Louisiana Arrest Records

Louisiana Public Records /Louisiana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Louisiana?

Yes. Arrest records in Louisiana are generally considered public records under the Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.), which establishes the right of citizens to examine public documents held by state and local agencies. Basic arrest and booking information, such as police blotters, inmate rosters, and court dockets, may be accessed through local police departments, parish sheriff’s offices, and the Clerk of Court in each parish. At the state level, the Louisiana State Police, Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information maintains the central repository for criminal history records.

However, access is subject to important restrictions. Full criminal history reports, including detailed arrest records, are not open to the general public and may only be released to the individual named in the record, law enforcement, or authorized agencies under La. R.S. 15:587. Juvenile arrest records are confidential under La. Ch.C. Art. 412, and records sealed or expunged pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971 et seq. are not available for public inspection. Additionally, arrest information tied to active investigations or containing sensitive victim or witness details may be withheld to protect privacy and public safety.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Louisiana?

Access to arrest records in Louisiana is primarily governed by the Louisiana Public Records Law, codified in Louisiana Revised Statutes 44:1 through 44:41. This comprehensive legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.

Key legal provisions that specifically impact arrest records include:

Louisiana Revised Statutes 44:3 - This section addresses records of prosecutive, investigative, and law enforcement agencies, outlining specific exemptions from public disclosure.
Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 877 - Governs the confidentiality of juvenile court records, which includes juvenile arrest records.
Louisiana Revised Statutes 44:9 - Details the procedures for expungement of arrest and conviction records under certain circumstances.
Louisiana Children's Code Articles 811-825 - Provides special provisions regarding confidentiality of juvenile arrest records.
Louisiana Constitution Article I, Section 5 - Establishes the right to privacy for Louisiana citizens, which courts may consider when determining access to certain sensitive records.

The Louisiana Criminal Justice Information Act (La. R.S. 15:575-578) also plays a role in regulating the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history information, including arrest data.

These laws collectively establish a presumption of public access while providing specific protections for certain categories of information. They also outline the procedures for requesting records, timeframes for agency responses, and remedies available when access is denied.

Law enforcement agencies, courts, and other record custodians must comply with these legal frameworks when processing requests for arrest records from the public, media, or other interested parties.

What Information Is Included in a Louisiana Arrest Record?

A typical Louisiana arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. While the exact content may vary slightly between jurisdictions, most arrest records in Louisiana include the following elements:

Biographical Information:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Aliases or known nicknames
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Booking number
Charges filed (including statute numbers)
Arrest circumstances
Weapon information (if applicable)

Case Processing Information:

Court case number
Court of jurisdiction
Arraignment date
Bail/bond amount
Custody status
Scheduled court appearances
Disposition of charges (if resolved)

Additional Elements:

Prior arrest history (if included in the same record)
Probation or parole status at time of arrest
Vehicle information (if relevant to the arrest)
Property seized during arrest
Miranda rights acknowledgment
Medical screening information

While this information is typically collected during the arrest process, not all of it may be publicly accessible. Certain sensitive details may be redacted before records are released to the public, particularly information related to ongoing investigations, confidential informants, juvenile suspects, or victims of certain crimes.

The Louisiana Uniform Law Enforcement Reporting System standardizes much of this information collection across different law enforcement agencies in the state, though some local variations in record formats may exist.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Louisiana in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Louisiana involves several methods depending on your specific needs and the agency holding the records. Here are the primary ways to access arrest records in Louisiana in 2025:

In-Person Requests

The most direct method is to visit the agency that created or maintains the record:

Louisiana State Police, Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
7919 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 925-6095
Louisiana State Police

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

For local arrest records, visit the law enforcement agency that made the arrest:

Parish Sheriff's Office - Visit the sheriff's office in the parish where the arrest occurred.

Municipal Police Department - Visit the police department in the city where the arrest occurred.

Parish Clerk of Court - For court records related to arrests:

19th Judicial District Court Clerk of Court
222 St. Louis Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: (225) 389-3962
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court

Mail Requests

Most agencies accept written requests for arrest records by mail. Your request should include:

Full name of the person in the record
Date of birth
Approximate date of arrest
Case or booking number (if known)
Your contact information
A copy of your valid photo ID
Required fee payment (typically check or money order)
Notarized authorization (if requesting someone else's record)

Required Forms

For state-level criminal history records, complete the Right to Review Authorization Form available on the Louisiana State Police website.

For expunged records, use the appropriate Expungement Forms provided by the Louisiana Supreme Court.

Processing Times

Standard processing times in 2025:

In-person requests: Same day to 3 business days
Mail requests: 2-4 weeks
Online requests: 24-72 hours (where available)

Processing times may vary based on the complexity of the request, the age of the records, and the current workload of the agency.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Louisiana

Louisiana offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally. These platforms vary in comprehensiveness, cost, and user accessibility. Here are the primary online methods for finding arrest records in Louisiana in 2025:

Official Government Websites

Louisiana State Police Criminal History Record Check
The Louisiana State Police provides an online portal for requesting criminal history information, including arrest records. This service requires registration and payment of applicable fees.

Parish Sheriff's Office Websites
Many parish sheriff's offices maintain online inmate lookup tools that provide recent arrest information:

Louisiana Clerk of Court Websites
Many parish clerk of court offices offer online access to court records related to arrests:

Louisiana Clerk Connect - A multi-parish portal for court records
Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court

Statewide Court Resources

Louisiana Supreme Court Case Search
The Louisiana Supreme Court provides access to appellate case information, which may include cases stemming from arrests.

Louisiana Judicial Administrator's Office
The Louisiana Judicial Administrator maintains certain statewide court records that may contain arrest information.

Using Online Services

To effectively search for arrest records online:

Gather identifying information (full name, date of birth, case numbers if available)
Select the appropriate jurisdiction's website
Create an account if required
Pay any applicable fees
Follow the specific search instructions for that system
Download or print records as needed

Important Considerations

Online records may not be comprehensive or complete
Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
Some systems only show current inmates, not historical arrest data
Certain sensitive cases may be excluded from online access
User fees may apply for accessing detailed records
Registration with personal information may be required
Some systems may limit the number of searches per day

For the most comprehensive and accurate arrest record information, combining online searches with formal requests to the appropriate agencies is recommended.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Louisiana?

Access to arrest records in Louisiana varies based on the requesting party's status and the nature of the records. Here's a breakdown of who can access arrest records in the state:

General Public Access

Under the Louisiana Public Records Law, most adult arrest records are available to any member of the public, with certain limitations. The general public can typically access:

Basic arrest information (name, charges, date of arrest)
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Court records related to arrests
Disposition information

Enhanced Access Groups

Certain entities have broader access rights to arrest records:

Law Enforcement Agencies

Complete access to arrest records, including sealed or restricted information
Access to juvenile records for law enforcement purposes
Inter-agency sharing capabilities

Criminal Justice Agencies

Courts, prosecutors, and public defenders
Probation and parole departments
Correctional facilities

Government Licensing Boards

Professional licensing authorities
Regulatory agencies for sensitive occupations

Employers for Specific Positions

Education institutions (for teacher certification)
Healthcare facilities
Financial institutions
Childcare providers
Security services

Restricted Access Categories

Access is limited or prohibited for:

Juvenile Records

Generally confidential under Louisiana Children's Code Articles 811-825
Accessible primarily to juvenile courts, law enforcement, and the juvenile's legal representatives

Expunged Records

Not available to the general public
Limited access by law enforcement and criminal justice agencies
May be accessible for certain licensing and employment purposes

Sealed Records

Court-ordered restrictions on public access
May be available only to specific authorized parties

Self-Access Rights

Individuals have the right to access their own arrest records:

Complete access to personal records
Right to challenge inaccurate information
Ability to obtain certified copies for personal use

Third-Party Researchers

Academic researchers, journalists, and statistical analysts may access arrest records with certain restrictions:

Aggregated data may be more accessible than individual records
Personal identifying information may be redacted
Special permission may be required for comprehensive research access

The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice oversees many aspects of criminal history information sharing and establishes policies for appropriate access to arrest records within the state.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Louisiana?

Yes, obtaining arrest records in Louisiana typically involves fees that vary depending on the agency providing the records, the type of record requested, and the method of access. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the fee structure in 2025:

State-Level Record Fees

Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information

Name-based criminal history check: $26
Fingerprint-based criminal history check: $39.25
Certified copies: Additional $10 per document
Expedited processing: Additional $25

Local Agency Fees

Parish Sheriff's Offices

Basic arrest record: $10-25 per record
Certified copies: $5-15 additional
Research fee (for older records): $15-25 per hour

Municipal Police Departments

Incident/arrest reports: $5-20 per report
Photographs/mugshots: $5-10 per image
Background checks: $15-30

Parish Clerk of Court Offices

Court records related to arrests: $0.50-$2 per page
Certified court documents: $5-10 per document
Record search fee: $5-20 per name

Online Access Fees

Louisiana Clerk Connect: Subscription fees range from $9.95 monthly to $99.95 annually
Parish-specific online portals: $2-10 per search or $25-100 for monthly subscriptions
Third-party record providers: Varying fee structures, typically $15-50 per comprehensive search

Fee Waivers and Reductions

Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances:

Indigent defendants may qualify for fee waivers with proper documentation
Public defenders and appointed counsel can often access client records without fees
Certain non-profit organizations may qualify for reduced fees
Academic researchers may negotiate reduced fees for bulk data

Payment Methods

Accepted payment methods typically include:

Cash (in-person only)
Credit/debit cards (in-person and online)
Money orders
Certified checks
Agency-specific payment systems for online portals

Legal Framework for Fees

Fees for public records in Louisiana are governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes 44:32, which allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. The law specifies that fees should not exceed the actual cost of providing the record.

It's advisable to contact the specific agency holding the records before submitting a request to confirm current fee schedules, as these may change periodically due to administrative updates or legislative changes.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Louisiana

Louisiana maintains arrest records for extended periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record, the outcome of the case, and the maintaining agency. Here's a detailed overview of record retention timeframes in Louisiana:

Standard Retention Periods

State Police Records

Felony arrest records: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor arrest records: Minimum of 10 years
Non-conviction records: Minimum of 5 years (unless expunged)
Sex offender registrations: Lifetime retention

Local Law Enforcement Agencies

Arrest reports: 10 years to permanent
Booking information: 10 years minimum
Investigative files: 5-10 years after case closure

Court Records

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
Traffic violations: 3-5 years after case closure

Department of Corrections

Inmate records: 10 years after release from supervision
Probation/parole records: 10 years after completion

Special Categories

Juvenile Records Under the Louisiana Children's Code, juvenile arrest records are typically maintained until the individual reaches age 17 for minor offenses or age 31 for more serious offenses, unless ordered sealed or expunged earlier.

Capital Crimes Records related to capital offenses (punishable by death or life imprisonment) are permanently maintained by all agencies involved.

Sex Offenses Records of sex offense arrests are maintained for extended periods, often permanently, even if not resulting in conviction, unless specifically ordered expunged by a court.

Digital vs. Physical Records

Louisiana has been transitioning to digital record-keeping, which affects retention:

Digital records: Generally maintained longer due to reduced storage constraints
Physical records: May be converted to digital format after a certain period
Microfilm/microfiche: Used for long-term archival of older records

Legal Framework

Record retention in Louisiana is governed by:

Louisiana Secretary of State Records Management Policies
Louisiana R.S. 44:36 (Public Records Law retention requirements)
Agency-specific retention schedules approved by the State Archives

Impact of Expungement

When records are expunged pursuant to Louisiana R.S. 44:9, they are not physically destroyed in most cases but are segregated from public records and access is severely restricted. Law enforcement agencies may retain expunged records for internal use only.

It's important to note that even after the official retention period expires, information about arrests may persist in secondary systems, news archives, or private databases that obtained the information while it was public.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Louisiana Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released to the public in Louisiana, certain sensitive information is typically redacted or restricted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, and vulnerable individuals. Here's a comprehensive overview of what information is commonly redacted or restricted:

Personal Identifying Information

Social Security numbers
Driver's license numbers
Financial account information
Personal telephone numbers
Home addresses of victims and witnesses
Email addresses
Medical record numbers
Biometric identifiers (other than fingerprints)
Full dates of birth (often limited to year of birth only)

Sensitive Case Information

Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
Names of confidential informants
Undercover officer identities
Grand jury proceedings
Sealed indictments
Wiretap information
Surveillance techniques and procedures
Witness protection details

Victim Information

Identities of sexual assault victims (per Louisiana R.S. 46:1844(W))
Identities of domestic violence victims
Information about minor victims
Victim medical information
Victim impact statements
Photographs of victims

Juvenile Information

Under the Louisiana Children's Code, information related to juvenile arrests is heavily restricted:

Names of arrested juveniles
School information
Family details
Juvenile probation records
Juvenile court proceedings

Medical and Mental Health Information

Mental health evaluations
Substance abuse treatment information
Medical conditions of arrestees
Prescription medication information
Hospital records related to arrests
Competency evaluations

Other Protected Information

Information protected by court order
Attorney-client privileged communications
Information subject to protective orders
Selective Service information
Immigration status details
Child welfare involvement
DNA profiles

Legal Basis for Redactions

Redactions in Louisiana arrest records are governed by several legal authorities:

Louisiana Public Records Law exemptions (R.S. 44:3)
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Federal Privacy Act
Louisiana Constitution Article I, Section 5 (right to privacy)
Court precedents establishing privacy protections

When requesting arrest records, agencies typically review documents and apply appropriate redactions before release. The extent of redactions may vary depending on who is requesting the records and for what purpose.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Louisiana

Louisiana law provides several mechanisms for sealing or expunging arrest records under specific circumstances. Here's a comprehensive guide to the process in 2025:

Eligibility Requirements

Under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971-995 and Louisiana Revised Statutes 44:9, expungement may be available in these situations:

Arrests Without Prosecution:

No charges filed within time limitations
Charges dismissed or refused by the district attorney
Acquittal after trial
Motion to quash granted

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Five years have passed since completion of sentence
No felony convictions during the five-year period
No pending criminal charges

Felony Convictions (Limited):

Ten years have passed since completion of sentence
No felony convictions during the ten-year period
No pending criminal charges
Not a conviction for a violent crime, sex offense, or domestic abuse battery

First Offender Pardons:

Received an automatic first offender pardon under Louisiana Constitution Article IV, Section 5(E)(1)
Waiting period completed (typically 10 years for felonies, 5 years for misdemeanors)

Ineligible Records

Certain records generally cannot be expunged:

Sex offense convictions
Violent crime convictions as defined in R.S. 14:2(B)
Domestic abuse battery convictions
DWI convictions (with limited exceptions)
Multiple felony convictions

Application Process

Obtain Required Forms
- Forms are available from the Louisiana Supreme Court website or from the clerk of court in the jurisdiction where the arrest occurred
Complete Background Check
- Obtain a background check from the Louisiana State Police
- Fee: Approximately $39.25
File Petition for Expungement
- File in the court where the case was prosecuted or would have been prosecuted
- Include all required supporting documentation
- Pay filing fees (see below)
Service of Process
- Serve copies of the petition on:
  - District Attorney's Office
  - Arresting agency
  - Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification
Hearing (if necessary)
- If any agency objects to the expungement, a contradictory hearing will be scheduled
- Present evidence supporting eligibility for expungement
Order of Expungement
- If granted, the court issues an order of expungement
- Distribute certified copies to all agencies holding records

Fees and Costs

The total cost for expungement in Louisiana typically ranges from $550 to $650, including:

Filing fee: $200 (may be waived for indigent petitioners)
Louisiana State Police processing fee: $250
Background check fee: $39.25
Sheriff's service fee: $25-50
Certified copies: $5-10 each

Legal Assistance

While not required, legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process:

Louisiana State Bar Association
601 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 566-1600
Louisiana State Bar Association

Louisiana Justice Coalition
1340 Poydras Street, Suite 600
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: (504) 503-0626
Louisiana Justice Coalition

Effect of Expungement

When an arrest record is expunged in Louisiana:

The record is removed from public access
The person may legally deny the arrest occurred in most circumstances
Law enforcement agencies retain confidential access to the records
Certain licensing boards and agencies may still have access under specific circumstances

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Louisiana?

Louisiana law imposes several important limitations on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts. These restrictions aim to balance public safety interests with individual rights and opportunities. Here are the key limitations on arrest record use in Louisiana:

Employment Restrictions

Under Louisiana law and federal guidelines:

Employers cannot use arrest records that did not result in conviction as the sole basis for denying employment under Louisiana R.S. 23:291
Public employers must wait until after an initial interview to inquire about criminal history ("Ban the Box" provisions)
Arrest records must be "job-related and consistent with business necessity" to be considered in employment decisions
Employers must conduct individualized assessments considering:
- Nature and gravity of the offense
- Time elapsed since the arrest
- Nature of the job sought

Housing Limitations

Public housing authorities must follow HUD guidance on the use of arrest records
Landlords cannot have blanket policies rejecting all applicants with arrest records
Arrest-only records (without conviction) should not be used as the sole basis for housing denial

Licensing Restrictions

Louisiana has enacted occupational licensing reforms that limit the use of arrest records:

Licensing boards must consider only convictions directly related to the occupation
Arrest records without conviction generally cannot be used to deny professional licenses
Individualized assessment is required before denying licenses based on criminal history

Credit and Financial Services

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA):

Consumer reporting agencies cannot report arrest records older than seven years
Users of consumer reports must notify individuals when adverse actions are taken based on report information
Individuals have the right to dispute inaccurate arrest information in consumer reports

Educational Institutions

Louisiana public colleges and universities have limitations on using arrest records in admissions
Financial aid eligibility may be affected by drug-related arrests under federal rules
Schools must provide due process before taking adverse actions based on arrest records

Insurance Considerations

Insurance companies face restrictions on using arrest-only records for underwriting decisions
Rate increases based solely on arrest records may violate state insurance regulations

Legal Penalties for Misuse

Improper use of arrest records may result in:

Civil liability under state privacy laws
Discrimination claims under federal and state civil rights laws
Administrative penalties from regulatory agencies
Potential damages in civil lawsuits

Expunged Records

Louisiana R.S. 44:9 specifically prohibits the use of expunged arrest records for any purpose, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and certain licensing bodies.

These limitations reflect Louisiana's effort to balance public safety with the principle that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and that an arrest alone should not create permanent barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Lookup Arrest Records in Louisiana

State Repository for Criminal History Records

Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
7919 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 925-6095
Louisiana State Police

State Department of Public Safety

Louisiana Department of Public Safety
7979 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 925-6006
Louisiana Department of Public Safety

State Department of Corrections

Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections
504 Mayflower Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: (225) 342-9711
Louisiana Department of Corrections

State Court System

Louisiana Supreme Court
400 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 310-2300
Louisiana Supreme Court

Louisiana Judicial Administrator's Office
1600 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: (225) 383-2323
Louisiana Judicial Administrator

Attorney General's Office

Louisiana Department of Justice
1885 North Third Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: (225) 326-6079
Louisiana Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices

Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office
2800 Gravier Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone: (504) 202-9339
Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office

East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
8900 Jimmy Wedell Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
Phone: (225) 389-5000
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff

Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office
1233 Westbank Expressway
Harvey, LA 70058
Phone: (504) 363-5500
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office
316 W. Main Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
Phone: (337) 232-9211
Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office
505 Travis Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
Phone: (318) 675-2170
Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office
5400 E. Broad Street
Lake Charles, LA 70615
Phone: (337) 491-3700
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office
300 Brownswitch Road
Slidell, LA 70458
Phone: (985) 898-2338
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office

Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office
701 Murray Street
Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone: (318) 473-6700
Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office
7856 Main Street
Houma, LA 70360
Phone: (985) 876-2500
Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office

Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office
400 St. John Street
Monroe, LA 71201
Phone: (318) 329-1200
Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office

Municipal Police Departments

New Orleans Police Department
715 South Broad Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone: (504) 658-5000
New Orleans Police Department

Baton Rouge Police Department
9000 Airline Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
Phone: (225) 389-2000
Baton Rouge Police Department

Shreveport Police Department
1234 Texas Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71101
Phone: (318) 673-7300
Shreveport Police Department