>Evangeline Parish Arrest Records Online

Evangeline Parish, Louisiana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana?

Arrest records are public documents in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be available for public inspection. The statute serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability in law enforcement activities throughout the state of Louisiana, including Evangeline Parish. Members of the public may access these records without demonstrating a specific purpose or interest, as the law presumes public access to be in the public interest.

The Louisiana Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public information, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or records sealed by court order. Law enforcement agencies in Evangeline Parish are required to maintain these records and make them accessible to the public in accordance with state law. The custodian of such records may charge reasonable fees for copies of documents as permitted under La. R.S. 44:32.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Evangeline Parish?

Arrest records for Evangeline Parish are available through various online platforms maintained by local and state agencies. The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office provides digital access to certain arrest information through their official website and affiliated databases. Additionally, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections maintains a statewide database that includes arrest information from Evangeline Parish.

Online accessibility of these records is governed by La. R.S. 44:1 et seq., which permits electronic dissemination of public records. The digital availability facilitates public access while reducing administrative burden on governmental agencies. Users should note that online records may not always contain complete information, as certain details may be redacted pursuant to privacy laws or may require in-person requests for full disclosure.

The Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court maintains an electronic database of court records that may include information related to arrests. This system allows for remote access to public records during non-business hours, enhancing the transparency of the judicial system in Evangeline Parish.

How to Look Up Evangeline Parish Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Evangeline Parish. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures:

In-person requests may be submitted at the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office or the Clerk of Court's office. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search and may be required to complete a formal records request form.
Online searches can be conducted through the following resources:
- The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office website
- The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections offender database
- The Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court's electronic records system
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate agency, accompanied by any required fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the requested documents.

Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:35, agencies must respond to records requests promptly, and any denial of access must be in writing with citation to the legal authority for such denial.

Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office
200 Court Street
Ville Platte, LA 70586
Phone: (337) 363-6664
Official Website

Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court
200 Court Street, Suite 100
Ville Platte, LA 70586
Phone: (337) 363-5671
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Contents of a Evangeline Parish Arrest Record

Arrest records in Evangeline Parish typically contain comprehensive information about the arrested individual and the circumstances of their arrest. Standard components of these records include:

Biographical information of the arrestee, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information, including booking number and processing details
Custody status and bail information, if applicable
Fingerprint records collected during booking procedures
Photographic identification (mugshot) of the arrested individual
Personal property inventory collected during intake
Preliminary hearing dates and court assignment information

The content of arrest records is standardized in accordance with Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement guidelines and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) protocols. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and form part of the criminal justice record system maintained by Evangeline Parish authorities.

Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:3, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including confidential informant identities, ongoing investigation details, and certain personal identifying information such as social security numbers.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Evangeline Parish

The expungement process in Evangeline Parish allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as provided by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements, which generally include:

Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or declined prosecution
Arrests for which no charges were filed within the statutory time limitations
Successful completion of pre-trial diversion programs
Certain first-offense convictions after prescribed waiting periods
Arrests for which prosecution was refused by the district attorney

The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the Evangeline Parish District Court where the arrest or conviction occurred. Petitioners must provide notice to the District Attorney's Office, the arresting agency, and the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. A filing fee of approximately $550 is required, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants.

Upon court approval of an expungement, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest or conviction are ordered to remove such information from public access. However, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies and certain licensing boards as permitted under La. R.S. 44:9.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements and may benefit from legal counsel. The Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Initiative has expanded eligibility for expungements in recent years, allowing more residents of Evangeline Parish to pursue this remedy.