>De Soto Parish Arrest Records Online

De Soto Parish, Louisiana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in De Soto Parish, Louisiana?

Arrest records in De Soto Parish, Louisiana are public documents pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The statute ensures transparency within the criminal justice system by allowing citizens to obtain information regarding arrests made within the parish jurisdiction.

The De Soto Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public seeking arrest information may access these records through established procedures, subject to applicable identification requirements and processing fees as permitted under La. R.S. 44:32. Certain records may be subject to redaction or restriction if they contain confidential information as defined in La. R.S. 44:3, such as ongoing investigation details or juvenile records.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in De Soto Parish?

De Soto Parish arrest records are available through various online platforms in compliance with Louisiana's digital records accessibility standards. The DeSoto Parish government maintains digital repositories that provide public access to certain arrest information. These online systems have been implemented to enhance governmental transparency and facilitate efficient public access to records.

Online accessibility is subject to the provisions outlined in La. R.S. 44:31, which governs the right of the public to inspect, copy, or reproduce public records. The digital availability of these records is maintained through the parish's information technology infrastructure, with regular updates to ensure accuracy and compliance with state regulations regarding public records.

Users of online systems should note that certain information may be redacted in accordance with La. R.S. 44:4.1, which identifies records that are exceptions to the public records law. Additionally, records that have been expunged pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995 will not appear in public online databases.

How to Look Up De Soto Parish Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking De Soto Parish arrest records in 2025 may utilize multiple authorized channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available in accordance with Louisiana Public Records Law:

Online Database Access: The De Soto Parish Court Records system provides digital access to arrest records. Users must create an account and may be required to pay statutory fees for certain document retrievals as permitted under La. R.S. 44:32(C).
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at the De Soto Parish Sheriff's Office or the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours. Proper identification is required pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32.

De Soto Parish Sheriff's Office
205 Franklin Street
Mansfield, LA 71052
(318) 872-3956
Official Website

De Soto Parish Clerk of Court
101 Texas Street
Mansfield, LA 71052
(318) 872-3110
Official Website

Written Requests: Written applications for records may be submitted via postal mail to the appropriate parish office. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and case number (if known) to facilitate accurate record retrieval.
Third-Party Vendors: Authorized commercial services may provide access to De Soto Parish arrest records, though such services are subject to the same legal restrictions regarding confidential information as government agencies.

Processing times for record requests vary based on the method used and the complexity of the search. Statutory fees may apply in accordance with La. R.S. 44:32(C), which permits reasonable charges for the reproduction of public records.

Contents of a De Soto Parish Arrest Record

De Soto Parish arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Louisiana law and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections guidelines. These records typically include the following components:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, place of birth, gender, race, and other identifying characteristics of the arrested individual.
Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, eye color, hair color, and distinguishing features such as scars, marks, or tattoos that assist in positive identification.
Photographic Documentation: Mugshot photographs taken at the time of booking from front and side angles, in accordance with standardized law enforcement protocols.
Biometric Data: Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process, which are subsequently entered into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) as required by La. R.S. 15:590.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the arresting agency; the name and badge number of the arresting officer; and the legal authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Louisiana statutes or local ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including citation of relevant legal codes.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system, including information about bail, court appearances, and case outcomes if proceedings have concluded.
Incarceration Information: Details regarding detention at the DeSoto Parish Detention Center, including booking date, custody status, and projected release date for sentenced individuals.

Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with La. R.S. 44:3, particularly details that might compromise ongoing investigations or the safety of involved parties.

Expungement of Arrest Records in De Soto Parish

The expungement process in De Soto Parish provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as outlined in Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements that vary based on the nature of the offense, case disposition, and time elapsed since arrest or conviction.

Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 976, persons may qualify for expungement in the following situations:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of charges
Arrests that did not lead to prosecution within the statutory time limitations
Successful completion of pretrial diversion programs
Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after prescribed waiting periods

The expungement procedure requires filing a formal petition with the De Soto Parish District Court, accompanied by supporting documentation and payment of filing fees as established in La. C.Cr.P. Art. 983. The court may waive fees upon demonstration of financial hardship through an affidavit of indigency.

Upon granting of an expungement order, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest or conviction are directed to remove these records from public access. However, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies, criminal justice agencies, and certain licensing boards as specified in La. C.Cr.P. Art. 973.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that certain serious offenses, including violent crimes and sex offenses enumerated in La. R.S. 44:9, are statutorily ineligible for expungement regardless of time elapsed or rehabilitation efforts.