Jefferson Davis County, LA Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
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- Jail Records
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- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The 31st Judicial District Court serves Jefferson Davis Parish as the trial court of general jurisdiction for civil and criminal cases. The Clerk of Court keeps the district court records and also serves as the parish recorder of conveyances and mortgages.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | 31st Judicial District Court, serving Jefferson Davis Parish |
| Clerk of Court | Richard M. Arceneaux |
| Main Address | 300 N. State St., Rm.106, Jennings, LA 70546 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 799, Jennings, LA 70546 |
| Main Phone | 337-824-1160 |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Jennings) |
| Handles | Civil and criminal cases in the district court, which is the trial court of general jurisdiction |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Louisiana); parking tickets (issuing agency); city ordinance matters in city or mayor's courts |
| Online Case Search | Call the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 to ask about online access |
| Criminal Records Requests | Contact the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 |
How to Search Jefferson Davis County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Jefferson Davis Parish cases are kept by the Clerk of Court in Jennings.
Online
Call the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 to ask about online access.
Ask whether online case search covers your type of case.
Confirm online access with the clerk before you travel.
Best for: Checking what is available before visiting
In Person
Go to 300 N. State St., Rm.106, Jennings, LA 70546.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk whether public terminals are available.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Mail or Phone
Send your written request to P.O. Box 799, Jennings, LA 70546.
Call 337-824-1160 first to confirm what the clerk needs.
Ask the clerk about response times for written requests.
Best for: Requests when you cannot visit in person
Search by Name on LouisianaCourts.org
Go to LouisianaCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Jefferson Davis County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
District court filings for Jefferson Davis Parish totaled 7,700 in 2025, up 32.9% from 5,792 in 2024, according to the Supreme Court of Louisiana. Traffic and some misdemeanor matters are often handled by city and parish courts, so these district court counts may be lower for that reason.
7,700
Total district court filings, 2025
1,236
Criminal filings, 2025 (16.1% of total)
849
Civil filings, 2025 (11.0% of total)
244.7
Filings per 1,000 residents (population 31,471)
| Metric | CY 2025 | CY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 7,700 | 5,792 | +32.9% |
| Total Dispositions | ~7,472 | ~5,621 | ~+32.9% |
| Criminal Filings | 6,697 | 4,746 | +41.1% |
| Civil Filings | 849 | 875 | -3.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~2 | ~2 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~138 | ~104 | ~+32.7% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~54 | ~40 | ~+35.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | 154 | 171 | -9.9% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
How Have Court Filings Changed in Jefferson Davis County?
District court filings in Jefferson Davis Parish grew 129.0% between CY 2021 and CY 2025, from 3,362 to 7,700. Filings are the Supreme Court of Louisiana's district court counts; dispositions are estimated.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2025 | 7,700 | ~7,472 | +32.9% |
| CY 2024 | 5,792 | ~5,621 | +24.9% |
| CY 2023 | 4,637 | ~4,500 | +25.3% |
| CY 2022 | 3,700 | ~3,590 | +10.1% |
| CY 2021 | 3,362 | ~3,258 | -28.7% |
The largest annual change was +32.9% in CY 2025, and the latest change, CY 2024 to CY 2025, was +32.9%. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: dispositions apply the statewide disposition-to-filing ratio of about 97% to the Jefferson Davis Parish filing counts.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Jefferson Davis County?
Criminal cases were the largest category of district court filings in Jefferson Davis Parish in CY 2025, at 87.0% of the 7,700 filings reported. Criminal filings changed the most from CY 2024 (+41.1%).
| Case Type | Filings CY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | 849 | 11.0% | -3.0% |
| Criminal | 6,697 | 87.0% | +41.1% |
| Juvenile | 154 | 2.0% | -9.9% |
| Probate | ~249 | ~3.2% | ~+32.9% |
| Mental health | ~96 | ~1.3% | ~+32.9% |
| Family law | ~4 | ~0.1% | ~+32.9% |
Share and year-over-year change compare CY 2025 with CY 2024 filings for Jefferson Davis Parish from the Supreme Court of Louisiana's annual reports.
How Does Jefferson Davis County Compare With Louisiana Overall?
Jefferson Davis Parish district court filings made up 1.35% of Louisiana's 570,733 district court filings in 2025, from a parish with 0.68% of the state's population.
| Metric | Jefferson Davis Parish | Louisiana | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share of Louisiana population (2025) | 0.68% | 100% | Parish has 0.68% of state residents |
| Total district court filings (2025) | 7,700 | 570,733 | 1.35% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | +32.9% | +4.4% | 28.5 points higher |
| Filings per 1,000 residents | 244.9 | 124.1 | 97.3% above state |
| Criminal share of filings | 16.1% | 23.7% | 7.6 points lower |
| Civil share of filings | 11.0% | 25.8% | 14.8 points lower |
| Traffic share of filings | 70.9% | 47.5% | 23.5 points higher |
| Juvenile share of filings | 2.0% | 3.0% | 1.0 points lower |
| Share of statewide criminal filings | 0.91% | 100% | Parish share of the state category |
| Share of statewide civil filings | 0.58% | 100% | Parish share of the state category |
Filings in Jefferson Davis Parish grew 32.9% in 2025 while statewide filings rose 4.4%, and the parish files nearly twice as many district court cases per resident as the state. Traffic makes up 70.9% of its district court docket compared with 47.5% statewide.
Jefferson Davis County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Louisiana statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Jefferson Davis Parish. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 17.0% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 79% of Louisiana's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
16,766
Violent crimes, Louisiana statewide, 2025
66,996
Property crimes, Louisiana statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
363.0
Violent crime rate per 100K, Louisiana statewide, 2025 (population 4,618,189)
-17.0%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Louisiana statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (83,762 vs 100,915)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 293 | 6.3 | 363 | -19.3% |
| Rape | 1,178 | 25.5 | 1,298 | -9.2% |
| Robbery | 1,002 | 21.7 | 1,338 | -25.1% |
| Aggravated assault | 14,293 | 309.5 | 16,025 | -10.8% |
| Violent crimes total | 16,766 | 363.0 | 19,024 | -11.9% |
| Burglary | 11,034 | 238.9 | 14,473 | -23.8% |
| Larceny-theft | 49,721 | 1076.6 | 58,501 | -15.0% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 6,040 | 130.8 | 8,649 | -30.2% |
| Property crimes total | 66,996 | 1450.7 | 81,891 | -18.2% |
Rates use the Louisiana 2025 population of 4,618,189. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Jefferson Davis Parish with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Jefferson Davis County Courthouse Locations
Jefferson Davis Parish has 1 Clerk of Court location in Jennings. Check your notice, citation or case paperwork for the office that holds your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Davis Parish Clerk of Court | 300 N. State St., Rm.106, Jennings, LA 70546 Mailing: P.O. Box 799, Jennings, LA 70546 | 337-824-1160 | Clerk of Court office: district court records and land records as parish recorder of conveyances and mortgages |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Jefferson Davis County?
Your case type decides which court hears it in Jefferson Davis Parish, and the Clerk of Court can confirm the right office for your paperwork.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | City, parish or mayor's court, or the district court | Check the citation for the court or agency that issued it. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking matters are not handled by the district court. |
| Misdemeanor | City or parish court, or the district court | The charge and court date on your paperwork show which court hears it. |
| Felony | The 31st Judicial District Court | Felony cases are heard by the district court, the parish's court of general jurisdiction. |
| DUI | City or parish court, or the district court | The charge on your paperwork shows which court hears the case. |
| Domestic violence | The district court | Ask the Clerk of Court which division handles protective orders and criminal charges. |
| Civil lawsuit | The 31st Judicial District Court | District courts hear civil suits in the parish's judicial district. |
| Small claims | Justice of the peace or city court, where available | Confirm which small claims court serves your ward or city before filing. |
| Eviction | Justice of the peace court in the ward | Justice of the peace courts handle evictions in many rural wards. |
| Divorce | The 31st Judicial District Court | Divorce cases are filed with the district court Clerk of Court. |
| Child custody or support | The 31st Judicial District Court | Custody and support matters are filed with the district court. |
| Probate or estate | The 31st Judicial District Court | Confirm the filing requirements with the Clerk of Court. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile proceedings in the district court | Juvenile matters are heard in the district court; juvenile records are confidential |
| Appeal | Louisiana Court of Appeal for the circuit, then the Louisiana Supreme Court | Appeals go to the circuit's Court of Appeal, then to the Louisiana Supreme Court. |
Are Jefferson Davis County Court Records Public?
Yes, most court records in Jefferson Davis Parish are public, with exceptions. Under the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.), the public may inspect and copy public records, and court records are generally open under Louisiana Supreme Court and district court rules.
Public records
Most district court case files are open for inspection and copying, including filings and orders in civil and criminal cases.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available. Ask the Clerk of Court which records are restricted before you request them.
Online access
Online access varies by parish. Call the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 to confirm whether an online case search covers your case type.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of Court at 300 N. State St., Rm.106, Jennings, LA 70546, to view or request records. Land and mortgage records are kept by the Clerk of Court as recorder of conveyances and mortgages.
Fees
The Clerk of Court may charge copy and certification fees set by Louisiana law. Ask the clerk for the current amounts before you request copies.
How to Search Jefferson Davis County Court Records Online
Use the Clerk of Court's office to confirm which online search, if any, covers the case type you need in Jefferson Davis Parish.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate or juvenile.
- Call the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 to find out whether an official online search is available for your parish.
- If online access is available, search by party name or case number.
- Review the case details, such as status and scheduled dates.
- Ask the Clerk of Court for documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Contact the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 | Case information only through the clerk | No online search is listed for this parish; documents require the clerk |
| Traffic | Contact the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 | Case information only through the clerk | Confirm with the clerk whether traffic cases are shown online |
| Civil | Contact the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 | Case information only through the clerk | Confirm with the clerk which civil records are available |
| Small claims | Contact the Clerk of Court or the justice of the peace court at 337-824-1160 | Case information only through the clerk | Access depends on the court that heard the case |
| Family law | Contact the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 | Case information only through the clerk | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Contact the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 | Case information only through the clerk | Confirm the filing office with the clerk |
| Juvenile | Contact the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 | Case information only through the clerk | Juvenile proceedings are confidential and not publicly searchable |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Jefferson Davis County
Contact the Clerk of Court to confirm the payment options for a case in Jefferson Davis Parish.
- Phone: Call the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 to ask which payment methods the office accepts for your case.
- In person: Go to 300 N. State St., Rm.106, Jennings, LA 70546, and ask the clerk how to pay. Bring your ticket or case number.
Traffic citations and criminal fines may follow different routes, so confirm which applies on your paperwork. Parking tickets are paid through the agency that issued them, not through the district court.
Jefferson Davis County Court Records FAQ
How do I search court records?
Call the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 to ask about online access, or visit 300 N. State St., Rm.106, Jennings. You can also search by name on LouisianaCourts.org, but results are not official court records.
Are court records public?
Most court records are open under Louisiana law, but juvenile, sealed, expunged and other confidential records are not publicly available.
How do I find a criminal case?
Contact the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 with the defendant's full name and approximate dates.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or citation, or call the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Contact the Clerk of Court at 337-824-1160 or the court or agency listed on your ticket to confirm the payment options.
How many cases are filed each year?
Jefferson Davis Parish district courts recorded 7,700 filings in 2025, up 32.9% from 5,792 in 2024.
What is the most common type of case?
Traffic cases, at 5,461 of the 7,700 district court filings in 2025, or 70.9% of the total.
Is crime rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 11.9% to 16,766 in 2025 from 19,024 in 2024, and property crimes fell 18.2% to 66,996 from 81,891, as reported to the FBI. These are Louisiana statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Jennings City CourtMore Info
| Address: | 210 South State St., Jennings, LA, 70546 |
| Phone Number: | 337-821-5514 |
| Fax: | 337-821-5539 |
| Website: | https://www.cityofjennings.com/city-court/ |
Jefferson Davis Parish County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 300 North State St., Jennings, LA, 70546 |
| Phone Number: | 337-824-3506 |
| Fax: | 337-824-8985 |
| Website: | www.31stjdc.org/ |
Useful Links
- Louisiana Supreme Court - Welcome to the Louisiana Supreme Court: Access Louisiana's highest court information, court rules, opinions, and updates.
- 19th Judicial District Court - Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Learn about court operations, resources, and services provided by the 19th Judicial District Court, which oversees local cases.
- Louisiana State Bar Association - Home: Find resources for legal professionals, bar members, and the public, including legal education and member services.
- Justia - Jefferson Davis Parish Lawyers: Directory of local lawyers providing legal services in Jefferson Davis Parish, to help find legal assistance or counsel.
- The Louisiana Public Defender Board - Welcome: Information on public defense services in Louisiana, and access resources for those in need of public defender services.
- Louisiana Attorney General - Jeff Landry: State attorney general’s office resource with information on consumer protection, crime prevention, and public legal service updates.
- State Library of Louisiana - Welcome: Access legal documents, historical records, and resources for researching state laws, highlighting library services and collections.
- ACLU of Louisiana - American Civil Liberties Union: Find information on civil rights, privacy, and liberties in Louisiana, with advocacy and legal support resources.
- Louisiana Court Web Accessibility - Welcome: Explore resources for accessible court web services, ensuring digital content is accessible for all users in need.
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Find a Lawyer: Locate criminal defense attorneys in Jefferson Davis County and explore NACDL resources and membership benefits.
- CourtListener - Free Legal Research for All: Search a comprehensive database of U.S. court cases, opinions, and oral arguments for legal research purposes.
- PACER - Public Access to Court Electronic Records: Access U.S. federal court records online quickly via PACER, a service which provides public records electronically.
- Nolo’s Quick Guide to Louisiana Legal Resources: Essentials for legal guides, articles, and related resources for legal self-help and understanding Louisiana law.
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Home: Discover data on crime, court systems, and justice statistics in Louisiana and across U.S., aiding in research efforts.
- FindLaw - Louisiana Legal Resources: Comprehensive collection of Louisiana laws, cases, legal forms, and legal assistance resources for residents and visitors.
- USA.gov - State Attorneys General: Information about Louisiana state attorneys general, contact details, and their roles in legal and legislative matters.
- Judgepedia - Louisiana: Learn about Louisiana's judges, courts, and judiciary system, offering insights into judicial appointments and elections.
- Legal Services Corporation - Home: Locate and access federally funded legal assistance for low-income individuals at Legal Services Corporation across Lousiana.
- CourtReference - Louisiana Court Directory: An extensive directory of courts and courthouses in Louisiana, with contact details and service availability information.
- Louisiana Judicial Courts Home: Explore a wide spectrum of services and judicial profiles provided by the Louisiana Supreme Court, including case updates.
Table of Contents
- Jefferson Davis County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Jefferson Davis County Court Records
- Jefferson Davis County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Jefferson Davis County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Jefferson Davis County?
- How Does Jefferson Davis County Compare With Louisiana Overall?
- Jefferson Davis County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Jefferson Davis County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Jefferson Davis County?
- Are Jefferson Davis County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Jefferson Davis County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Jefferson Davis County
- Jefferson Davis County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links