Louisiana Criminal Records

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Understanding Louisiana Criminal Records

What Are Louisiana Criminal Records?

Louisiana Criminal Records are official files. They detail a person's contact with law enforcement in the state. This includes arrests and court actions. These records are kept by state and local agencies. Louisiana law controls who can see these records. It is known as a closed record state for official criminal history. This means access is limited.

Types of Information Included

These records often show:

• Full name and any known aliases.

• Date of birth.

• Physical details like height and weight.

• Fingerprints.

• Mugshots or booking photos.

• Arrest dates and charges.

• Court case numbers and filings.

• Conviction details if found guilty.

• Sentencing information. This includes jail time or fines.

• Probation or parole status.

Who Maintains These Records?

Several groups keep Louisiana Criminal Records. The main keeper is the Louisiana State Police (LSP). Specifically, the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (BCII). They run the state's central database. This is called the Louisiana Computerized Criminal History (LACCH) system. Parish Clerks of Court keep court case files. These show details of trials and case results. Local Sheriff's Offices keep arrest logs and incident reports for their area. Each agency follows state laws on record access.

Accessing Louisiana Criminal Records

Louisiana State Police (LSP) Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information

The LSP BCII is the central source for state criminal history. They manage the official state rap sheets. Access is ruled by state law (La. R.S. 15:587). Most records are not open to the general public. Specific rules apply for getting records.

Requesting Your Own Record (Right to Review)

You have the right to see your own record. This is called a "Right to Review". You must prove who you are. This often needs fingerprints. The Louisiana Applicant Processing System (LAPS) helps with this. You can book a fingerprint scan online. Find locations via IdentoGO. After you pay, you get your record by mail or email. The mailed copy has a raised seal. The email copy is a secure link. It works one time on a computer. It expires in 30 days.

Requesting Someone Else's Record (Authorization Needed)

Getting someone else's state record is hard. Louisiana is a closed record state. Usually, you need the person's signed okay. Or, you must be an agency allowed by law. Employers for schools, health care, or gaming may get checks. They must follow state rules. They often use specific codes with LAPS or IdentoGO.

Online Access: Internet Background Check (IBC) System

LSP offers an Internet Background Check (IBC) system. This is mainly for authorized groups. These groups need an account. They log in with a user name and password. The IBC allows name-based searches. It may not show the full history. It requires the person's name, birth date, and maybe SSN. Fees apply for these searches.

Mail-in Requests: Forms, Fees, Procedures

You can ask for your own record by mail. You need the Right to Review Authorization Form. You also need the Right to Review Disclosure Form. Find these forms on the LSP website. You must send a full set of fingerprints. Get these from a local police or sheriff's office. Or use an IdentoGO site. Include the fee. The fee is $26 for the record check. Pay by money order or cashier's check. Make it payable to the Department of Public Safety. Mail everything to the LSP BCII. Their address is listed below.

In-Person Requests: Locations, Hours, Requirements

You used to be able to walk in at LSP HQ. Walk-in fingerprinting is no longer done there. All fingerprinting now uses the LAPS network (IdentoGO). You must schedule online first. If you need help, contact LSP BCII. For in-person requests of your own record (if available aside from fingerprints), you would need ID. You also need completed forms. And you need payment ($26 plus fingerprint fee if done there). Check LSP for current options.

Contact Information (Address, Phone, Hours)

Louisiana State Police - Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (BCII)

• Address: 7919 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

• Phone: (225) 925-6095 (General BCII number)

• Hours: Fingerprinting scheduling is online via LAPS/IdentoGO. General office hours are typically standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM), but call to confirm for specific services or visits. Check the LSP BCII website for forms and updates.

Louisiana Clerks of Court

Clerks of Court in each parish keep court records. These are often public under the Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). Court records show case filings, dockets, minutes, and judgments for felonies and misdemeanors handled by the court. They differ from the LSP state criminal history summary. Access methods vary by parish. Some offer online dockets. Others require in-person visits or mail requests. Fees usually apply for copies.

Accessing Court Records (Felonies, Misdemeanors)

You can usually view court records. Visit the Clerk of Court in the parish where the case was heard. You may need case numbers or names. Some clerks have public computer terminals. You can look up cases there. Ask the clerk's staff for help. They can guide you on how to find records. You often need to fill out a request form for copies.

Online Court Dockets (Availability by Parish)

Many parishes now offer online access. You can search court dockets online. This may show case status and filings. Not all parishes have this. Some systems require a subscription. Check the specific parish Clerk of Court website. The Louisiana Clerks of Court Association provides links to parish clerk sites. This is a good place to start looking for online access in a specific parish. Some appellate courts, like the First Circuit, have e-clerk portals.

In-Person Access at Parish Courthouses

Go to the courthouse where the case took place. Find the Clerk of Court's office. Ask to see public criminal case files. You may need to provide case details. The clerk's staff can help you find files. You can look at them there. This is usually free. If you want copies, you must pay. Hours are typically normal business hours. For example, Plaquemines Parish Clerk is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Check the specific parish clerk's hours before you go.

• Example: Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court Criminal Department

  • Phone: (504) 364-2992

  • Address: P.O. Box 10, Gretna LA 70054-0010 (mailing), physical location likely Gretna Courthouse.

• Example: Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court

  • Phone: (337) 291-6400 (Main), (337) 291-6329 (Criminal Dept)

  • Address: 800 South Buchanan St., Lafayette, LA 70501

Fees and Procedures

Fees vary by parish clerk. There are costs for searching. There are costs per page for copies. Certified copies cost more. Some clerks charge extra if you do not know the case number. Payment methods also vary. Many accept cash, check, or card. Call the specific clerk's office. Ask about their fees and request steps. Find contact details via the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association directory.

Local Sheriff's Offices

Sheriffs keep records of arrests made by their deputies. They also have incident reports. These are often public records. But some parts might be blacked out. This protects privacy or investigations. Each Sheriff's Office has its own process.

Arrest Records

Arrest records show who was arrested. They show the date and charges. These are often kept by the parish sheriff. You can request these records. Contact the sheriff in that parish. Ask how to get arrest logs or reports. Procedures and fees differ greatly.

Incident Reports

These reports detail events deputies responded to. They may relate to a crime. Access rules vary. Some data may be kept private. Contact the local sheriff’s office. Ask about getting incident reports.

Access Procedures (Vary by Parish)

How you get records differs by parish. Some have forms online. Others need a written request. Some require you to come in person. Fees often apply. Find your parish sheriff via the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association website. Contact them directly for their rules.

What's Included in Louisiana Criminal Records?

Official state Louisiana Criminal Records (from LSP) contain specific data points tied to fingerprint submissions. Court records and sheriff records may show slightly different details related to their functions.

• Arrest Details: Date of arrest. Agency that made the arrest. Charges filed at booking.

• Conviction Information: Final pleas or verdicts (guilty, no contest). Felony or misdemeanor level. Date of conviction.

• Sentencing Details: Terms of the sentence. This includes jail time, prison term, fines, or probation length.

• Probation/Parole Status: Current status if under supervision. Dates supervision started or ended.

• Registered Sex Offender Information: Separate registry exists. Maintained by LSP. Includes details on offenders required to register. See the Louisiana Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry.

What's NOT Included or Restricted?

Not all information is public or included. Louisiana law restricts some data.

• Sealed or Expunged Records: Records cleared by a judge through expungement are removed from public view. They are confidential. Law enforcement can still see them (La. C.Cr.P. Title XXXIV). Sealing mainly applies to juvenile records in Louisiana.

• Juvenile Records: These are generally confidential. Access is strictly limited by law.

• Non-Conviction Data: Arrests that did not lead to a conviction may have limits on release. Especially for certain background checks.

• Federal Records: State records do not include federal crimes. Those are kept by federal agencies like the FBI.

Fees for Louisiana Criminal Records

Getting Louisiana Criminal Records usually costs money. Fees depend on the agency and type of record.

• LSP Background Check Fees:

  • Right to Review (personal check): $26.

  • Fingerprint Fee (if applicable, e.g., at IdentoGO): Varies, but LSP mentions an extra $10 fee for fingerprinting in some contexts. Check IdentoGO site for current LAPS fees.

  • Internet Background Check (IBC): Fees apply per search for authorized users.

• Clerk of Court Fees: Vary by parish. Expect search fees. Expect per-page copy fees (e.g., $1 per page). Certified copies cost more. Call the specific clerk.

• Sheriff's Office Fees: Vary by parish. Fees for copies of arrest logs or incident reports are common. Contact the specific sheriff.

Louisiana Laws Governing Criminal Records

State laws shape how Louisiana Criminal Records are kept and shared.

• Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.): This law defines public records. It sets rules for access. Court records generally fall under this law. However, specific exemptions exist. Many official LSP criminal history records are exempt or restricted.

• Laws Regarding Record Access and Dissemination (La. R.S. 15:575 - 15:599): This part of the law details criminal history information. It names LSP BCII as the central repository. It defines who can access these state records (La. R.S. 15:587). It confirms Louisiana as a closed record state.

• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Federal law FCRA affects checks done for jobs or housing. It sets rules for accuracy. It gives rights to consumers. Employers using background checks must follow FCRA rules.

Correcting Errors in Louisiana Criminal Records

Errors can appear in Louisiana Criminal Records. You have the right to challenge wrong information. The process depends on where the error is.

Procedure for Challenging Inaccurate Information

First, get a copy of your record. Use the Right to Review process for LSP records. Or get copies from the Clerk of Court or Sheriff. Find the specific error. Gather proof that the information is wrong. This could be court documents showing a dismissal. Or proof of identity if it is not your record.

Contacting the Relevant Agency (LSP, Court)

• LSP Records: If the error is on your state rap sheet, contact LSP BCII. They have procedures to review challenges. You may need to submit proof. Contact them at (225) 925-6095. Or write to 7919 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806. They need specific data to fix records. This includes certified court dispositions.

• Court Records: If court files are wrong, contact the Clerk of Court in that parish. You may need to file a motion with the court. The Clerk can guide you on local steps.

• Sheriff Records: For errors in local arrest logs, contact that Sheriff's Office. Ask for their process to correct records.

Expungement and Sealing of Louisiana Criminal Records

Louisiana allows some records to be expunged. This clears them from public view. It does not destroy the record. Law enforcement can still access it. Sealing mostly applies to juvenile records.

Eligibility Criteria for Expungement

Eligibility depends on the offense type. It also depends on case outcome. Waiting periods apply. For dismissed cases or acquittals, you can apply sooner. For misdemeanor convictions, wait five years after sentence ends. For felony convictions, wait ten years after sentence ends. Some crimes cannot be expunged. Violent crimes or sex crimes often have more rules. You must have no pending charges. You must have paid all fines and costs. Review the specific laws in La. Code of Criminal Procedure, Title XXXIV, Art. 971 et seq..

Types of Records Eligible

• Arrests not leading to conviction.

• Dismissed charges.

• Acquittals (found not guilty).

• Certain misdemeanor convictions.

• Certain felony convictions (non-violent, non-sex offense usually).

• DWI convictions have specific rules and waiting periods (often 10 years).

The Expungement Process in Louisiana

The process is complex. It involves several steps and agencies.

1. Get Records: Obtain your court minutes and LSP background check. The background check must be recent (within 60 days of filing usually).

2. Determine Eligibility: Check if your record qualifies under current law (La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995). You may need legal advice.

3. Prepare Forms: Fill out the Motion for Expungement and other forms. Find standard forms on the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association website.

4. Pay Fees: Fees total $550 per expungement usually. This includes $250 to LSP, $200 to the Clerk of Court, and $100 to the District Attorney. Fees can be waived if you qualify (e.g., acquittal or eligible for in forma pauperis status).

5. File Motion: File the forms with the Clerk of Court in the parish of arrest/conviction. Serve copies to LSP, the DA, and the arresting agency.

6. Wait for Response: Agencies have time to object (usually 60 days). If no objection, the judge may sign the order. If there is an objection, a hearing may occur.

7. Notify Agencies: If granted, send the signed order to all agencies holding the record. Also notify private background check companies.

Relevant Louisiana Statutes

• La. Code of Criminal Procedure, Title XXXIV, Articles 971-995: Main laws governing expungement procedures and eligibility.

• La. R.S. 15:588: Governs the Right to Review your own criminal history.

Key Official Resources and Contacts

• Louisiana State Police - Bureau of Criminal Identification & Information (BCII)

  • Website: https://www.lsp.org/about/leadershipsections/support/bcii/

  • Phone: (225) 925-6095

  • Address: 7919 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

• Louisiana Clerks of Court Association (Directory)

  • Website:https://www.laclerksofcourt.org/page/parishmap (Links to individual parish clerk websites/contacts)

• Louisiana Sheriffs' Association (Directory)

  • Website: https://www.lsa.org/sheriffs-directory (Links to individual parish sheriff websites/contacts)

• Louisiana Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry

  • Website:https://lasopw.lsp.org/find-offenders

• Louisiana Legislature (Statutes)

  • Website:https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/laws_toc.aspx

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