Criminal records in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, can be accessed through several channels. AscensionParishCourt.org can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include official court systems such as the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court, the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, and state-level repositories. Whether you need to look up a pending charge, verify a case outcome, or obtain a certified record, the sections below explain each method.
How to Search Criminal Records in Ascension
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Ascension Parish. Start with the approach that fits your situation.
Online Search Options
- AscensionParishCourt.org — Search for publicly available court record information, including criminal and traffic cases filed in Ascension Parish.
- Ascension Parish Clerk of Court website — The Clerk offers an online record search covering criminal, traffic, civil, and other case types. You can search by party name or case number.
- Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Search — Look up individuals currently in custody at the Ascension Parish Jail. Search by name, subject number, or booking number.
- Louisiana State Police Internet Background Checks — Request a state criminal history check through the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. This is a name-based search of the state repository.
- PACER — For federal criminal cases filed in the Middle District of Louisiana (which covers Ascension Parish), use the federal PACER system.
- Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Search — Locate individuals currently in the custody of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections.
In Person
Visit the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court office in Gonzales to search criminal case records using public access terminals or request assistance from staff. Bring a valid photo ID.
By Mail or Written Request
Submit a written request to the Clerk of Court specifying the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available). Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and any required fees. For a statewide criminal history, mail your request to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name (first and last; middle name helps narrow results)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Approximate date range of the case
Search Ascension Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by it is the fastest way to pull up a specific record. In Louisiana district courts, criminal case numbers generally follow a format that includes:
- A numeric sequence assigned by the Clerk's office
- The year of filing (sometimes as a two-digit or four-digit prefix or suffix)
- A division or docket indicator in some courts
For Ascension Parish cases filed in the 23rd Judicial District Court, the case number is typically a sequential number paired with the filing year. Enter the full case number exactly as it appears on any court documents you have. Even a slight variation — such as omitting a leading zero or hyphen — can prevent a match. If you are unsure of the exact format, try searching by the defendant's name first to locate the correct case number, then use it for future lookups.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Ascension
Criminal case records in Ascension Parish may contain several categories of information. Here is what each data point means:
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Louisiana Revised Statute (La. R.S.) section the defendant is charged under, such as La. R.S. 14:30 (first degree murder) or La. R.S. 14:98 (operating a vehicle while intoxicated). |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction. Felonies carry potential imprisonment at hard labor; misdemeanors carry up to six months in parish jail (or up to one year for certain offenses). |
| Amended charges | The original charge may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or at the prosecutor's discretion. Both the original and amended charges typically appear in the record. |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting resolution.
- Active — Proceedings are underway; hearings or motions are scheduled.
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.).
- Closed — All proceedings, including sentencing and post-conviction matters, are complete.
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — The defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea.
- Preliminary hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases).
- Pre-trial conference — Attorneys discuss case issues, potential pleas, and trial scheduling.
- Trial — The case is heard before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing — The court imposes penalties after a conviction or guilty plea.
- Review hearing — A follow-up hearing to monitor probation compliance or other conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was convicted, either by plea or verdict. |
| Not guilty | The defendant was acquitted at trial. |
| Dismissed | The charges were dropped by the court or prosecutor. |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue the case further. |
| Acquitted | The court or jury found insufficient evidence to convict. |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Ascension
Certified copies of criminal court records are issued by the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court. These carry an official seal and can be used for legal proceedings, employment verification, or personal records.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — Visit the Clerk of Court office in Gonzales. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can locate the case and prepare certified copies while you wait or within a few business days, depending on the request.
- By mail — Send a written request that includes the defendant's full name, case number (if known), the specific documents you need, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Online — Check the Clerk of Court website for any available online ordering options for certified copies.
Statewide Criminal History
For a certified state criminal history report, submit a request through the Louisiana State Police Internet Background Checks portal. This is a name-based search of the state criminal records repository.
Clerk of Court Contact Information
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Ascension
Fees for criminal record copies and background checks vary by the type of request and issuing agency. The table below reflects commonly applicable charges. Confirm current fees directly with the issuing office, as they may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Standard copy of court record (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 | Ascension Parish Clerk of Court |
| Certification fee (per document) | $5.00 | Ascension Parish Clerk of Court (per La. R.S. 13:844) |
| Louisiana State Police background check (online) | $26.00 | Louisiana State Police |
| Federal background check (FBI fingerprint-based) | Varies | Louisiana State Police / FBI |
Processing Times
- In-person requests at the Clerk's office are often processed the same day or within one to two business days.
- Mail requests typically take five to ten business days after the Clerk receives the request and payment.
- Louisiana State Police online background checks are usually returned within one to three business days.
Payment methods accepted at the Clerk's office generally include cash, check, and money order. Confirm whether credit or debit cards are accepted before visiting. For mail requests, send a check or money order payable to the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court.