Arrest records in Franklin 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 that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection. The statute specifically designates arrest records as public information to ensure transparency in the criminal justice system and accountability of law enforcement operations.
Members of the public may access these records regardless of their purpose or relationship to the arrested individual. The Louisiana Public Records Act stipulates that custodians of public records must make such documents available during regular business hours. Exceptions to public disclosure exist only in limited circumstances as prescribed by law, such as ongoing investigations or cases involving juvenile offenders.
The Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records and serves as the primary custodian for arrest documentation within the parish jurisdiction. The office processes requests for arrest records in accordance with state regulations governing public access to governmental documents.
Franklin Parish arrest records are accessible through various online platforms in accordance with Louisiana's commitment to governmental transparency. The Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that allows members of the public to search for arrest information. This digital resource is updated regularly to reflect current arrest data within the parish jurisdiction.
Online accessibility of arrest records is governed by La. R.S. 44:1, which establishes the public's right to inspect governmental records. Digital platforms hosting these records must comply with state regulations regarding the display and dissemination of arrest information. While basic arrest data is available online, certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with privacy provisions outlined in La. R.S. 44:11.
The Franklin Parish Detention Center also maintains records of individuals currently in custody. These records may be accessed through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections website, which provides a searchable database of offenders currently in the state correctional system.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Franklin Parish. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
In-person requests at the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office located at 6560 Main Street, Winnsboro, LA 71295. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (318) 435-4505.
Written requests submitted to the Records Division of the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest. A self-addressed stamped envelope should be included for return correspondence.
Online searches through the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office website, which maintains a database of recent arrests and inmate information.
Requests to the Franklin Parish Clerk of Court at 6550 Main Street, Winnsboro, LA 71295. Telephone: (318) 435-5133. The Clerk's office maintains court records related to arrests that resulted in formal charges.
Utilization of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections offender locator service for individuals currently in state custody.
Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32, governmental agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. The standard fee for arrest record copies in Franklin Parish is $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Certified copies may incur additional charges as prescribed by parish ordinance.
Arrest records maintained by Franklin Parish law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Louisiana state law. These documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and identifying marks such as scars or tattoos.
Arrest details including the date, time, and location of the arrest, the arresting agency, and the names and badge numbers of the arresting officers.
Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, including the specific Louisiana Revised Statute violations and their classifications as misdemeanors or felonies.
Booking information such as the booking number, date and time of booking, and the facility where the individual was detained.
Photographic documentation, commonly referred to as a "mugshot," taken during the booking process.
Fingerprint impressions collected during processing, which are subsequently submitted to state and federal criminal databases.
Bail or bond information, including the amount set and whether the individual was released pending court proceedings.
Court case numbers and scheduled appearance dates if formal charges were filed.
These records are maintained in accordance with Louisiana Administrative Code Title 22, Part III, Chapter 15, which establishes standards for record retention by law enforcement agencies. The Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office retains arrest records for a minimum of five years, while records pertaining to felony arrests are maintained permanently as required by state archival regulations.
The expungement process in Franklin Parish operates under the provisions of Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995. Expungement refers to the legal procedure through which arrest and conviction records are removed from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies for official purposes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Franklin Parish include:
Arrests that did not result in conviction may be eligible for immediate expungement under certain circumstances, as outlined in La. C.Cr.P. Art. 976.
Misdemeanor convictions may qualify for expungement five years after completion of sentence, provided the individual has no felony convictions during the interim period.
Certain felony convictions may be eligible for expungement ten years after completion of sentence, subject to restrictions enumerated in La. C.Cr.P. Art. 978.
First-offense marijuana possession convictions (for amounts less than 14 grams) may qualify for expedited expungement under La. R.S. 40:966(D).
The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the Franklin Parish District Court, located at 6550 Main Street, Winnsboro, LA 71295. Telephone: (318) 435-5133. The filing fee for expungement petitions is $550.00, which includes all associated court costs and processing fees as established by La. R.S. 13:5554.
Applicants must obtain a background check from the Louisiana State Police prior to filing. This documentation must be attached to the petition along with all relevant court minutes and disposition records. The District Attorney's Office reviews all expungement petitions and may file objections within 60 days of submission.
Upon approval, the court issues an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies to remove the records from public access. These agencies include the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.