About East Feliciana Parish
East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana (note: Louisiana uses parishes, not counties) is located in the southeastern portion of the state, approximately 30 miles north of Baton Rouge. The parish seat is Clinton, a historic town that serves as the governmental and administrative center. East Feliciana Parish covers approximately 453 square miles and has a population of around 19,500 residents according to recent census estimates. The parish was established in 1824 when the original Feliciana Parish was divided into East and West Feliciana.
The region is characterized by rolling hills, pine forests, and rich agricultural land, which distinguishes it from the flatter terrain found in much of southern Louisiana. Historic landmarks include the East Feliciana Parish Courthouse in Clinton, built in 1840 and still in use today, making it one of the oldest functioning courthouses in Louisiana. The Lawyers Row historic district and numerous antebellum homes reflect the parish's rich architectural heritage.
Port Hudson State Historic Site, located partially in East Feliciana Parish, commemorates the longest genuine siege in American military history during the Civil War. The parish government operates through the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury, which serves as the parish's legislative body. Key offices include the East Feliciana Parish Clerk of Court located at 12396 Marston Street in Clinton, the Tax Assessor's Office at 12240 Woodside Drive in Clinton, and the Sheriff's Office at 12095 Plank Road in Clinton.
The economy is primarily agricultural, with timber production, cattle ranching, and small-scale farming as major contributors.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The East Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in the parish, responsible for maintaining peace and order. The office patrols the unincorporated areas, manages the parish jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and crime prevention initiatives tailored to the needs of East Feliciana Parish residents. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, criminal investigations, and a dedicated narcotics unit that addresses drug-related issues in the parish.
Police Departments
In addition to the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the parish, including the Clinton Police Department and the Jackson Police Department. These city departments handle law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, focusing on local ordinances and community policing. The Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout the parish.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The East Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office, located at 12095 Plank Road in Clinton, LA 70722, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the parish. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (225) 683-5459 and maintains a website at www.efelicianaparish.org for general information. The agency operates the East Feliciana Parish Jail, which houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving short-term sentences.
- To request arrest records, citizens should submit a written request to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court, specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Processing fees for copies of arrest records typically follow Louisiana statutory guidelines, usually around $0.50 per page plus any applicable administrative fees.
Inmate lookup services are available by calling the jail directly at (225) 683-5459 or visiting the facility in person during business hours, though an online inmate roster may be accessible through third-party databases like VINELink Louisiana. Municipal law enforcement within East Feliciana Parish is limited, as most incorporated towns rely on the Sheriff's Office for policing services, though the Town of Clinton may have its own marshal or police presence for local ordinance enforcement. Arrest records in East Feliciana Parish are considered public records under Louisiana Public Records Law, specifically Louisiana Revised Statutes 44:1 et seq., which establishes the right of citizens to inspect and copy public records.
Some arrest information may also be available through the East Feliciana Parish Clerk of Court, which maintains criminal case filings. Mugshots and booking photos are typically part of the arrest record and may be obtained through the same request process, though some booking information may be available through third-party websites that aggregate Louisiana arrest data. There is no tribal law enforcement jurisdiction in East Feliciana Parish, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in the area.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in East Feliciana Parish includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. The East Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records, providing access to authorized individuals and agencies. Residents can run background checks through the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, which compiles statewide criminal records. This process is essential for employers and individuals seeking comprehensive criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in East Feliciana Parish are maintained by the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office. These records provide detailed information about the arrest, including the date, charges, and personal details of the individual arrested. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, subject to the provisions of the Louisiana Public Records Act. Arrest records are an essential part of the criminal justice process, providing transparency and accountability within the parish.
Jail & Inmate Records
The East Feliciana Parish Detention Center is the main correctional facility in the parish, where individuals who have been arrested are held. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about individuals currently incarcerated. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance.
- The bond and bail process follows Louisiana state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending trial upon payment of a set amount.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in East Feliciana Parish are taken and retained by the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Louisiana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, meaning that once a mugshot is part of the public record, it remains accessible unless expunged by court order. Individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed must typically pursue legal avenues for expungement.
Courts & Case Records
The 20th Judicial District Court serves East Feliciana Parish and is located at the East Feliciana Parish Courthouse, 12421 Marston Street, Clinton, LA 70722. The court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding small claims limits, family law matters including divorce and child custody, successions (probate), and appeals from lower courts. The District Court can be contacted at (225) 683-5145.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by Louisiana Revised Statutes 13:842 and typically include $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
- Requesters must provide valid identification and may need to complete a records request form specifying the case number or parties' names.
The East Feliciana Parish Clerk of Court, located at 12396 Marston Street, Clinton, LA 70722, phone (225) 683-5145, serves as the official records custodian for all court proceedings and maintains an extensive archive of civil and criminal case files, marriage licenses, mortgages, conveyances, and other legal documents. Court record searches can be conducted in person at the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. While East Feliciana Parish does not currently offer a comprehensive online case management system, some records may be searchable through the Louisiana Supreme Court's electronic filing system for cases filed electronically.
City Courts and Justice of the Peace courts handle misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and small claims matters within their respective jurisdictions. Access to court records is governed by Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Articles 253 and Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S.
44:1 et seq.), which presume that court records are public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for East Feliciana Parish are maintained by the East Feliciana Parish Clerk of Court, which serves the dual function of court clerk and recorder of conveyances. The office is located at 12396 Marston Street, Clinton, LA 70722, and can be reached at (225) 683-5145. The Clerk of Court maintains records of all property deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, financing statements (UCC filings), plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property title in the parish. These records date back to the parish's formation in 1824, providing an extensive historical archive.
- Recording fees are established by Louisiana statute and vary depending on the type of document, typically ranging from $100 to $150 for deeds and mortgages.
- The Assessor's website may offer online property search capabilities allowing users to search by owner name, address, or parcel number to view assessment values, tax information, and property descriptions.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Clerk of Court for a fee of approximately $2.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus certification charges.
- Property tax payments are processed through the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office Tax Division, as the Sheriff serves as the parish tax collector under Louisiana law.
Researchers can access these records in person during regular business hours, and the office staff can assist with locating specific documents using grantor/grantee indexes, property legal descriptions, or instrument numbers. The East Feliciana Parish Assessor's Office, located at 12240 Woodside Drive, Clinton, LA 70722, phone (225) 683-5227, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, and property characteristics for all taxable property in the parish. East Feliciana Parish may offer GIS mapping services through the Assessor's Office or parish government website, providing visual parcel identification and basic property information.
Vital Records
Vital records for East Feliciana Parish, including birth and death certificates, are maintained both locally and at the state level. Birth and death certificates occurring in East Feliciana Parish can be obtained from the East Feliciana Parish Clerk of Court at 12396 Marston Street, Clinton, LA 70722, phone (225) 683-5145. However, the Louisiana Department of Health, Vital Records Registry, located at P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160, serves as the central repository for all Louisiana vital records and may be a more efficient option for recent records.
- Birth certificates typically cost $15 for a certified copy, while death certificates cost $7 each from the state office.
- Processing times vary from immediate service for in-person requests at the state office to 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through the Louisiana Vital Records website at ldh.la.gov/vitals or through approved third-party vendors like VitalChek, though convenience fees apply.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the East Feliciana Parish Clerk of Court and cost approximately $27.50, with a 24-hour waiting period waived upon completion of premarital counseling.
Marriage records and certified copies of marriage certificates are also maintained by the Clerk of Court. Divorce records are maintained as part of court proceedings by the Clerk of Court for the 20th Judicial District. To obtain vital records, requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record (immediate family member, legal representative, or personal interest if requesting one's own record), as required by Louisiana Revised Statutes 40:31-40:38, which governs vital records confidentiality and access.
Birth records are restricted for 100 years and death records for 50 years from the date of the event, after which they become public records accessible to any researcher.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in East Feliciana Parish are maintained at multiple governmental levels. Local business licenses and permits are typically processed through the individual municipalities such as the Town of Clinton, which may require business licenses for operations within town limits. The East Feliciana Parish Clerk of Court at 12396 Marston Street, Clinton, LA 70722, (225) 683-5145, maintains filings for trade names (doing business as/DBA registrations) and certain business-related documents.
- Sales tax permits and collection authority are administered by the Louisiana Department of Revenue, and businesses operating in East Feliciana Parish must register for state and local sales tax collection.
- 44:1 et seq.) and are generally accessible upon request unless exempted by specific statute.
However, most formal business entity registrations, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, must be filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.la.gov where users can search for business entities by name, charter number, or registered agent, access annual reports, and verify business status at no charge. Professional and occupational licenses are generally issued by state-level boards and commissions rather than parish government, depending on the profession.
Building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, and zoning approvals are handled by the East Feliciana Parish Permit Office or Code Enforcement Department, which operates under the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury. Contractors and builders should contact the parish government at (225) 683-5875 for specific permitting requirements. The East Feliciana Parish Chamber of Commerce, though not a government agency, provides resources for new and existing businesses and can be found online, offering networking opportunities and business development support.
All business-related public records are subject to Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in East Feliciana Parish are administered by the East Feliciana Parish Registrar of Voters, located at 12395 Marston Street, Clinton, LA 70722. The Registrar's Office can be reached at (225) 683-8527 and handles all aspects of voter registration, polling place information, and absentee voting for parish residents.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- citizens, at least 17 years old (16 to pre-register), Louisiana residents, and not currently under an order of imprisonment for a felony conviction.
- In the 2024 general election, East Feliciana Parish voter turnout was approximately 60-65% of registered voters, consistent with typical presidential election participation rates in rural Louisiana parishes.
- Citizens may request copies of voter lists and election-related documents through the Registrar of Voters office, subject to statutory fees and use restrictions.
Louisiana offers online voter registration through the Louisiana Secretary of State's GeauxVote portal at www.geauxvote.com, where eligible citizens can register to vote, update their registration, check their registration status, and find their assigned polling location. Voter registration deadlines in Louisiana require registration at least 30 days before an election (20 days for online registration). Voters can find their specific polling place by visiting the GeauxVote website and entering their name and date of birth, or by contacting the Registrar of Voters office directly.
East Feliciana Parish typically operates multiple polling locations on election day, concentrated in Clinton, Jackson, and other population centers. Election records that are public in Louisiana include voter registration rolls (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Louisiana Board of Ethics, candidate qualifying information, and precinct-level election results. The Louisiana Secretary of State publishes comprehensive election results at www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives elections, potential U.S. Senate races depending on the cycle, and various Louisiana state legislative and local offices.
Louisiana conducts primary elections (called 'jungle primaries' or 'blanket primaries') where all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party, with the top two vote-getters advancing to a runoff if no candidate achieves a majority. Absentee voting by mail is available for Louisiana voters who meet specific criteria including being away from the parish on election day, having certain disabilities or illnesses, being 65 or older, or being incarcerated but still eligible to vote. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Registrar of Voters and are available on the Secretary of State's website.
Early voting is offered at designated locations in East Feliciana Parish for a period of typically 7-14 days before an election. Louisiana law (La. R.S.
18:1461 et seq.) governs public access to election records, ensuring transparency while protecting voter privacy.
Economy & Demographics
East Feliciana Parish's economy is predominantly rural and agricultural, with forestry, timber production, and cattle ranching serving as major economic drivers. The parish's rolling terrain and favorable climate support significant pine timber operations, with several large landholders and timber companies maintaining operations in the area. Weyerhaeuser and other timber corporations have historically been significant economic contributors.
- Government employment, including the East Feliciana Parish School System, parish government offices, and state correctional facilities, provides stable employment for many residents.
- Proximity to Baton Rouge provides employment opportunities for residents willing to commute, making East Feliciana partly a bedroom community for the capital city.
Agriculture includes cattle ranching, hay production, and some row crop farming, though on a smaller scale than in the Mississippi River Delta regions. According to recent estimates, the median household income in East Feliciana Parish is approximately $42,000 to $48,000, which is below both state and national averages, reflecting the parish's rural character and limited industrial development. The unemployment rate typically tracks close to or slightly above state averages, ranging between 4% and 6% in recent years.
The Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, while technically located in West Feliciana Parish, has economic impacts on the broader Feliciana region through employment and related services. Retail and service businesses in Clinton and Jackson serve local residents and some tourism traffic. Tourism represents a growing economic sector, with visitors drawn to the parish's historic sites including the 1840 Courthouse, antebellum homes, the Clinton Confederate State Cemetery, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Port Hudson State Historic Site attracts Civil War history enthusiasts. Economic development efforts focus on preserving the parish's rural character while attracting compatible light industry, professional services, and value-added agricultural businesses. The East Feliciana Parish Economic Development Authority works to recruit new business investment while supporting existing enterprises.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Limited Online | Property: ⚠️ In-Person Primary/Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Office | Business: ✅ State Online | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 5/10 — East Feliciana Parish maintains traditional in-person access for most local records, with state-level databases providing the strongest online transparency.
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Cities & Towns in East Feliciana Parish
Nearby Counties
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