Arrest records are public documents in Iberia Parish, Louisiana, pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation classifies arrest records as part of the criminal justice system's public records, making them accessible to any member of the public upon proper request. The Louisiana Public Records Act establishes the framework for transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities conducted by the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal purposes:
Certain exceptions may apply to the public disclosure of arrest records, particularly in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as specified under La. R.S. 44:3.
Arrest records for Iberia Parish are available through various online platforms. The Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that provides public access to current and historical arrest information. Additionally, the 16th Judicial District Court, which serves Iberia Parish, offers online access to court records that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
Online access to arrest records is governed by the following provisions:
Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, complete case files may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency.
Members of the public seeking Iberia Parish arrest records have multiple methods available to them. Each method varies in terms of comprehensiveness, processing time, and associated fees.
Individuals may obtain arrest records by visiting the following agencies during regular business hours:
Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office
300 Iberia Street, Suite 120
New Iberia, LA 70560
(337) 369-3711
Official Website
16th Judicial District Court Clerk's Office
300 Iberia Street, Suite 400
New Iberia, LA 70560
(337) 365-7282
Official Website
In-person requestors must:
Digital access to arrest records is available through:
Online requestors should be prepared to provide:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division. Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32, the custodian shall present any public record to any person of the age of majority who so requests. Written requests must include:
Arrest records maintained by the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office contain standardized information as required by Louisiana law and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in arrest.
Standard information included in Iberia Parish arrest records:
Additional documentation that may be associated with arrest records includes:
As noted in official audit reports, the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements and makes them available for public inspection as required by law.
Under Louisiana law, certain individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged or sealed from public view. Expungement in Iberia Parish is governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995, which outline specific eligibility criteria and procedures.
Expungement eligibility generally applies to the following circumstances:
Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including:
The expungement process in Iberia Parish requires filing a petition with the 16th Judicial District Court where the case was prosecuted. The process includes:
Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 978, upon receiving an expungement order, all agencies must remove the expunged record from public access, though the information remains available to law enforcement and certain licensing boards.
As noted in public inspection reports, expunged records are maintained separately from public records and are subject to strict confidentiality requirements.