Arrest records in Assumption Parish, Louisiana are public documents accessible to all citizens. Pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.), governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, are designated as public information. This legislation ensures transparency in law enforcement operations and upholds the public's right to information regarding criminal justice proceedings within the parish.
The Louisiana Constitution Article XII, Section 3 further reinforces this right by stating that "no person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established by law." Arrest records fall under this constitutional protection, making them available for public inspection with certain statutory exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Assumption Parish may access these documents through established channels provided by local law enforcement agencies and the parish clerk's office. The accessibility of these records serves the dual purpose of maintaining governmental accountability and providing citizens with information pertinent to public safety within their communities.
Arrest records for Assumption Parish can be accessed through various online platforms. The Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that includes current inmate information, recent arrests, and the parish's most wanted list. This online resource is regularly updated to reflect the current status of individuals within the parish's criminal justice system.
The Louisiana Automated Victim Notification System (LAVNS), accessible through the LA VINE program, provides electronic access to offender custody information. Assumption Parish participates in this statewide initiative, allowing for remote access to certain arrest and custody records.
Digital access to arrest records is subject to the provisions outlined in La. R.S. 44:31, which states that "providing access to public records is a responsibility and duty of the appointive or elective office of a custodian and his employees." While comprehensive arrest histories may require formal requests, basic arrest information is increasingly available through these digital platforms.
The following limitations apply to online arrest record searches:
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Assumption Parish. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following procedures:
Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office
4809 Highway 1
Napoleonville, LA 70390
(985) 369-7281
Assumption Parish Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Assumption Parish Clerk of Court
4809 Highway 1, 2nd Floor
Napoleonville, LA 70390
(985) 369-6653
Assumption Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Electronic requests may be submitted through the Louisiana Department of Corrections offender information portal. This system provides information on individuals currently in custody or under supervision.
Third-party background check services may provide arrest record information, though these services may charge fees and cannot guarantee complete accuracy or currency of information.
Standard arrest records maintained by Assumption Parish law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive information regarding the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
Arrest-specific information:
Post-arrest processing details:
Case disposition information:
Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:3, certain information may be withheld from public arrest records if disclosure would compromise ongoing investigations, reveal confidential informants, or otherwise impede law enforcement activities. Additionally, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements under La. Ch.C. Art. 412.
The expungement process in Assumption Parish provides eligible individuals with a legal mechanism to remove arrest records from public access. Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995 establish the framework for expungement eligibility, procedures, and effects within the parish.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Assumption Parish include:
Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Assumption Parish 23rd Judicial District Court. The petition must include:
23rd Judicial District Court
4809 Highway 1
Napoleonville, LA 70390
(985) 369-6653
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a contradictory hearing where the district attorney and arresting agency may object. If granted, the expungement order directs all agencies to remove the record from public access, though certain governmental entities retain limited access for law enforcement purposes as specified in La. C.Cr.P. Art. 973.
The expungement process typically requires 4-6 months for completion and costs between $550-$650 in filing and processing fees. Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 983.