The court records of Tangipahoa Parish in the state of Louisiana are maintained by the district court clerk and are accessible through online tools, official court portals, and directly at the clerk's office. TangipahoaParishCourt.org will help you find publicly available information about parish court cases. Additional sources include the Tangipahoa Parish government portal, the court clerk's page on the Louisiana Department of Health website, and the official parish profile on the state website.
Tangipahoa Court System Overview
Tangipahoa Parish is part of the 21st Judicial District of Louisiana. This district exclusively serves Tangipahoa Parish — unlike many other districts that encompass multiple parishes. The District Court handles criminal cases involving serious crimes, civil lawsuits, and family matters. The parish has several district court judges who distribute criminal, civil, and family proceedings among themselves.
The courthouse is located in Amite City:
The office is usually open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It's advisable to call ahead to confirm the schedule before visiting.
Courts Serving Tangipahoa
Residents of the parish are served by several courts of different jurisdictions:
State District Court
City Courts
The Hammond City Court handles minor criminal cases, traffic violations, and civil lawsuits within the city's jurisdiction.
Justice of the Peace Courts
Several justice of the peace courts operate in the parish, handling minor civil disputes and performing other functions as per Louisiana law.
Federal District Court
Tangipahoa Parish falls under the Eastern District of the federal court of Louisiana. Bankruptcy cases are also handled by the relevant division of this court.
What Types of Cases Tangipahoa Courts Hear
The parish courts hear a wide range of cases. Here are the main categories:
- Felonies and misdemeanors
- Traffic violations, including DUI
- Civil lawsuits — from small disputes to large claims
- Family law: divorce, custody, alimony
- Probate, guardianship, tutorship
- Juvenile cases — delinquency and child protection
- Adoption and termination of parental rights
The specific court depends on the type of case and the amount of the claim. More details on each category are below.
District Court Cases in Tangipahoa
The 21st District Court is the general jurisdiction court of the parish. It handles felony cases after a grand jury indictment. The court also hears civil lawsuits that exceed the jurisdictional limit of city and justice courts, appeals from lower courts, and post-conviction proceedings.
Cases are distributed among the district court judges. Criminal prosecution is conducted by the District Attorney of the 21st District. Once a case is assigned to a judge, it is handled from initial hearings to verdict or decision. Civil cases go through stages of filing a lawsuit, exchanging evidence, and, if necessary, trial.
Magistrate Court Cases in Tangipahoa
In Louisiana, functions that in other states are performed by magistrate courts are partially assigned to city courts and justices of the peace. Hammond City Court handles misdemeanors, minor civil disputes within the city, and traffic violations. The civil jurisdiction of Hammond City Court is limited to claims up to $25,000.
Justices of the peace have civil jurisdiction up to $5,000. They also handle minor offenses. DUI cases, depending on the location of the arrest, can be heard by either the city court or the district court — if it is a repeat offense or aggravating circumstances elevate it to a felony.
For small claims, residents turn to the justice court or city court depending on the defendant's residence or the location of the dispute.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Tangipahoa
Family Law
Divorce, child custody, alimony, protective orders, and paternity establishment are handled by the 21st District Court. Certified copies of divorce decrees are issued by the parish court clerk where the decision was made. To file for divorce, residency requirements set by the Louisiana Civil Code must be met.
Probate and Guardianship
Succession proceedings (the equivalent of probate in Louisiana) also fall under the jurisdiction of the district court. This includes opening estates, appointing a tutor for minors, and a curator for incapacitated persons. Louisiana uses unique terminology based on civil law.
Juvenile Matters
Juvenile delinquency and Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases are heard by the district court. Juvenile case records are confidential under state law. Access is limited to parties involved and authorized individuals.
How Cases Move Through the Tangipahoa Court System
- Initiating a Case. A criminal case begins with an arrest or a grand jury indictment. A civil case starts with the filing of a petition with the court clerk's office.
- Assignment of a Judge. The clerk assigns the case to one of the district court judges according to internal rules.
- Initial Hearings. In criminal cases — arraignment, where the defendant enters a plea. In civil cases — a scheduling conference.
- Pre-trial Stage. Exchange of evidence (discovery), filing of motions, plea negotiations in criminal cases, or settlement discussions in civil cases.
- Trial or Resolution. The case may conclude with a plea agreement, jury verdict, judge's decision, or settlement.
- Post-decision. Sentencing, filing an appeal to the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal, or enforcement of the court's decision.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Tangipahoa
The administration of the 21st District courts is carried out by the district's administrative judge in conjunction with the court administrator. Local rules govern procedural matters — from filing deadlines to the conduct of hearings.
Under the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.), most court documents are publicly accessible. Exceptions include juvenile cases, sealed records, and certain family matters. To obtain copies of documents, contact the Tangipahoa Parish court clerk's office. Public records requests can also be submitted through the official parish website.
Hearings are generally open to the public. To confirm the schedule of sessions or the possibility of remote participation, call the court office at (985) 748-4146.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Tangipahoa
- Case Search. District court records can be searched through the court clerk's office. For online search, check TangipahoaParishCourt.org.
- Criminal History Check. Online check through the Louisiana State Police provides conviction data in accordance with La. R.S. 15:587.
- Inmate Information. Offender search is available on the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections website.
- Parish Jail. Information about Tangipahoa Parish Jail (101 Campo Lane, Amite City, LA 70422, phone (985) 748-3392) can be found on the DPS&C website.
- Sheriff's Office. Contact details for the sheriff's office: 15475 Club Deluxe Road, Hammond, LA 70403, phone (985) 902-2000.
- Vital Records. Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued by the Louisiana Vital Records and Statistics Center. Certified copies of divorce decrees — from the parish court clerk where the decision was made.
- State Public Records Requests. For requests to executive agencies, use the Division of Administration portal or contact the Louisiana State Police.
- Archives. The Louisiana Secretary of State maintains historical records, including old Orleans Parish marriage certificates.
- Death Records Index. Search and order certified copies of death certificates through Louisiana's online services.