Search Traffic Court Records in Vermilion Parish
Vermilion Parish traffic court records are kept by the Clerk of Court in Abbeville, with cases heard in the 15th Judicial District Court. The parish also has two city courts that handle traffic matters within their limits. Abbeville City Court and Kaplan City Court both process local citations, so where your ticket was issued determines which court has your record. The 15th JDC is shared with Acadia and Lafayette Parishes, making it one of the busier judicial districts in the southern part of the state.
Vermilion Parish Quick Facts
Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court
The Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court is at 100 N State St Ste 101, Abbeville, LA 70510. The mailing address is P.O. Box 790, Abbeville, LA 70511-0790. Phone: (337) 898-1992. The clerk's office is the main hub for court records in this parish. All traffic cases that go through the 15th Judicial District Court in Vermilion Parish are on file here.
The office describes its role plainly: "Offering court related information and resources from the Clerk of Court office in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana." That means civil suits, criminal cases, traffic matters, and more. If you got a ticket in an area outside Abbeville or Kaplan city limits, this is where your case lives. The clerk keeps the official record for the district court.
The screenshot below shows the Louisiana Clerks Remote Access portal, a statewide tool that can be used to search Vermilion Parish court records.
The eClerks portal gives remote access to court records across Louisiana, including traffic cases filed in Vermilion Parish through the 15th JDC.
You can also visit the clerk's website at vermilionclerk.com for local information on filing and record requests. The site has forms, fee schedules, and instructions for getting copies of court documents.
| Address | 100 N State St Ste 101, Abbeville, LA 70510 |
|---|---|
| Mailing | P.O. Box 790, Abbeville, LA 70511-0790 |
| Phone | (337) 898-1992 |
| Website | vermilionclerk.com |
Abbeville and Kaplan City Courts
Two city courts in Vermilion Parish handle traffic cases within their respective city limits. This is common in Louisiana. Each city court operates as its own court with its own records, separate from the district court system.
Abbeville City Court is at 208 S. State St, Abbeville. Phone: (337) 893-1513. If your traffic citation was issued within Abbeville city limits by a city officer, this court has your case. The city court handles misdemeanor traffic offenses, parking tickets, and other minor violations that fall under its jurisdiction.
Kaplan City Court is at 511 N. Cushing Ave, Kaplan. Phone: (337) 643-6611. Same idea here. Traffic tickets issued within Kaplan's city limits go to this court. For cases outside both city limits but still in Vermilion Parish, the 15th JDC is the court of record. Knowing where your citation was issued is the first step to finding your record.
How to Search Vermilion Parish Traffic Records
Start with the eClerks Louisiana portal. This statewide system lets you search court records from most Louisiana parishes, including Vermilion. Some searches are free. Others need a paid account. The portal covers civil and criminal filings from the district court.
The ClerkConnect platform is another option. It provides remote access to parish court records and is used by attorneys, title companies, and the general public. If you need certified copies, you will still have to go through the clerk's office directly or submit a written request by mail.
For in-person searches, go to the clerk's office at 100 N State St in Abbeville. Public record inspection is free under La. R.S. 44:1. Copies cost extra. Certified copies are more. Bring the case number or the full name of the person on the ticket. The more info you have, the faster the search goes.
Under La. R.S. 44:33.1, the clerk must publish contact information for records requests. The phone number and address listed on this page come directly from that requirement. If you are not sure which court has your case, call the clerk's office first. They can point you in the right direction.
The Louisiana Supreme Court directory lists all courts in the state, including those serving Vermilion Parish. It is a good starting point if you need to find a specific judge or court division. The Louisiana Law Help site also has guides on how the clerk system works.
Paying Traffic Fines in Vermilion Parish
Most traffic fines in Vermilion Parish can be paid at the court where the case was filed. For district court cases, payment goes through the clerk's office. For city court cases, you pay at that city court. Some courts accept online payments through the nCourt system or similar platforms.
If you miss a court date or fail to pay a fine, the court may issue a bench warrant. That warrant stays on your record until you deal with it. Driving on a suspended license from unpaid tickets is a separate offense. It is best to handle these matters quickly.
For contested tickets, you have the right to a trial. This means showing up on your court date and entering a not guilty plea. The court will set a trial date. You can hire an attorney or represent yourself. Many people find it helpful to talk to a lawyer before deciding, especially for charges that carry points on your license or higher fines.
Legal Help in Vermilion Parish
If you need legal help with a traffic case, several resources are available. The Acadiana Legal Service Corporation covers Vermilion Parish and provides free legal aid for qualifying individuals. The Louisiana state directory lists local government contacts including the clerk, sheriff, and court offices. For self-help resources, Louisiana Law Help has guides on working with the clerk's office and understanding court procedures. Call the clerk at (337) 898-1992 for specific questions about your case status or record requests.
Nearby Parishes
Vermilion Parish sits along the Gulf Coast in south-central Louisiana. These neighboring parishes each have their own clerk of court and traffic court system.