Court records in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, can be accessed through several channels. LincolnparishCourt.us allows you to search for public information on parish court cases. Additionally, official court resources, the clerk of court's office, and public terminals in the courthouse provide access to case materials, hearing schedules, and court documents. Federal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.
Lincoln Court System & Jurisdictions
Lincoln Parish is part of the 3rd Judicial District of Louisiana. The main judicial institution is the Third Judicial District Court, located in Ruston.
- Third Judicial District Court — handles criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors), civil lawsuits, family matters (divorce, custody, alimony), probate cases, and juvenile matters. This court has general jurisdiction.
- Ruston City Court — serves the city of Ruston and handles small civil claims (up to $5,000), traffic violations, misdemeanors, and housing disputes within the city.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — several justices of the peace in the parish resolve minor civil disputes and issue warrants.
Criminal cases involving inmates at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center typically go through the District Court. Federal cases — bankruptcy, federal law violations — are handled by the Western District of Louisiana.
Where to Search for a Case
If you received a speeding ticket in Ruston, start with Ruston City Court. Felony charges or a probate case? Contact the District Court. Not sure — call the clerk of court to clarify where your case is registered.
Lincoln Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule for the Third Judicial District Court can be obtained directly from the clerk of court's office or public terminals in the courthouse. Ruston City Court also publishes its calendar through the office.
To find information about today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Contact the Clerk of Court's office by phone or in person.
- Check LincolnparishCourt.us — the resource may contain current schedule information.
- Visit the courthouse and use the public terminals in the lobby.
General parish information, including contact details for local institutions, can be found on the official Louisiana state website.
Lincoln Parish Clerk of Court
How to Get a Copy of a Lincoln Court Document
Copies of court documents in Lincoln Parish are issued by the Clerk of Court. There are two types of copies:
- Certified — with the clerk's seal and signature, legally valid for submission to other courts, government agencies, or for immigration procedures.
- Uncertified — a regular copy for review, without official confirmation.
How to Order a Copy
- In Person — visit the Clerk of Court's office at the address above. Provide the case number or the names of the parties, and the staff will locate the required document.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the case name, case number (if known), document type, and number of copies. Include payment in the form of a money order made payable to Lincoln Parish Clerk of Court.
- Online — some documents may be available through electronic court systems. Confirm the availability of this option by calling the office.
Certain categories of records — such as juvenile cases or sealed criminal cases — are usually not issued without a judge's order. Death and marriage records are maintained by the Secretary of State through the Louisiana State Archives.
Lincoln Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to Louisiana law and the internal rules of the office. Below are approximate rates — exact amounts should be confirmed directly with the Clerk of Court, as they may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search (by name) | $10–$25 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50–$1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $2.00–$5.00 + copying cost |
| Certification fee | $2.00–$5.00 |
| Civil filing fee | Depends on case type |
Payment is accepted in cash, money order, or cashier's check. Some offices also accept credit and debit cards — confirm in advance. Personal checks are not always accepted.
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 13, court clerks are authorized to charge fees for copying, certifying, and searching documents. If you need a large number of copies or documents from old cases, the cost may increase due to additional time required for archive searches.