Criminal records in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, are available through several channels. VernonparishCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of Court's office. Federal cases are handled by the Western District of Louisiana. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to search, request, and understand criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Vernon
To begin your search, you will need at least one of the following pieces of information:
- Full name of the individual (first and last name)
- Date of birth (DOB)
- Case number
- Social Security number — only for official checks through law enforcement agencies
Online Search
- VernonparishCourt.us — enter the name or case number to find publicly available data on criminal proceedings in Vernon Parish.
- State Court System — the judicial branch of Louisiana includes 43 district courts. Vernon Parish belongs to the 30th Judicial District Court. Check if online case search is available on the district court's website.
- Inmate Search — the Department of Public Safety & Corrections allows you to find individuals under supervision or incarceration at the state level.
- Federal Cases — if the crime is federal, use the PACER system through the Western District of Louisiana website.
In-Person Visit
Visit the Vernon Parish Clerk of Court's office in Leesville. There are public terminals available to view criminal case indexes. The clerk can also assist in locating archived records that are not in electronic databases.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the Vernon Parish Clerk of Court, specifying the full name of the individual, date of birth, and type of record. Include a copy of your ID and payment for the applicable fees (see the section below). For a state-level criminal history check, the request is submitted to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification.
Search Vernon Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Louisiana, criminal case numbers are typically formatted to include the year of filing and a sequential number. For example, the format may look like this:
- Year — two or four digits indicating the year the case was filed
- Letter Code — indicates the type of proceeding (e.g., "CR" for criminal cases)
- Sequential Number — a unique consecutive number within the year
If you have the exact case number, the search is much faster and more accurate than by name. One number corresponds to one specific case, so you immediately get the desired record without having to filter results among individuals with the same name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Vernon
Charges
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Louisiana Revised Statutes (e.g., RS 13:978 pertains to Vernon Parish) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge — for example, reducing a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea deal |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is actively being considered
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedural actions have been completed
Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first court appearance where the defendant learns about the charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial — parties discuss evidence, possible deals, and procedural motions
- Sentencing — the imposition of a penalty after a guilty plea or verdict
- Review — review of the conditions of the penalty or probation
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant has been found guilty |
| Not guilty | The court or jury acquitted the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict — usually initiated by the prosecutor or the court |
| Acquitted | Complete exoneration after the case is considered on its merits |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Vernon
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions and courts as evidence. They are issued by the Vernon Parish Clerk of Court's office.
How to Submit a Request
- In person — visit the office at the address below with valid identification (driver's license or passport).
- By mail — send a written request specifying the defendant's name, case number (if known), and type of document needed. Include a copy of your ID and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
- Through law enforcement agencies — for a complete criminal background check at the state level, the request is submitted to the Louisiana State Police. This involves fingerprinting.
Vernon Parish Clerk of Court
Vernon Parish Jail (for arrest and detention information):
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Vernon
Fees for copies and certification of documents in Louisiana are regulated by state law. Below are typical rates for Vernon Parish — check the current amounts directly with the Clerk of Court's office.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50–$1.00 |
| Document certification | $2.00–$5.00 per document |
| Record search fee | Depends on complexity; usually $10–$25 |
| Criminal history check through Louisiana State Police | About $26 (state level) or $39.50 (with FBI federal check) |
Processing Times
- In person — simple copy requests are usually processed the same day or within a few business days.
- By mail — from 5 to 15 business days, depending on the volume of the request and the current workload of the office.
- Check through State Police — from 2 to 6 weeks for a complete check with fingerprints.
Payment is accepted in the form of a money order or cashier's check made payable to the Vernon Parish Clerk of Court. Some offices also accept credit cards for in-person visits — confirm this in advance by phone. Additional information about local contacts in Vernon Parish can be found on the official state website.