Arrest records in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of the public to access, inspect, and obtain copies of records maintained by government agencies throughout the state, including those in Calcasieu Parish. The Louisiana Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public information, making them available for review unless explicitly exempted by statutory provisions.
The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court maintains these records as part of their official duties under Louisiana law. Members of the public seeking arrest information may submit requests to the Calcasieu Clerk of Court's Criminal Records Division during regular business hours. The custodian of records must respond to such requests within three business days as mandated by La. R.S. 44:32.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under La. R.S. 44:3, particularly for records pertaining to pending criminal investigations, juvenile offenders (governed by the Children's Code), and cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as determined by judicial review.
Arrest records in Calcasieu Parish are available through several authorized online platforms maintained by parish governmental agencies. The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court provides digital access to court records, including those related to arrests, through their electronic database system. This online accessibility complies with Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:1, which promotes transparency in governmental operations while maintaining necessary security protocols.
The Calcasieu Clerk of Court's website offers a searchable database where members of the public may access arrest record information. Users must register for an account to utilize certain search functions, and nominal fees may apply for document retrieval or printing services in accordance with La. R.S. § 44:32, which permits reasonable charges for reproduction of public records.
Additionally, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that is updated regularly with current detention information. This resource provides basic arrest details for individuals currently in custody at parish detention facilities. Access to these online resources is subject to system availability and maintenance schedules as determined by the respective agencies.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Calcasieu Parish as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods in accordance with Louisiana Public Records Law:
In-Person Requests at the Clerk of Court's Office: Citizens may visit the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court located at 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (337) 437-3550. Requestors must complete a public records request form and may be required to present identification.
Online Database Access: The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court maintains an electronic records system accessible through their IT2 Online Search Services platform. Registration is required, and certain search functions may incur nominal fees as permitted under La. R.S. § 44:32.
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division: Located at 5400 E. Broad Street, Lake Charles, LA 70615. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Telephone: (337) 491-3700. This office maintains arrest records and booking information for individuals processed through parish detention facilities.
Public Access Terminals: Self-service computer terminals are available at the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse for conducting records searches. These terminals provide access to the same database used by court personnel but do not require staff assistance for basic searches.
Pursuant to La. R.S. § 44:32(C)(1)(a), agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction. Current fee schedules are posted at each location and on official websites. Certified copies of records require additional processing time and fees as established by parish ordinance.
Arrest records maintained by Calcasieu Parish law enforcement agencies and the Clerk of Court contain standardized information as required by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 228. These official documents typically include the following elements:
The Louisiana Uniform Law Enforcement Reporting System mandates standardized formatting for these records to ensure consistency across jurisdictions. All arrest records are assigned unique identification numbers for tracking purposes within the parish and state criminal justice information systems.
The expungement process in Calcasieu Parish operates under the provisions of Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995. Expungement refers to the legal procedure by which arrest records are removed from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies for official purposes. Individuals seeking expungement must meet specific statutory criteria and follow prescribed procedural requirements.
Eligibility for expungement in Calcasieu Parish is determined by several factors, including:
The expungement petition must be filed with the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court at 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601. Current filing fees for expungement proceedings are established by La. R.S. § 13:5554 and may be subject to change. Petitioners must use standardized forms provided by the Louisiana Supreme Court and available through the Clerk's office.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a contradictory hearing where representatives from the District Attorney's Office, arresting agency, and Bureau of Criminal Identification may appear to contest the expungement if grounds exist. If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view in accordance with La. C.Cr.P. Art. 989.