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Arrest Records in Louisiana

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Need more information? Check out our guides to Louisiana background checks and Louisiana public records.

 

Louisiana has an estimated population of 4.65 million, which puts it right in the middle of the ranking of U.S. states by population (25th), while the state ranks 23rd in population density. Plagued by high crime in its large cities, Louisiana has a high violent crime rate of 5.38 per 1,000. The state’s most dangerous city, Opelousas, has a violent crime rate nearly four times the already-high statewide rate. Unsurprisingly, Louisiana also places in the top ten among U.S. states in terms of arrests per capita. 

Louisiana Arrest and Crime Statistics

  • In 2018, 176,520 arrests were reported in Louisiana by 165 law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, there were 16,533 arrests of minors under the age of 18.
  • Drug abuse violations were the leading cause of arrests in the state, accounting for over 30 thousand in 2018.
  • There are around 2,200 sex offenders being actively supervised by law enforcement in the state, although many more belong to the registry.  

Sources: FBI: 2018 Crime in the United States, LA Sex Offender Registry

 

What is a public arrest record?

An arrest record is a report produced by a law enforcement entity after the arrest or apprehension of an individual which contains the details of the incident, the individual’s personal information, and occasionally includes additional information about the individual’s criminal record.

An arrest record is often a key document in a criminal case and may play a significant role in an ensuing trial. The arrest record may remain in the public record for a long time regardless of whether the suspect is ultimately convicted of the crime(s) for which they were initially arrested. This means that it can be accessed by the general public.  

What is included in a public arrest record?

  • Description of the incident: An arrest record will include a chronological account of the alleged crime produced by the arresting officer that may utilize information provided by first-hand witnesses and/or victims of the alleged crime. 
  • Date and location of the arrest
  • Physical description: The height, weight, hair color, sex, and race of the arrested person, along with other distinguishing characteristics such as tattoos, scars, or birthmarks. 
  • Personal information: The name, age, date of birth, phone number, address, social security number, and other contact information of the arrested individual, as well as any other names the person may go by. 
  • Photographs
  • Fingerprints
  • Criminal charges filed 
  • Classification of the crime: Whether the alleged crime is a felony or a misdemeanor.
  • Bail
  • Court date
  • Police interrogation details

What are the types of charges that may appear on an arrest record?

Generally, charges are classified into three main categories:

  • Infraction – An infraction is a minor violation of the law that is regulated at the state level. Punishment for an infraction is typically a fine or a written warning, rather than a jail or prison sentence. Examples of infractions include minor traffic violations, public nuisance offenses, and littering. 
  • Misdemeanor – A misdemeanor is a crime that is more serious than an infraction, but less severe than a felony, and generally punishable by a term of imprisonment of less than a year, or a term of probation. An individual convicted of a misdemeanor is more likely to serve time in a county or local jail than a federal or state prison. Examples of misdemeanors include driving under the influence, most drug abuse violations, and petty theft.
  • Felony – A felony is the most serious type of crime and generally results in a term of imprisonment of more than one year in a state or federal prison. Having a felony on one’s record may result in limitations of employment and the acquisition of specialty licenses. Examples of felonies include rape, murder, and arson.  

Who can access arrest records?

As in most other states, arrest records (also known as arrest reports) are public records in Louisiana and can be accessed by anyone upon request to a law enforcement agency, and may come up during a routine background check. 

Other examples of Louisiana public records include:

  • vital records such as birth and death certificates
  • marriage licenses
  • mugshots
  • court records
  • voting records
  • property records 

Where are physical copies of arrest records kept in Louisiana?

Arrest records are typically held by the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest, usually a local police department or county sheriff’s office. They also may be kept in the archive of a state government agency, or circuit court. However, there is no official repository for arrest records. 

Why can’t I access an arrest record in Louisiana?

There are a number of reasons why you may not be able to access an arrest record. Although the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requires federal agencies to release arrest records and other public records, records that fall under certain exemptions can be withheld from the public.

The FOIA includes nine exemptions that allow agencies to withhold documents, such as arrest records, and not release them to the public. They are:

  1. The information is classified to protect natural security. 
  2. The information focuses on the internal rules and practices of the agency.
  3. Another federal law prohibits the release of the information.
  4. The information includes confidential trade secrets and/or commercial and financial information. 
  5. The information includes privileged, confidential communicative exchanges between two agencies. 
  6. The information could pose a danger to another person’s privacy if released.
  7. The information is reserved for law enforcement purposes in a court case or an investigation or could reveal a confidential source. 
  8. The information includes confidential information about financial institution supervision. 
  9. The information includes geographical information about wells.

Additionally, some state laws limit the availability of arrest records due to the fact that they are perceived as one-sided documents that do not include the arrested person’s account of the incident. 

What is the difference between an arrest record and a criminal record?

Compared to an arrest record, a criminal record is a more thorough document that details an individual’s entire criminal history, including arrest warrants, arrests, third party complaints, convictions, and even dropped cases. 

What is the difference between an arrest record and an arrest warrant?

An arrest warrant is a document issued by a judge or magistrate that grants law enforcement the authority to arrest an individual suspected of a crime or to search and seize the individual’s property, whereas an arrest record is a document of an arrest that is only created after an arrest or apprehension has already occurred.  

In order for a judge or magistrate to issue an arrest warrant, they must conclude that there is probable cause for an arrest. Probable cause must be backed by sworn testimony or an affidavit that provides sufficient information supporting the need for an arrest. An arrest warrant must also specify one individual that should be arrested, rather than a group of individuals or a rough description of a suspect. 

How many Americans have been arrested?

While crime has steadily dropped in the United States over the past several decades, arrests have gone up, particularly for younger age groups. Typically, law enforcement makes around 10 million arrests each year. Here are some key statistics on arrests in the United States:

  • In 2018, around 10.3 million arrests were made nationwide.
  • 73% of arrested persons in 2018 were males.
  • The more recent an American was born, the greater the likelihood that the individual has been arrested at least once. The following is the percentage of Americans in various age groups that have been arrested: 
    • 6.4% of Americans  born before 1949
    • 10.7% of Americans born between 1949 and 1958
    • 13.8% of Americans born between 1959 and 1968
    • 18.7% of Americans born between 1969 and 1978
    • 23% of Americans born between 1979-1988

Sources: Federal Bureau of Investigation, RAND Corporation

How to search online for Arrest Records in Louisiana

Louisiana is a closed record state, and the state government’s Internet Background Check web portal is only available for authorized persons and agencies to use. In fact, it is harder to find arrest records and other criminal history information in Louisiana than in other states. 

The following entities are authorized to use the Internet Background Check system:

  • The Office of Vital Statistics
  • Health Care Providers
  • The Department of Justice
  • The Department of Labor
  • Working with Children
  • The Board of River Port Pilots
  • The Public Housing Commission
  • Day Cares
  • Senate and Governmental Affairs

Individuals that do not belong to one of these entities can request a copy of their criminal history information in-person or by mail from the Louisiana State Police.

How to obtain a copy of your criminal record in-person from the Louisiana State Police

You can request a “Right to Review” by preparing the following items and bringing them to the Louisiana State Police Criminal Records Unit (address below) from Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 3:30 PM:

  • A $26 money order, business check, or cashier’s check made out to “Dept. of Public Safety”
  • A $10 money order, business check, or cashier’s check made out to “Dept. of Public Safety” (for fingerprinting)
  • A valid driver’s license or state ID

Bring all these items to:

Louisiana State Police Criminal Records

7919 Independence Blvd

Baton Rouge LA 70806

Those that arrive past 3 PM must wait until the following business day in order to pick up their criminal record. 

How to request a copy of your criminal record through the mail in Louisiana:

If you live far from the LSP Criminal Records Office, you can mail in a request by preparing the following items and mailing them to the address listed below: 

  • A set of fingerprints on an official fingerprint ID card (available at most local law enforcement agency offices and livescan facilities)
  • A completed Right to Review Authorization Form
  • A completed Rap Disclosure Form
  • A $26 money order, business check, or cashier’s check made out to “Dept. of Public Safety”

Mail everything to:

Bureau of Criminal Identification

P.O. Box 66614 Mail Slip A-6

Baton Rouge, LA 70896

You may have to wait up to three weeks for your request to be processed. 

How can I search for a Louisiana arrest record on the internet using a background check service?

Since tracking down physical copies of arrest records can prove challenging, searching for them online is a viable option. There is a wealth of online services that allow you to search and access Louisiana arrest records and other public records via numerous government agency databases in exchange for a fee. 

However, despite the fact that users must pay to obtain an arrest record from an online service, it’s nevertheless a convenient means of getting these documents. The offices of government agencies are often marred by inconsistent service and take a long time to process requests to view documents. 

Sometimes it’s worth it to pay a fee to use an online background check service, rather than endure the extended delays typical of government offices.  

What can I do if my arrest record has a mistake?

If a Louisiana arrest record or other criminal history document has incomplete or inaccurate information, contact the Louisiana State Police Headquarters at 225-925-6006 for further instruction on how to correct the mistake.  

Louisiana Courthouse and Sheriff Information by Parish

ParishCourthouseAddressPhoneSheriffAddressPhone
Acadia ParishAcadia Parish Clerk of Court500 N Parkerson Ave
Crowley, LA 70526
337-788-8881Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office1037 Capitol Ave
Crowley, LA 70526
337-788-8700
Allen ParishAllen Parish Clerk of Courts400 W 6th Ave
Oberlin, LA 70655
337-639-4351Allen Parish Sheriff's Office7340 LA-26 West
Oberlin, LA 70655
337-639-4353
Ascension ParishAscension Parish Court House828 S Irma Blvd
Gonzales, LA 70737
225-621-8500Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office828 S Irma Blvd
Gonzales, LA 70737
225-621-8300
Assumption ParishAssumption Parish Clerk of Court4809 LA-1
Napoleonville, LA 70390
985-369-6653Assumption Parish Sheriff's1214 LA-662
Morgan City, LA 70380
985-631-6611
Avoyelles ParishAvoyelles Clerk of Court312 N Main St
Marksville, LA 71351
318-253-7523Avoyelles Parish Sheriff's Office675 Government St
Marksville, LA 71351
318-253-4000
Beauregard ParishBeauregard Clerk of Court201 W 1st St
DeRidder, LA 70634
337-463-8595Beauregard Parish Sheriff411 Bolivar Bishop Dr
DeRidder, LA 70634
337-463-3281
Bienville ParishBienville Parish Clerk-Court100 Courthouse Dr #1100
Arcadia, LA 71001
318-263-2123Bienville Parish Sheriff100 Courthouse Dr
Arcadia, LA 71001
318-263-2302
Bossier ParishBossier Parish CourthouseThird Floor / P.O. Box 430, Burt Blvd
Benton, LA 71006
318-965-2336Bossier Sheriff's Office204 Burt Blvd
Benton, LA 71006
318-965-2203
Caddo ParishCaddo Parish Clerk of Court501 Texas St #103
Shreveport, LA 71101
318-226-6780Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office505 Travis St # 700
Shreveport, LA 71101
318-681-0611
Calcasieu ParishCalcasieu Clerk of Court1000 Ryan St # 5
Lake Charles, LA 70601
337-437-3550Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office1525 Cypress St
Sulphur, LA 70663
337-491-3625
Caldwell ParishCaldwell Parish Clerk of Court201 Main St #1
Columbia, LA 71418
318-649-2272Caldwell Parish Sheriff's Office201 Main St #2
Columbia, LA 71418
318-649-2345
Cameron ParishCameron Clerk of Court119 Smith Cir
Cameron, LA 70631
337-775-5316Cameron Parish Sheriff Department124 Recreation Center Ln
Cameron, LA 70631
337-775-5111
Catahoula ParishCatahoula Parish Clerk of Court301 Bushley St
Harrisonburg, LA 71340
318-744-5497Catahoula Parish Sheriff Office301 Bushley St
Harrisonburg, LA 71340
318-744-5411
Claiborne ParishClaiborne Parish Clerk of Court512 East Main
Homer, LA 71040
318-927-9601Claiborne Parish Sheriff's Office613 E Main St
Homer, LA 71040
318-927-2011
Concordia ParishConcordia Parish Clerk Of Court4001 Carter St #5
Vidalia, LA 71373
318-336-4204Concordia Parish Sheriff's Office4001 Carter St
Vidalia, LA 71373
318-336-5231
De Soto ParishtDesoto Parish Clerk of Court101 Texas St
Mansfield, LA 71052
318-872-3110DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office205 Franklin St
Mansfield, LA 71052
318-872-3956
East Baton Rouge ParishEast Baton Rouge Clerk of Court222 St Louis St
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225-389-3960East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff300 North Blvd #2701
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
225-389-4836
East Carroll ParishEast Carroll Clerk of Court400 1st St
Lake Providence, LA 71254
318-559-2399East Carroll Parish Sheriff's Office400 1st St
Lake Providence, LA 71254
318-559-2800
East Feliciana ParishEast Feliciana Clerk-Court12305 St Helena St
Clinton, LA 70722
225-683-5145East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Office11315 Bank St
Clinton, LA 70722
225-683-8572
Evangeline ParishEvangeline Parish Clerk of Court200 Court St #104
Ville Platte, LA 70586
337-363-5671Evangeline Parish Sheriff200 Court St #104
Ville Platte, LA 70586
337-363-2161
Franklin ParishFranklin Parish Clerk of Court6550 Main St
Winnsboro, LA 71295
318-435-5133Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office6556 Main St
Winnsboro, LA 71295
318-435-4505
Grant ParishGrant Parish Clerk of Court200 Main St
Colfax, LA 71417
318-627-3246Grant Parish Sheriff's Office205 Cypress St
Colfax, LA 71417
318-627-3261
Iberia ParishIberia Parish Clerk of Court300 Iberia St # 100
New Iberia, LA 70560
337-365-7282Iberia Parish Louisiana sheriff459 E Main St
New Iberia, LA 70560
337-367-6579
Iberville ParishIberville Parish Clerk-Court58050 Meriam St
Plaquemine, LA 70764
225-687-5160Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office77180 Ridgewood Dr
Maringouin, LA 70757
225-625-2365
Jackson ParishJackson Parish Clerk of Court500 E Court St #103
Jonesboro, LA 71251
318-259-2424Jackson Parish Sheriff Department1709 Oakmont St
Chatham, LA 71226
318-249-2895
Jefferson Davis ParishJefferson Davis Parish Clerk of Court300 N State St
Jennings, LA 70546
337-824-1160Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff's Office1530 Hwy 90 W
Jennings, LA 70546
337-824-3850
Jefferson ParishJefferson Parish Clerk of Court200 Derbigny St #5600
Gretna, LA 70053
504-364-2900Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office725 Maple Ave
Harvey, LA 70058
504-364-5300
Lafayette Parish15th Judicial District Court Lafayette Parish Courthouse800 S Buchanan St
Lafayette, LA 70502
337-232-8211Lafayette Parish Sheriff Department100 Poydras St
Lafayette, LA 70501
337-231-6362
Lafourche ParishLafourche Parish Clerk of Court303 W 3rd St # 104
Thibodaux, LA 70301
985-447-4841Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office200 Canal Blvd
Thibodaux, LA 70301
985-446-2255
LaSalle ParishLa Salle Clerk of Court1050 Courthouse St
Jena, LA 71342
318-992-2158La Salle Parish Sheriff's Department2083 S 2nd St
Jena, LA 71342
318-992-2151
Lincoln ParishLincoln Parish Clerk of Court100 W Texas Ave #103
Ruston, LA 71270
318-251-5130Lincoln Parish Sheriff's Department161 Road Camp Rd
Ruston, LA 71270
318-251-5111
Livingston ParishLivingston Parish District Courthouse20300 Government Boulevard
Livingston, LA 70754
225-686-2216Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office20300 Government Boulevard
Livingston, LA 70754
225-686-2241
Madison ParishMadison Parish Clerk of Court100 N Cedar St
Tallulah, LA 71282
318-574-0655Madison Parish Jail404 E Green St
Tallulah, LA 71282
318-574-1833
Morehouse ParishMorehouse Parish Courthouse & Clerk of Court100 E Madison Ave
Bastrop, LA 71220
318-281-3343Morehouse Parish Sheriff's Office351 S Franklin St
Bastrop, LA 71220
318-281-4141
Natchitoches ParishNatchitoches Clerk of Court200 Church St # 104
Natchitoches, LA 71457
318-352-8152Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office200 Church St
Natchitoches, LA 71457
318-352-6432
Orleans ParishOrleans Parish Criminal District Court2700 Tulane Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119
504-658-9100Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office2800 Perdido St
New Orleans, LA 70119
504-822-8000
Ouachita ParishOuachita Parish Clerk of Court301 S Grand St #104
Monroe, LA 71201
318-327-1444Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office400 St John St
Monroe, LA 71201
318-329-1200
Plaquemines ParishPlaqumines Parish Clerk Court301 Main St #108
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
504-934-6610Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office123 Civic Dr
Port Sulphur, LA 70083
504-564-2525
Pointe Coupee ParishPointe Coupee Clerk of Court201 E Main St
New Roads, LA 70760
225-638-9596Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff215 Main St
New Roads, LA 70760
225-638-5400
Rapides ParishRapides Parish Courthouse701 Murray St #102
Alexandria, LA 71301
318-473-8153Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office700 Murray St
Alexandria, LA 71301
318-473-6700
Red River ParishRed River Parish Courthouse615 E Carroll St
Coushatta, LA 71019
318-932-4221Red River Parish Sheriff's Office15 East Carroll Street P. O. Box 375
Coushatta, LA 71019
(318) 932-4221
Richland ParishRichland Parish Clerk of Court708 N Julia St
Rayville, LA 71269
318-728-4171Richland Parish Sheriff's Office708 N Julia St
Rayville, LA 71269
318-728-2071
Sabine ParishSabine Parish Clerk of Court400 South Capital, Room 102
Many, LA 71449
318-256-6223Sabine Parish Sheriff Department400 Capitol St # 100
Many, LA 71449
318-256-9241
Saint Bernard ParishSt. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court1101 W St Bernard Hwy
Chalmette, LA 70043
504-271-3434St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office Headquarters2 Courthouse Square
Chalmette, LA 70043
504-271-2501
Saint Charles ParishSt. Charles Parish Courthouse15045 River Rd
Hahnville, LA 70057
985-783-5000St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office260 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway
Luling, LA 70070
985-783-6237
Saint Helena ParishSt Helena Clerk of Court369 Sitman St #101
Greensburg, LA 70441
225-222-4514St Helena Sheriff Office19 N 1st St
Greensburg, LA 70441
225-222-4413
Saint James ParishSt James Parish Clerk of Court5800 LA-44
Convent, LA 70723
225-562-2270St James Sheriff Civil Division5800 LA-44
Convent, LA 70723
225.562.2211
Saint John the Baptist ParishSt John Clerk of Court2393 LA-18
Edgard, LA 70049
985-497-3331St John Parish Sheriff's Office1801 W Airline Hwy
Laplace, LA 70068
985-652-9513
Saint Landry ParishSt Landry District Court Judge118 S Court St #37
Opelousas, LA 70570
337-942-5606St Landry Parish Sheriff108 S Market St
Opelousas, LA 70570
337-948-6516
Saint Martin ParishSt Martin Clerk of Court415 S Main St #110
St Martinville, LA 70582
337-394-2210St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office400 St Martin St
St Martinville, LA 70582
337-394-3071
Saint Mary ParishSt. Mary Parish Clerk of Court500 Main St
Franklin, LA 70538
337-828-4100St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office500 Main St #4
Franklin, LA 70538
337-828-1960
Saint Tammany ParishSt Tammany Parish Clerk of Court701 N Columbia St
Covington, LA 70433
985-809-8700St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office701 N Columbia St
Covington, LA 70433
985-809-8200
Tangipahoa ParishTangipahoa Parish Courthouse100 N Bay St, Amite City, LA 70422985-748-9445Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office15475 W Club Deluxe Rd
Hammond, LA 70403
985-345-6150
Tensas ParishTensas Parish District Judge128 Hancock St
St Joseph, LA 71366
318-766-3233Tensas Parish Sheriff's Office212 Hancock St suite b
St Joseph, LA 71366
318-766-3499
Terrebonne ParishTerrebonne Parish Courthouse7850-7864 W Main St
Houma, LA 70360
985-868-5660Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office7856 W Main St #121
Houma, LA 70360
985-876-2500
Union ParishUnion Parish Clerk of Court100 E Bayou St Suites 105
Farmerville, LA 71241
318-368-3055Union Parish Sheriffs Office710 Holder Rd
Farmerville, LA 71241
318-368-3124
Vermilion ParishVermilion Parish Clerk of Court100 N State St
Abbeville, LA 70510
337-898-1992Vermilion Parish Sheriff101 S State St
Abbeville, LA 70510
337-893-0871
Vernon ParishVernon Parish Clerk of Court215 S 4th St
Leesville, LA 71446
337-238-1384Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office and Jail1203 S 4th St
Leesville, LA 71446
337-238-1311
Washington ParishWashington Parish Clerk-Court908 Washington St
Franklinton, LA 70438
985-732-7189Washington Parish Sheriff's Office1002 Main St
Franklinton, LA 70438
985-839-3434
Webster ParishWebster Parish Clerk of Courts410 Main St
Minden, LA 71055
318-371-0366Webster Parish Sheriff Office12 W Church St
Springhill, LA 71075
318-539-3349
West Baton Rouge ParishWest Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court house850 8th St
Port Allen, LA 70767
225-383-0378West Baton Rouge Sheriff Posse3975 Rosedale Rd
Port Allen, LA 70767
225-381-7444
West Carroll ParishWest Carroll Clerk of Court305 E Main St
Oak Grove, LA 71263
318-428-3281West Carroll Sheriff305 E Main St
Oak Grove, LA 71263
318-428-2331
West Feliciana ParishWest Feliciana Parish Clerk of Court4785 Prosperity St
St Francisville, LA 70775
225-635-3794West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office4785 Prosperity St
St Francisville, LA 70775
225-635-3241
Winn ParishWinn Parish Clerk of Court119 W Main St #103
Winnfield, LA 71483
318-628-3515Winn Parish Sheriff's Office119 W Main St #106
Winnfield, LA 71483
318-628-4611

 

If you’re worried that someone you know or love has a criminal record and maybe hiding it from you, run a quick background check online with ArrestRecords.com. Thanks to public records laws, almost all Louisiana arrests, criminal and civil records are available online, as well as comprehensive background checks and secret data. You can even find Louisiana marriage records, secret divorce records as well as birth and death records.

Violent Crime rate

                                                

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