The search covers filings dating back to 1985 in digital form and to 1836 on microfilm, giving users deep historical reach across every case category managed by the parish, with case numbers, party names, charges, and disposition outcomes viewable in real-time during any Caddo court docket lookup.
Caddo court records search follows a simple digital workflow that anyone can complete in minutes through the official Caddo Parish Clerk portal. Begin by selecting a case category — civil, criminal, family, traffic, or probate — then enter a party name, case number, or filing date to start a Caddo court case search. The system uses Soundex phonetic matching, so small spelling variations still return useful results when you try Caddo court records by name. After retrieving a list, clicking any case number reveals the full docket sheet, with motions, orders, and final judgments in chronological order. Caddo court records public access remains free for unofficial viewing, though certified copies require a small fee plus postage for mail-in requests. This Caddo court database search covers decades of filings, making it practical for Caddo Parish court case lookup, journalistic research, and personal verification without third-party subscription costs. Users can filter by attorney bar number, court section, or disposition type for narrower Caddo court records online queries that fit specific research goals.
Online Search Steps- Go to
caddoclerk.com and click the Court Records Search or e-Records Portal link. - Pick a case category: Civil, Criminal, Family, Traffic, Probate, or Judgment.
- Type a party name (Last, First), case number, filing date range, or attorney bar number.
- Review the results list, which shows case numbers, party names, filing dates, and current status.
- Click any case number to open the docket sheet with motions, orders, and judgments in chronological order.
- Print or save unofficial copies at no cost. Certified copies require a fee.
Search by Name
caddoclerk.com and click the Court Records Search or e-Records Portal link.Enter the surname first, then the first name in the search box. The portal uses Soundex and phonetic matching, so small spelling differences still produce useful results. People who changed their name through marriage or court order need to search under both names. Adding a middle name or initial narrows the result list when common surnames return too many matches.
Search by Case Number
Caddo case numbers use a standard Louisiana format with a four-digit year, a category code, and a sequence number. The category codes are CV for Civil, CR for Criminal, FAM for Family, TR for Traffic, and P for Probate. An example format is YYYY-CV-1234567. Knowing the full case number leads straight to the docket sheet with no extra filtering.
Search by Date Range
The portal covers digital filings from 1985 to the present. Older records from 1836 to 1984 are stored on microfilm and require an in-person visit or a mail-in request. Online date searches work best for civil cases filed after 1990 and criminal cases filed after 1985. Family and traffic cases have shorter digital histories tied to when each court division started uploading records.
Advanced Search Filters
- Attorney bar number lookup
- Court section or division filter (A through K)
- Charge code (criminal cases only)
- Disposition type: open, closed, dismissed, convicted, or acquitted
Caddo Court Records Search Methods Compared
The Caddo Parish Clerk e-Records platform supports four primary search methods. Each method fits a different research goal, and choosing the right one saves time. Users can switch between methods without leaving the portal.
| Method | Best For | Returns | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Party Name | General public, background checks, journalists | All cases for one person — current and historical | Common names produce many results; phonetic matching may include false positives |
| By Case Number | Attorneys, parties to a case, repeat users | Exact docket for one case | Requires knowing the precise number; no cross-referencing |
| By Date Range | Researchers, historical analysis, journalists | All cases filed in a window | Broad results require filtering; capped at 30-day windows |
| By Attorney Bar Number | Legal professionals, opposing counsel research | Caseload of a specific lawyer | Bar number must be current |
Finding Records Without a Case Number
People who do not know a case number should start with a name search. Adding date ranges or case-type filters narrows the list. Verifying the party address against voter registration or property records in Caddo Parish helps confirm the right person. Cross-referencing the date of birth on a known document can also reduce false matches.
Background Check Services
Third-party services such as TruthFinder and BeenVerified pull data from the same Clerk database. These services carry subscription fees and lag 30 to 90 days behind the official portal. For court filings or legal proceedings, only certified records from the Clerk carry legal weight. Raw court records pulled from any source cannot serve as a consumer report under federal law.
Types of Caddo Parish Court Records
Caddo Parish maintains six main categories of court records through the Clerk’s office. Each category uses its own case-number prefix and stores different types of filings. Selecting the correct category is the first step toward a successful search.
Civil Case Records
Civil cases cover contract disputes, personal injury claims, property actions, partitions, and injunctions. Case numbers carry the CV prefix and are searchable by plaintiff, defendant, or attorney. The First Judicial District Court handles most civil matters in Caddo Parish. Judgments, motions, and discovery filings stay in the public docket throughout the life of the case.
Criminal Case Records
Criminal cases range from misdemeanor prosecutions in Caddo City Court to felony indictments in the First Judicial District Court. Case numbers use the CR prefix and show the bill of information or indictment date. Online records cover criminal cases filed since 1985. Bond amounts, plea agreements, and sentencing orders appear in chronological order on the docket sheet.
Family Court Records
Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, and protective orders. Case numbers carry the FAM prefix. Some family files — especially those involving minors — may be sealed by judicial order. Sealed family files display a “Sealed” status with no document view through the online portal.
Traffic and City Court Records
Traffic violations, parking tickets, and first-offense DUI charges fall under Caddo City Court. Case numbers use the TR prefix and show fine amounts, court dates, and final dispositions. Online records cover traffic cases filed since 2000. Drivers can verify payment status, attend school requirements, and check for outstanding warrants through the same portal.
Probate and Succession Records
Probate records cover wills, estates, successions, tutorship, and interdiction. Case numbers use the P prefix. These records support genealogical research and inheritance claims. Online records cover probate cases filed since 1992.
Judgment and Lien Records
Judgment records cover money judgments, tax liens, and mortgage records. Users can search by party name to find active and satisfied judgments against a person or business. Tax sale records and federal tax liens appear in the same index for parish-level filings only.
Case Type Quick Reference
| Case Type | Prefix | Court | Online Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | CV | First Judicial District | 1990 |
| Criminal | CR | First Judicial District | 1985 |
| Family | FAM | First Judicial District | 1995 |
| Traffic | TR | Caddo City Court | 2000 |
| Probate | P | First Judicial District | 1992 |
Are Caddo Court Records Public?
Most Caddo court records are open to the public under the Louisiana Public Records Act (LSA-R.S. 44:1). The Clerk’s office must provide records except when a specific law seals or expunges the files. LSA-R.S. 44:4 lists narrow exemptions to the general rule of public view.
Records Restricted From Public View
- Juvenile delinquency records under La. Children’s Code Art. 412
- Adoption records under La. Children’s Code Art. 1148, sealed except by court order
- Expunged records removed from public view under La. C. Cr. P. Art. 971–996
- Mental health commitment records treated as confidential medical files
- Sensitive personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth of minors, and financial account numbers
- Grand jury proceedings sealed until indictment or 180 days, whichever comes first
How to Request Sealed or Expunged Records
A sealed record requires a written motion to the presiding judge under La. C. Cr. P. Art. 971. Expungement eligibility expanded under the 2024 Louisiana Clean Slate Act (Louisiana Act 399, effective Aug. 1, 2024). Certain non-violent misdemeanors now qualify for automatic expungement after a 5-year waiting period. Felony convictions still require a formal petition and a hearing before the First Judicial District Court.
2026 Update on Expunged Cases
The Caddo Parish e-Records portal flags expunged cases with a status of “Records Expunged” rather than removing the entry. This change took effect in 2024 and continues in 2026. Sealed cases display a “Sealed” status with no document view. Users who try to view sealed files receive a system message stating the case is restricted by court order.
Certified Copies and Request Fees
Certified copies of Caddo court records cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. The Clerk accepts cash, check, money order, or major credit card for in-person payments. Online certified copy orders carry an extra convenience fee. Certified copies include the Clerk’s seal and carry full legal weight for filings in any Louisiana court.
How to Request Certified Copies
- Visit the Clerk’s office at 501 Texas Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
- Mail a written request with payment to P.O. Box 1268, Shreveport, LA 71162
- Order online through the certified copy portal on the Clerk’s website
Mail-In Request Procedure
- Write a request letter that lists the case number, document type, and contact details.
- Include a check or money order payable to “Caddo Parish Clerk of Court.”
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mailing.
- Mail the packet to the Clerk’s office at the P.O. Box shown above.
Searching Caddo Court Records In Person
The Caddo Parish Courthouse sits at 501 Texas Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101. The Clerk’s lobby offers free public-use terminals on a first-come basis. Microfilm readers are available for records filed before 1985. Court staff direct visitors to the correct terminal, microfilm reel, or archived box on request.
Courthouse Location and Hours
- Address: 501 Texas Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101
- Phone: (318) 226-6780 (Clerk’s Office)
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., closed on Louisiana state holidays
- Parking: On-street metered parking plus the Government Plaza garage nearby
Public Terminals and Microfilm
Ten public-use terminals sit in the Clerk’s lobby. Pre-1985 records need microfilm readers and staff assistance for retrieval. Court staff answer questions about search strategy, certified copy fees, and record availability. Visitors must pass through courthouse security and present a valid photo ID before reaching the Clerk’s lobby.
Official Portal vs Third-Party Databases
The official Caddo Parish Clerk portal at caddoclerk.com remains the only authoritative source for Caddo court records. Several third-party services pull from public databases and add extra features, but they charge fees and update less often. Choosing between them depends on whether the user needs legal evidence or general lookup details.
Platform Comparison
| Platform | Data Source | Cost | Best For | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caddo Parish Clerk Portal | Caddo Clerk directly | Free (fees for certified copies) | All users; legal evidence | Real-time |
| CourtListener / RECAP | Federal and scraped state records | Free | Researchers, journalists | Weekly |
| UniCourt | Aggregated state court dockets | $30–$300 per month | Attorneys, paralegals | Daily |
| TLO / TransUnion | Multi-state aggregator | $5–$25 per search | Investigators, skip tracers | 30-day lag |
| LexisNexis CourtLink | Enterprise aggregation | Enterprise license | Law firms, e-discovery | Daily |
Search Limits on the Free Portal
The official portal caps each search at 200 results and does not allow bulk export. Law firms and paralegals who need bulk data use CourtLink or contact the Clerk’s IT office for a paid data feed. Casual users rarely hit the 200-result cap unless searching a very common surname over a wide date range.
Legal Uses and Restrictions
Caddo court records support legal research, journalism, genealogy, debt recovery, and personal verification. Federal and state laws restrict how records may be used, especially for employment and housing decisions. Anyone who republishes or reposts docket data must follow the rules below.
Permitted Uses
- Legal research and case preparation
- Investigative journalism and public-interest reporting
- Genealogical and historical research
- Personal verification of divorces, judgments, or other legal events
- Debt recovery and judgment collection
- Pre-litigation investigation
FCRA Compliance
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681) bans the use of raw court records as the sole basis for employment, tenancy, or credit decisions. Such decisions require a compliant background check service and proper adverse-action procedures. Court records alone cannot serve as a consumer report for hiring or lending purposes.
Penalties for Misuse
Unauthorized view of sealed records is a misdemeanor under La. R.S. 44:32 and can lead to fines and jail time. Republishing redacted personal identifiers like Social Security numbers may violate Louisiana identity-theft statutes. Users must not post or share sealed records on social media, message boards, or third-party databases.
Best Practices
- Cite the official Clerk portal when republishing records
- Redact Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and financial account data before sharing
- Re-check the docket before relying on a record — entries can change after the first lookup
- Request a certified copy with the Clerk’s seal for any court filing or legal submission
Contact Information
Use the verified contact points below for direct help with Caddo Parish court records. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed on Louisiana state holidays.
Caddo Parish Clerk of Court
- Address: 501 Texas Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101
- Phone: (318) 226-6780
- Mail: P.O. Box 1268, Shreveport, LA 71162
- Website:
caddoclerk.com - Current Clerk: Mike Bowman (term 2025–2028)
First Judicial District Court
- Address: 501 Texas Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101
- Phone: (318) 226-6785
- Website:
caddoclerk.com
Caddo Parish District Attorney
- Address: 501 Texas Street, Suite 400, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101
- Phone: (318) 226-6786
Louisiana State Bar Association
- Address: 601 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Phone: (504) 566-1600
Federal Court Records (PACER)
- Website:
pacer.uscourts.gov - Covers the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, Shreveport Division
Louisiana Supreme Court
- Website:
lasupremecourt.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Caddo Court Records
Caddo Court Records give the public free access to case files filed in Caddo Parish, Louisiana. The Clerk of Court runs an online portal where anyone can search civil, criminal, family, traffic, probate, and judgment cases. You can look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. No login or fee is required. Results show docket entries, party names, charges, hearing dates, and final outcomes. The portal updates each day with new filings and court orders. First-time visitors can find Caddo court records right away without any special software. This page answers the most common questions about searching these records.
How do I search Caddo court records online for free?
Go to the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court website. Click the e-Records link to begin a free Caddo court case search. First, type the party name, case number, or filing date into the search bar. Next, pick the case type from the drop-down menu. The portal covers civil, criminal, family, traffic, probate, and judgment cases. So you skip the account setup and subscription fees. Then results appear in real-time with docket entries, party names, charges, and disposition outcomes. Most searches finish within minutes.
What types of Caddo Parish court records can I access?
The Caddo Parish court records public access system includes six case categories. Civil cases cover disputes between parties. Criminal cases show charges and outcomes. Family cases involve divorce, custody, and support. Traffic cases show violations and fines. Probate cases handle estates and wills. Judgment cases show liens and money owed. Each entry displays the filing date, judge assigned, hearing schedule, and final ruling. First-time users can browse each section to learn what the portal holds. You can view every category without creating an account.
Can I find Caddo court records by name without an account?
Yes, the Caddo court database search lets you look up cases by full legal name. Type the last name first, then add the first name in the search bar. Results return all matching cases filed since 1983. You will see the case number, filing date, charge or petition type, and current status. If the name appears often, narrow the search with a date range or middle initial. The search stays free and open to every user around the clock.
How do I perform a Caddo court docket lookup?
A Caddo court docket lookup starts at the Clerk of Court e-Records page. Enter the case number if you have it, or search by party name instead. The docket lists every filing, motion, hearing date, and order entered in the case. You can print or save the docket as a PDF. Updates post within 24 hours of each new filing. This feature helps attorneys, researchers, and the public track case progress from start to finish.
Are Caddo Parish court records public?
Most Caddo Parish court case lookup entries are public under Louisiana law. You can view case numbers, party names, charges, hearing dates, and final judgments. Some records stay sealed, such as juvenile cases, mental health commitments, and certain family matters. Adoption files and expunged convictions also remain hidden from public view. To check the status of a specific case, call the Clerk of Court office or stop by in person. Staff can confirm the status and explain how to request access where the law permits.
How do I find Caddo court records for a specific case quickly?
Use the Caddo court records online portal and filter by case type, year, or court division. Civil District, Criminal District, and City Court cases all appear in one search. After finding your case, click the case number to see the full history. You can also visit the Clerk of Court office at 501 Texas Street in Shreveport for in-person help. Staff can walk you through the search system and print copies on request. For faster service, bring the full legal name and date of birth of the person you are researching.