Jefferson Parish Criminal Records

Thank you for visiting this page. We strive to give you the best help for finding Jefferson Parish Criminal Records. Our goal is to guide you through the right steps and point you to the key places for your search.

If you want to start a search right away for Jefferson Parish Criminal Records, you can visit https://louisianaofficialrecords.com/jefferson-parish-criminal-records/. This site can help you begin your search quickly. It offers a way to look into Jefferson Parish Criminal Records without delay, potentially saving you time if you need information fast.

Accessing Jefferson Parish Criminal Records: Key Offices

When seeking Jefferson Parish Criminal Records, two main offices hold most of the information. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office (JPSO) keeps arrest records. They also do background checks. The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court holds court-related documents. This includes case files from trials. They track outcomes like convictions. Knowing which office has the record type you need is the first step.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office (JPSO)

The JPSO is often the first stop for recent Jefferson Parish Criminal Records. They handle records related to arrests made by their deputies. They also manage local background checks for the parish. These checks show a person's history within Jefferson Parish. The JPSO Technical Services Bureau runs the records section. They provide police reports and arrest details. You can get these records for a fee. Their role focuses on the law enforcement side of criminal events. They document who was arrested and why.

Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court manages Jefferson Parish Criminal Records related to the judicial process. This office keeps files for the 24th Judicial District Court. It also holds records for the First Parish Court and Second Parish Court. These records include court dockets. Dockets show case events and dates. Files contain motions, pleas, and judgments. If a case resulted in a conviction, that record is here. The Clerk's office is the main source for official court outcomes in criminal cases. They provide access based on state law.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office (JPSO) Records Procedures

To get Jefferson Parish Criminal Records from the Sheriff, you must follow their process. They offer ways to get arrest reports and background checks. You need to know what information they have and how to ask for it. They have set hours and fees for these tasks.

Obtaining Arrest Records and Background Checks

JPSO records often list the person's name and age. They include the date and place of the arrest. Charges filed against the person are also noted. A background check gives a summary of local criminal history. It shows arrests made by JPSO in the parish. It is key to know that an arrest record does not prove guilt. It only shows that an arrest was made. Court records show the final outcome.

You can ask for these records in person. Go to their Records and Reports section. You can also submit some requests online. The JPSO website suggests making appointments for some reports. This can help you avoid long waits. Check their site for which records need appointments. Background checks usually do not need one. You will need to give info like the person's full name. Date of birth is also helpful. Giving as much detail as possible helps them find the right record faster.

JPSO Records & Reports Section Details

The main place for JPSO records is the Central Records Section.

• Location: Westbank Administration Complex, Building A

• Address: 1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA 70058

• Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed on holidays)

• Contact Information:

  • Central Records Phone: (504) 363-5590

  • Finger Print ID Phone: (504) 363-5542

  • Central Records Email: centralrecords@jpso.com 

  • Finger Print ID Email: FID@jpso.com 

• Designated Records Custodian: Cherie W. Blanchard, Central Records & Warrants Division Commander. Phone: (504) 363-5591. Fax: (504) 363-5594.

It is smart to call ahead. Confirm hours or specific request needs before you visit. This office helps the public get reports and other information. They handle fingerprinting services too. Remember that you might need photo ID to prove who you are. This is common when asking for records.

Fees for JPSO Records

Getting Jefferson Parish Criminal Records from JPSO involves fees. The cost depends on the type of record you need. Be ready to pay when you make your request. Here are some common fees:

• Background check (with or without a record): $50.00

• Letter of Clearance (Background Check): $50.00

• Review of Record (Background Check): $50.00

• Arrest Register: $25.00

• Crime Reports: $25 for the first 5 pages, $1 per extra page.

• Calls for service (detailed report): $25 for the first 5 pages, $1 per extra page.

• Calls for service (complaint card): $25.00

• Mugshot: $10.00

• ARMMS Rapsheet: $25.00

• Fingerprinting (1st card): $25.00

• Fingerprinting (each additional card): $10.00

• Traffic Accident Crash Reports: $7.50 (available online via BuyCrash.com for recent reports)

Check the official JPSO website or call them for the most current fee list. Fees can change. They usually accept payment methods like money orders or business checks. Personal checks and cash might not be okay. Always ask about payment rules first.

Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court Criminal Records Procedures

The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court is the keeper of official court records. This includes all Jefferson Parish Criminal Records filed during court cases. You can find info on felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations here. Knowing how to ask the Clerk is key.

Accessing Court-Related Criminal Records

The Clerk's office holds records for several courts. These are the 24th Judicial District Court (handles felonies), the First Parish Court, and the Second Parish Court (handle misdemeanors, traffic). The records contain details like charges filed. They show court dates and actions taken. Final judgments and sentences are part of these files. These are the official records of what happened in court. They show if someone was found guilty or not guilty. Or if charges were dropped.

You can get access to many court records. Some might be sealed or kept private by law. This often includes juvenile records. For most adult criminal cases, the records are public. You can search dockets online for free. But getting full copies usually costs money. The Clerk makes these records available as required by state law.

Methods for Requesting Clerk of Court Records

There are a few ways to get Jefferson Parish Criminal Records from the Clerk.

• In-Person: You can visit the Clerk's office. Their main criminal records section is in Gretna. You can view records there, often for free. Staff can help you find files if you give them case details.

• Mail Requests: You can send a written request by mail. Include as much detail as you can. List the name, case number if known, and dates. Send it to their P.O. Box address. Expect to pay copy fees.

• JeffNet Online Service: The Clerk offers JeffNet. This is a subscription web service. It lets you search and view civil, criminal, and other public records online. It is open 24/7, except for site updates. You need to sign up and pay fees to use JeffNet. This is good for frequent users or those who cannot visit in person. JeffNet gives access to documents from the District Court and both Parish Courts. You can download and print files through this system.

Choose the method that works best for you. Think about cost and how fast you need the info. In-person viewing might be free but takes time. JeffNet is fast but costs money. Mail takes the longest time.

Clerk of Court Contact Information

Here is how to reach the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court for Jefferson Parish Criminal Records:

• Main Office Location (24th JDC): Thomas F. Donelon Building, 200 Derbigny Street, Gretna, LA 70053. Various suites handle different records. Criminal records are often in Suite 2400.

• Mailing Address: Frank Borne, Chief Deputy Clerk, Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 10, Gretna, Louisiana 70054-0010.

• General Phone: (504) 364-2900

• Criminal Department Records Clerks Phone: (504) 364-2995

• Criminal Department Fax: (504) 364-3797

• JeffNet Support Email: jeffnet@jpclerkofcourt.us 

• JeffNet Support Phone: (504) 364-2976

Call the right department for your needs. The Criminal Department can help with case files. JeffNet support can help with online access issues. General info is available at the main number. Office hours are usually standard business hours. Check their website or call to confirm before visiting.

Costs Associated with Clerk Records

Accessing Jefferson Parish Criminal Records through the Clerk of Court can have costs. Viewing records in person at the Clerk's office is usually free. You can look at dockets and case files on site. However, if you need copies, there are fees. Copy fees apply whether you get them in person or by mail. Using the JeffNet online service also involves costs. There are subscription fees to access the system. There are also fees for downloading or printing documents found online. Court costs linked with e-filing via JeffNet are not refundable. Check the Clerk's website or call them for a current fee schedule. Costs can vary based on the type of record and number of pages. Plan for these costs when you request copies or use JeffNet.

Available Forms

The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court website provides useful forms. You can find forms for many court actions. This includes forms related to Jefferson Parish Criminal Records. One key form is the Expungement Packet. It has instructions to clear a record. You can often download these forms as PDF files. Look for a "Forms" section on their site https://www.jpclerkofcourt.us/forms/. Using the official forms helps make sure your request follows court rules. Remember, the Clerk's staff cannot give legal advice. They cannot help fill out forms. You may need a lawyer for help. Other forms might relate to specific motions or requests in criminal cases.

Understanding Louisiana Public Records Law for Jefferson Parish Criminal Records

Louisiana state law controls access to public records. This includes Jefferson Parish Criminal Records. The Louisiana Public Records Law (found in Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 44, Section 1 and following, https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=99939) gives people the right to see many government documents. You must be 18 or older to request records. You usually do not need to give a reason for your request. But there are rules and limits. Especially for criminal history information.

Public Access to Records (LRS 44:1 et seq.)

The law states that records held by public bodies are open. This helps keep government open. Most records from the JPSO and Clerk of Court are public. This includes arrest logs and court dockets. You have the right to view these records. You also have the right to get copies. The agency can charge fees for copies. They must provide access during normal work hours. The law aims for broad access. But it allows for some records to be kept private.

Specifics for Criminal Records (LRS 15:587)

While arrest records are generally public, full criminal history records have more limits. Louisiana law (LRS 15:587, https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=79882) treats detailed criminal history information (CHRI) differently. Full CHRI compiled by the state is often restricted. Access is mainly for law enforcement and authorized agencies. What the public can usually get are specific incident reports (like arrests) and court case outcomes. A basic background check from JPSO shows local parish history. It may not show statewide convictions. It is key to know the difference. An arrest is not a conviction. Court records show the conviction.

Exemptions and Restricted Records

Not all Jefferson Parish Criminal Records are open to everyone. The Public Records Law lists exemptions. Some records are kept private to protect people or investigations. Common exemptions include:

• Records tied to ongoing criminal investigations. Releasing them could harm the case.

• Juvenile court records. These are almost always confidential.

• Records sealed by a court order.

• Records that have been legally expunged. Once expunged, they are removed from public view.

• Certain personal details within records might be blacked out (redacted). This protects privacy. Examples include social security numbers or home addresses of officers.

If you ask for a record that falls under an exemption, your request may be denied. The agency should tell you why it was denied.

Searching for Jefferson Parish Criminal Records

To find the right Jefferson Parish Criminal Records, you need good information. Giving the agency detailed data helps them locate files faster. Knowing where to look online can also speed things up.

Information Needed for a Search

When you request Jefferson Parish Criminal Records, try to provide:

• Full Name: Include first, middle, and last names. Also include any known aliases.

• Date of Birth: This helps tell people with the same name apart.

• Case Number: If you know the court case number, provide it. This is the fastest way for the Clerk to find court records.

• Date Range: Give approximate dates for the arrest or court case. Even a year helps narrow the search.

• Address: The person's last known address in Jefferson Parish might help.

• Specific Incident Details: If you know the date or type of crime, mention it.

The more details you give, the better the chance of finding the exact record. Agencies may reject requests that are too vague. Be as specific as you can.

Available Online Search Tools

Some Jefferson Parish Criminal Records info can be found online.

• JPSO Online Inmate Search: The Sheriff's Office has a tool to search for people currently in jail. See https://www.jpso.com/295/Online-Inmate-Search. This shows current booking info and charges. It does not show past arrest history or court outcomes.

• JeffNet (Clerk of Court): As noted before, JeffNet provides online access to court records. See https://www.jpclerkofcourt.us/jeffnet-login/. This is a subscription service. It allows searches by name or case number. You can view dockets and documents for civil and criminal cases. This is the main online source for official court records in Jefferson Parish.

• Clerk Connect: This is a portal for multiple Louisiana parishes, including Jefferson. See https://clerkconnect.com/. It may offer search options for court records, depending on the parish's participation level.

These tools offer convenience. But they may not cover all records. Some older records might only be on paper. Direct requests to the JPSO or Clerk might still be needed. Remember that online databases may have disclaimers about accuracy. Always verify key info with official copies if needed.

Expungement of Jefferson Parish Criminal Records

Having Jefferson Parish Criminal Records can cause problems. Louisiana law allows some records to be cleared. This process is called expungement. It removes arrests or convictions from public view. It does not destroy the record entirely. Law enforcement can still see it sometimes. But for jobs, housing, or loans, it often counts as cleared.

Overview of the Expungement Process

Expungement rules are complex. They depend on the type of crime (felony or misdemeanor). They also depend on the case outcome (dismissed, acquitted, or convicted). There are waiting periods after finishing a sentence or probation. Not all crimes can be expunged. Violent crimes and sex offenses often cannot be cleared. Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995 cover expungement laws. See https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=106130. You need to meet all requirements to qualify. The process involves filing papers with the court.

Where to Obtain Forms (Clerk of Court)

The first step is often getting the right forms. The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court provides an Expungement Packet. This packet usually includes the needed forms and instructions. You can find it on the Clerk's website (https://www.jpclerkofcourt.us/forms/). Or you can pick one up in person at their office. The packet guides you through the steps. Make sure you have the latest version of the forms. Laws can change.

Key Steps Involved

The expungement process usually involves these steps:

1. Get the Expungement Packet: Obtain the forms from the Clerk of Court.

2. Get a Background Check: You need a current criminal background check. Get this from the JPSO Records Section (1233 Westbank Expressway, Harvey). It usually must be recent (like within 30 days of filing).

3. Get District Attorney Letters: You may need letters from the DA's office. This confirms eligibility or that they do not object. Check the packet instructions for details.

4. Complete the Forms: Fill out all required expungement forms carefully.

5. File with the Clerk: Submit the completed packet. Include the background check, DA letters, and filing fees to the Clerk of Court. Fees can be high. Check the current cost.

6. Serve Notice: You must notify agencies like the JPSO and State Police about the filing.

7. Court Decision: A judge reviews the request. If everything is correct and you qualify, the judge may grant the expungement.

This process can be hard to do alone. Many people hire a lawyer to help them. Legal aid groups might also offer help if you cannot afford a lawyer. An expungement can offer a fresh start.