Criminal records in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, are available through several channels. VermilionParishCourt.us allows you to search public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies — including the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office — and the Clerk of Court in Abbeville.
How to Search Criminal Records in Vermilion
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Vermilion Parish. Below is a step-by-step guide for each method.
Through VermilionParishCourt.us
- Go to VermilionParishCourt.us.
- Enter the person's full name (last name and first name) or case number.
- Review the results — publicly available information about parish criminal cases.
Online through Official Resources
- Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office — the Records section allows you to request public records, incident reports, and accident reports. To search for inmates, use the Prisoner Search tool, which shows individuals arrested within the last 24 hours.
- Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections — the statewide inmate search helps find individuals under the Department's supervision.
- Judicial Branch of Louisiana — general information about the state's judicial system can be found on the official website.
In Person
The Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court's office is located in the courthouse in Abbeville. You can use public access terminals there or ask a clerk to find the case you need. Bring a valid photo ID.
By Mail or Written Request
A written request can be sent to the Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available). According to the Louisiana Public Records Law (RS 44:1), public records are generally available for viewing by any person. For a statewide criminal history, the request is directed to the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information.
What you need to start a search:
- The person's full name
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search Vermilion Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific criminal case. In Louisiana, case numbers typically follow this structure:
- Numeric prefix or year — indicates the year the case was filed (e.g., 2024).
- Case type letter code — denotes the category: "CR" for criminal cases, "FE" for felonies, or other abbreviations depending on the court.
- Sequential number — a unique number within the year and category.
Example: A case with the number 2024-CR-00512 indicates a criminal case filed in 2024 under sequential number 512. If you have the case number, enter it in the appropriate search field on the court portal or inform the clerk when visiting in person. This will yield the fastest result.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Vermilion
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Louisiana Criminal Code (e.g., RS 14:98 — DWI) |
| 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 awaiting review; proceedings are not yet complete.
- Active — the case is in active court proceedings.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — all procedures are complete, and the case is closed.
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — the first court hearing where the defendant is informed of the charges and enters a plea.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
- Pre-Trial — a procedural meeting before the main trial begins.
- Sentencing — a hearing to announce the sentence after a guilty plea or conviction.
- Review — a control hearing to check compliance with conditions (e.g., probation).
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury found the defendant not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — at the prosecutor's or court's initiative |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue prosecution |
| Acquitted | The defendant is acquitted as a result of the trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Vermilion
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's certifying stamp. They are often required by employers, attorneys, or government agencies.
Where to Apply
The main institution is the Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court, located in the courthouse in Abbeville. For arrest or incident reports, contact the administrative division of the sheriff's office. State-level criminal history is issued by the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information.
Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court
Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office — Records Division
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the Clerk of Court's office with a valid photo ID (driver's license or passport).
- By Mail — send a written request with the full name, date of birth, case number (if available), and a copy of your ID. Include payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check.
- Through the Sheriff's Office — for incident and accident reports, submit a request via the Records page on the VPSO website.
Required Documents
- Valid photo ID
- Completed request form (if available — can be obtained at the office)
- Payment of the applicable fee
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Vermilion
Fees are regulated by Louisiana law. Below are estimated amounts, which should be confirmed directly with the Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office, as they may change.
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
| Document certification | $5.00 and up (per document) |
| Incident report (sheriff's office) | Depends on the type of report; confirm with the Records Division |
| State-level criminal history check (Louisiana State Police) | Approximately $26.00 (subject to change) |
Processing Times
- In Person — simple requests are usually processed the same day or within 1–3 business days.
- By Mail — 5 to 15 business days depending on the complexity of the request and the volume of documents.
- Criminal history check through Louisiana State Police — 2 to 6 weeks if fingerprint verification is required.
To confirm current fees, contact the Clerk of Court at (337) 898-1992 or the Sheriff's Office Records Division.