Louisiana Warrant Search

We are glad you came to this page. We aim to give you clear facts for your Louisiana Warrant Search. We will help you learn how to check for warrants in the state. Use this guide to find the data you need.

If you want to begin your Louisiana Warrant Search right now, you can visit https://louisianaofficialrecords.com/warrant-search/. This resource allows you to start looking for warrant information quickly. Knowing if a warrant exists is key. It helps you take the next steps. Check the link to see if it can help you find what you need right away. This is a good place to start your check for peace of mind.

Understanding Warrants in Louisiana

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is an official paper. A judge or magistrate signs it. It lets police take some action. This could be an arrest. It could be a search of a place. Warrants are based on law. They ensure actions are just. They protect people's rights too.

Types of Warrants

There are a few kinds of warrants in Louisiana. Each has its own use. It is good to know the types.

• Arrest Warrants: These let police arrest a person. A judge issues it based on probable cause. This means there is a good reason to think a crime took place. And the person named likely did it. Police need proof shown in an affidavit. Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 202 covers this.

• Bench Warrants: A judge issues this from the "bench" in court. It is often for not showing up to court. If you miss a court date, a bench warrant may be issued. This allows police to arrest you. Then you must go before the judge. These are common for minor things like traffic fines. They can also be for not meeting probation rules.

• Search Warrants: This paper lets police search a specific place. They look for proof of a crime. A judge must approve it. There must be probable cause. The warrant names the place to be searched. It lists what they can look for. Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 161 guides this. Police must show why they need to search.

• No-Knock Warrants: This is a special type of search warrant. It lets police enter a place without knocking first. Or without saying who they are. Judges grant these in rare cases. Usually, it is when there is danger. Or if police think proof might be lost if they knock.

How Warrants are Issued

Warrants do not just appear. There is a set process. It follows state law. A judge or magistrate must issue it. They review facts first.

A police officer often starts the process. They write an affidavit. This sworn paper lists the facts. It shows why a warrant is needed. It must show probable cause. This is a real belief, based on facts, that a crime occurred. Or that proof exists at a certain place. The judge reads the affidavit. If they agree there is probable cause, they issue the warrant. The warrant must have key details. It needs the name of the person (if known). It must list the crime or what is to be searched for. The judge's name must be on it. The date it was issued is key. It might list a bail amount for arrest warrants.

Conducting a Louisiana Warrant Search: Where to Look

Finding out if there is a warrant can be tricky. Louisiana does not have one single place to check online for all warrants in the state. You must check with local offices.

Is There a Statewide Database?

No, Louisiana does not offer a public statewide database for warrant searches. The Louisiana State Police (LSP) keeps the Louisiana Computerized Criminal History (LACCH) system. This holds arrest and warrant data. But, as per Louisiana Revised Statute 15:587, these records are closed. They are not for public view. Only law enforcement and approved agencies can see them fully. So, you must look at parish or city levels.

Parish Sheriff's Offices

Most parishes handle warrants through the Sheriff's Office. This is often the best place to start your Louisiana Warrant Search. How you search can vary by parish. Some offer online tools. Others need a phone call or visit.

You can usually contact the Sheriff's office by phone, email, or go in person. Be ready to give the full name and date of birth. Some offices have a special Warrants Division.

Here are some examples:

• Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office: Offers an online Warrant Listing. You can search active warrants there. Find it at https://www.caddosheriff.org/php/warrantsearch.php. 

• Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office: Provides an online Warrant Portal. Search by name, race, or sex. Visit https://www.lpso.net/web/guest/warrants. 

• St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office: Contact their Warrant Division by phone. Call (337) 907-0407 or (337) 907-0408. They can check for warrants.

• St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office: Oversees active warrants. Their main office is at 260 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway, Luling, LA 70070. Call (985) 783-6237 for warrant questions. Visit their site for more info: https://www.stcharlessheriff.org/282/Warrants. Office hours are usually standard business hours, but call to check.

City Police Departments

City police departments also handle warrants. This is true for crimes within city limits. Like sheriff's offices, search methods vary. Some may offer online checks. Most will need a phone call or email. You will need to give details like full name.

An example:

• Alexandria Police Department: Has a Warrant Division. You can call them at (318) 441-6468. You can also email them at apd-warrants@cityofalex.com. Ask them to check their system for active warrants.

City Courts

Sometimes warrants, especially bench warrants, are managed by city courts. This is often true for traffic tickets or failure to appear in city court cases. Some city courts have online tools.

An example:

• Baton Rouge City Court: Provides access to warrant records online. Check their Warrant Lookup tool via the Open Data BR portal: https://data.brla.gov/Public-Safety/City-Court-Warrants/3j5u-jyar/about_data. You can also call the Criminal Traffic Division at (225) 389-5278. Their main office is at 222 St. Louis Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. The court itself is at the 19th JDC Courthouse, 300 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70801. Call to confirm hours and specific office locations for warrant checks. Updates might take 7-10 days to show online. Always confirm with the court or City Constable's Office (225-389-3889).

City Marshal Offices

Some cities have Marshal Offices. They often serve warrants issued by city courts. Many Marshal offices list outstanding warrants on their web sites. This can be a free way to check.

Examples:

• Lafayette City Marshal: Lists outstanding warrants online. Check their site: https://lafayettela.gov/marshal/outstanding-warrants. You can also contact their office for info.

• Pineville City Marshal: Has a Warrant List on its website. See it at https://www.pineville.net/topic/index.php?topicid=98&structureid=5. Their office is at 904 Main St, Pineville, LA 71360. Call (318) 449-5657. Their office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday.

Clerk of Court Offices

The Parish Clerk of Court keeps all court records. This includes criminal case files. Warrants are part of these files. You can search court records for warrant info. Access varies by parish. Many allow in-person record checks. Some have online portals.

Examples:

• Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court: Offers online record searches via ClerkConnect (court records) and eSearch (land records). Visit https://www.lpclerk.com/online-records. For criminal records info, call (337) 291-6329. The office is at 800 South Buchanan St, Lafayette, LA 70501-6853. Main phone: (337) 291-6400.

• East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court: The Criminal Records Department holds warrant documents. It is in Room 2501 of the 19th Judicial District Courthouse (300 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70801). Phone: (225) 389-3964. Records are available for public view Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Online access is via their e-search portal, check https://www.ebrclerkofcourt.org/. 

Louisiana State Police (LSP)

While LSP does not offer a public warrant search, you can request your own criminal history report. This report comes from the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (BCII). It should list any warrants tied to your record.

• How to Request: You can request online, by mail, or in person. Visit the BCII page for details: https://www.lsp.org/about/leadershipsections/support/bcii/. In-person requests are possible Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

• Cost: There is a fee of $26 for this report.

• Limitation: This is your history, not a real-time check for all possible active warrants from any local source. It only shows what has been reported to the state system.

Information Needed for a Louisiana Warrant Search

To make your Louisiana Warrant Search effective, have some details ready. The more info you have, the easier the search. You will usually need:

• Full Name: The complete legal name of the person is key.

• Date of Birth: This helps confirm identity. Many people share names.

• Parish or City: Since there is no state system, know the likely parish or city. Warrants are often local.

• Warrant ID or Date: If you know the warrant number or issue date, it helps speed things up. But this is often not known.

What To Do if You Find an Active Warrant

Finding an active warrant can be scary. But ignoring it makes things worse. Here is what to know and do.

Understanding the Warrant Details

First, find out the warrant details. What are the charges? Is it a misdemeanor or a felony? Is a bail amount listed? Knowing this helps you plan. The type of warrant (arrest vs. bench) also matters. Bench warrants for small things might be easier to fix. Felony arrest warrants are more grave.

Potential Consequences

An active warrant means you can be arrested at any time. This could happen during a traffic stop. Or if you have any police contact. Consequences can include:

• Arrest and jail time.

• Fines and court fees.

• Suspension of your driver's license (often for bench warrants).

• More legal problems.

Addressing the Warrant

Do not wait to be arrested. Take steps to deal with the warrant.

• Contacting Authorities: You might contact the court clerk or warrant division that issued it. Ask about the steps to resolve it. Be careful. Going in person could lead to arrest.

• Seeking Legal Counsel: It is wise to talk to a lawyer. An attorney can check the warrant's facts. They can advise you on the best steps. They might be able to arrange a surrender. Or argue to recall a bench warrant. This is key for serious charges.

• Self-Surrender Considerations: Turning yourself in might be needed. But plan it. Talk to a lawyer first. They can help arrange it. They might coordinate bail beforehand. Going alone risks immediate jailing.

Recalling a Bench Warrant

If it is a bench warrant for missing court, you might get it recalled. This means the judge cancels it. You usually must appear in court. An attorney can often help. They can explain why you missed court. They can ask the judge to recall the warrant. For some minor cases, a lawyer might appear for you. For felonies, you must go to court too. Acting fast helps.

Relevant Louisiana Laws

Laws shape how warrants work in Louisiana. Key laws include:

Code of Criminal Procedure (CCRP)

• Art. 202: Governs how arrest warrants are issued. It requires an affidavit and probable cause. Find it here: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=112345. 

• Art. 161: Outlines rules for search warrants. Requires probable cause and specifics on place and items.

• Art. 334: Requires the Clerk of Court to notify parties after an arrest warrant is issued. Read it here: https://casetext.com/statute/louisiana-revised-statutes/code-of-criminal-procedure/title-viii-bail/chapter-2-clerks-sheriffs-constables-and-marshals/section-334-notice-of-warrant-of-arrest. 

Louisiana Revised Statutes (LRS)

• LRS 15:587: States that state criminal history info is confidential. It limits public access.

• LRS Title 40 (§ 984, § 986): Covers powers of certain officers. It includes executing warrants related to drug laws. It also covers administrative inspection warrants. See § 984: https://codes.findlaw.com/la/revised-statutes/la-rev-stat-tit-40-sect-984/ and § 986: https://codes.findlaw.com/la/revised-statutes/la-rev-stat-tit-40-sect-986/. 

Public Records Law

Louisiana's Public Records Law (LRS 44:1 et seq.) grants access to public records. Many court and arrest records are public. But warrant information access can be limited. Especially before it is served. Or if it involves ongoing cases. Each agency follows these laws.

Rights When Dealing With a Warrant

If you face a warrant, know your rights. These rights protect you.

• Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer police questions. Anything you say can be used in court. It is often best to say nothing until you talk to a lawyer.

• Right to an Attorney: You have the right to a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the court must appoint one for you in most criminal cases. Ask for a lawyer right away.

• Search Scope Limitations: If police have a search warrant, they can only search the place named. They can only look for items listed in the warrant. They cannot search beyond its limits without more cause. If they arrest you with a warrant, they can search you too. 

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