>Grant Parish Arrest Records Online

Grant Parish, Louisiana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Grant Parish, Louisiana?

Arrest records in Grant 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, shall be available for public inspection. The statute specifically designates law enforcement records as public documents, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and matters involving protected privacy interests as outlined in La. R.S. 44:3.

Members of the public seeking arrest information may obtain these records through various governmental agencies within Grant Parish. The Louisiana Public Records Act mandates that custodians of public records shall present any public record to any person of the age of majority who so requests, subject only to the exceptions and limitations established by law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Grant Parish?

Grant Parish arrest records are available through online platforms maintained by parish law enforcement agencies. The Grant Parish Sheriff's Office maintains digital databases that allow for remote access to certain arrest information in accordance with La. R.S. 44:1, which defines public records to include information contained in electronic data processing equipment.

Online accessibility is subject to the technological capabilities of the respective agencies and may not include comprehensive historical records. The Louisiana Legislature has recognized the importance of digital access through Act 636 of the 2018 Regular Session, which encourages governmental entities to make public records available in digital formats when practicable.

Users of online systems should be aware that while basic arrest information may be available electronically, supporting documentation and complete case files may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency. Additionally, pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32(A), reasonable fees may be charged for electronic copies of public records.

How to Look Up Grant Parish Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Grant Parish. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:

Submit a formal public records request to the Grant Parish Sheriff's Office located at P.O. Box 187, Colfax, LA 71417. Requests may be made in person during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) or by calling (318) 627-2000.
Access the Grant Parish Sheriff's Office website for digital records that have been made available online. Electronic requests may be submitted through designated portals on the official website.
Visit the Grant Parish Clerk of Court at 200 Main Street, Colfax, LA 71417, for court records related to arrests. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at (318) 627-3246.
Utilize public access terminals available at the Grant Parish Library, 200 Main Street, Colfax, LA 71417, which provide access to certain public records databases.

Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32(D), custodians of records shall make the records available within three business days of receipt of the request. If the record is not immediately available, the custodian shall promptly certify this in writing to the applicant and establish a reasonable time for production.

Contents of a Grant Parish Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by Grant Parish law enforcement agencies contain specific information as required by Louisiana law. These records typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical description
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking information including mugshot photographs and fingerprint data
Custody status and bail/bond information
Case disposition if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Court docket number for associated legal proceedings

The content of arrest records is governed by La. R.S. 15:578, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including social security numbers, medical information, and information pertaining to victims of certain offenses as specified in La. R.S. 44:3.

Legal Uses of Grant Parish Arrest Records

Arrest records obtained from Grant Parish agencies may be utilized for various legitimate purposes in accordance with state and federal regulations. Authorized uses include:

Background screening for employment purposes, subject to the limitations established in the Louisiana Employment Privacy Act (La. R.S. 23:291)
Tenant screening by property owners and management companies
Professional licensing verification by regulatory boards
Personal research regarding potential business associates or other individuals
Statistical analysis and research by academic institutions with appropriate protocols
Journalistic reporting on matters of public interest

Users of arrest record information should be aware that the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) imposes additional requirements when such information is used for employment, housing, or credit purposes. Furthermore, La. R.S. 23:291 prohibits employers from requesting information regarding arrests that did not result in conviction unless the position involves law enforcement or is otherwise exempted by statute.

Limitations on Access to Grant Parish Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public in Grant Parish, certain statutory exceptions restrict access to specific categories of records. These limitations include:

Juvenile arrest records are confidential pursuant to La. Ch.C. Art. 412, except under limited circumstances involving violent offenses
Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under La. R.S. 44:3(A)(1)
Information that would compromise the safety of law enforcement personnel or their families
Records sealed by court order following expungement proceedings
Information regarding victims of sexual offenses or domestic violence as protected under La. R.S. 46:1844
Medical and mental health information contained within arrest records
Records involving arrests made in error or cases resulting in complete exoneration

The Grant Parish Sheriff's Office and other custodians of records are required to review requests and apply these statutory exemptions before releasing information. Requestors denied access to records may seek judicial review of such decisions as provided in La. R.S. 44:35.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Grant Parish

Under Louisiana law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Grant Parish. Expungement procedures are governed by La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995 and provide a mechanism to seal records from public view under qualifying circumstances.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Grant Parish include:

Arrests that did not lead to formal charges within the statutory time limitations
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
Successful completion of pre-trial diversion programs
Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after prescribed waiting periods
First-offense marijuana possession convictions (less than 14 grams)
Arrests for which prosecution was refused by the district attorney

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the 35th Judicial District Court serving Grant Parish. Filing fees and costs associated with expungement proceedings typically range from $550 to $650, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants. Upon granting of an expungement, the court orders all relevant agencies to seal the records, removing them from public access.

Individuals seeking expungement may contact:

Grant Parish District Attorney's Office
200 Main Street
Colfax, LA 71417
(318) 627-3246
35th Judicial District Court