Louisiana Arrest Records

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If you want to start a search for Louisiana Arrest Records right now, you can visit https://louisianaofficialrecords.com/arrest-records/. This site offers a way to look into records. You can use their tools to check names and find details. It provides access to public information. This can help you find arrest details quickly if they are available as public record. Start your search there if you need fast results.

What Are Louisiana Arrest Records?

An arrest record in Louisiana tracks when a person is taken into custody. It is made by a police force. This could be state police, parish sheriff, or city cops. The record notes why the person was held. It shows the date and the place of the arrest. It also lists the charges filed. Think of it as the first official paper in a possible court case. It does not mean the person is guilty. It just shows they were arrested by law enforcement.

Information Found in Arrest Records

Louisiana arrest records usually contain key facts. You can expect to find these items:

• The full name of the person arrested.

• Their date of birth.

• Physical traits like race and sex.

• The exact date and time of the arrest.

• Where the arrest took place.

• The name of the police agency that made the arrest.

• The specific laws the person is said to have broken (charges).

• A booking number assigned at the jail.

• The date the person was booked into jail.

• A photo taken at booking (mugshot).

• Details about bail or bond, if set.

Are Louisiana Arrest Records Public?

Yes, most arrest records are public in Louisiana. This is based on the Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This law states that people have a right to see public papers. Basic arrest info like who was arrested, when, where, and the charges, is usually open. Any person can ask to see these records. You do not need to give a reason for your request. Law enforcement must let you see or copy public arrest records.

However, not all arrest information is public. Some records are kept private by law. This ensures safety and privacy in certain cases.

Records Not Open to the Public

Some arrest records have limits on access. The law protects certain types of information. These records are usually not public:

• Records about an ongoing police probe. Sharing these could harm the case.

• Arrest records for young people (juveniles). These are kept private in most cases.

• Information that names a victim of a sex crime. Their privacy is key.

• Records that a judge has ordered sealed or expunged. These are removed from public view.

• Notes or files used by the police during their work on the case.

Finding Louisiana Arrest Records

You can find Louisiana arrest records in a few places. Where you look depends on who made the arrest. It also depends on how deep you need to search. You might need to check state, parish, or city sources. Court clerks also hold related case files.

Louisiana State Police (LSP)

The LSP keeps a central list of criminal history info. This is through the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (BCII). They hold records from across the state. You can ask for your own record check. This is called a "Right to Review." You need to fill out special forms. These are the Right to Review Authorization Form and Disclosure Form. You must show a valid state ID or driver's license.

You can ask in person or by mail. The fee is $26 for the check. If you go in person, fingerprints cost an extra $10. Pay with a money order or cashier's check. Make it out to the Dept of Public Safety. They do not take cash or personal checks. The office is open for this from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM on weekdays. It is closed on state holidays. If you go before 3:00 PM, you might get the results the same day. If you go later, they will mail it to you.

• In-Person: Bureau of Criminal Identification, 7919 Independence Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806.

• Mail: Bureau of Criminal Identification, P.O. Box 66614, Mail Slip A-6, Baton Rouge, LA 70896.

• Phone: (225) 925-6095. Mail requests take about 15 to 21 work days. The LSP also runs an Internet Background Check (IBC) system. This is mainly for approved groups needing name checks.

Parish Sheriff's Offices

Each parish sheriff keeps records of arrests made by their deputies. They also run the parish jails. Many sheriffs now offer online ways to search. You can often look up current inmates online. You can also request records directly from the sheriff's office. The process and fees vary by parish.

• East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office (EBRSO): They have an online inmate list. You can mail requests for records to: EBRSO, Attn: Criminal Records, P.O. Box 3277, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. The Criminal Records phone is (225) 389-5002.

• Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO): They offer an Online Inmate Master Search. You can call their Records Division at (504) 827-6777 for more help. They handle records for arrests in New Orleans. Information changes fast, so online details might not be fully up to date on court dates or final status.

• Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office (JPSO): You can request reports online or in person. They suggest making an appointment online for reports. Their Records Section is at 1233 Westbank Expressway, Building A, Harvey, LA 70058. They are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The phone number is (504) 363-5590. A copy of an arrest register costs $25.00. A background check costs $50. Check their Records & Reports page for full fee details.

City Police Departments

If a city police force made the arrest, they hold the first record. You would need to contact that city's police records unit. For example, an arrest by the Baton Rouge Police Department requires contacting BRPD. Their process might differ from the parish sheriff.

Parish Clerk of Court Offices

Arrests often lead to cases in court. The Clerk of Court in each parish keeps these court files. These records show charges filed by the DA. They track court dates, pleas, and the final outcome (disposition). This information is key to knowing what happened after the arrest. Many clerks offer online search tools for court cases. You can also visit their office. For instance, the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court has offices downtown and provides public access during business hours (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM). You can find a list of clerks via state resources or search for a specific parish clerk online.

Fixing Errors in Your Record

What if your Louisiana arrest record has mistakes? You have the right to fix it. The LSP "Right to Review" process allows this. When you get your criminal history summary, check it well. If you find errors, you can challenge them. Contact the LSP Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. Provide proof of the error. They will look into it and correct verified mistakes. This ensures your record is right.

Expunging Louisiana Arrest Records

An old arrest record can cause problems. It can hurt job chances or housing needs. Louisiana law allows some records to be expunged. Expungement means the record is removed from public view. It is not destroyed. Law enforcement can still see it. But employers and the public cannot.

What is Expungement?

Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971 defines expungement. It aims to help people move past old mistakes. It helps them find jobs and lead stable lives. An expunged record is kept confidential.

Who Can Get an Expungement?

Not everyone can get an expungement. Eligibility depends on state law (La. C.Cr.P. Arts. 971-993). Factors include:

• The type of charge (misdemeanor or felony).

• Whether you were convicted or the case was dismissed.

• How much time has passed since the case ended.

• Your overall criminal history. Certain crimes cannot be expunged. This includes violent crimes or sex offenses in many cases. DWI convictions have special rules.

The Expungement Process

Getting an expungement takes work. You must file a motion in the court where the arrest happened. You need to get specific forms. You usually need a current background check from LSP and the parish sheriff. You might need letters from the District Attorney. There are fees. The state fee is $250. Parish courts and agencies charge fees too. These can add up to several hundred dollars. Fee waivers are rare. They are mostly for cases dismissed by the DA or ending in acquittal. After filing, agencies like the DA and LSP get notice. They have 60 days to object. If someone objects, a judge holds a hearing. If approved, the judge orders the record expunged.

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