Arrest records are public in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that records produced or received by any public body are available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Arrest records, as documentation of the criminal justice process, generally fall within the category of non-exempt public records.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties. Members of the public seeking arrest information may access these records through established procedures set forth by parish authorities. The Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3, further reinforces this right by stating that "no person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established by law."
Certain limitations may apply to juvenile records or cases under active investigation, as provided by La. R.S. 44:3, which establishes specific exemptions for records pertaining to pending criminal litigation.
Jefferson Parish arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by parish authorities. The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court provides digital access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. Their JeffNet system allows registered users to search case information remotely.
The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search function that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals, including their arrest details. This service is available 24 hours per day through the Sheriff's Office website.
Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32(A), public bodies are required to provide reasonable access to public records. The provision of online access fulfills this requirement while enhancing public convenience. Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, complete arrest records with all supporting documentation may require in-person requests.
Jefferson Parish provides multiple channels for accessing arrest records:
Online Database Searches: The Jefferson Parish Court Records Search system allows users to query arrest records using name, case number, or other identifiers. This system is accessible 24 hours per day.
Sheriff's Office Records Division: In-person requests may be submitted at: Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division 1233 Westbank Expressway Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 363-5500 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Clerk of Court Office: Court records related to arrests can be obtained from: Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court P.O. Box 10 Gretna, LA 70054-0010 (504) 364-2900 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Public Records Requests: Formal requests may be submitted through the Jefferson Parish Public Records Request system, which allows tracking of request status.
Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32(C)(1)(a), custodians of records may establish reasonable fees for providing copies of public records. Current fees for arrest record copies are $0.25 per page for standard documents and $5.00 for certified copies.
Jefferson Parish arrest records contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Standard arrest records include:
The Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office may maintain additional records related to the prosecution of cases stemming from arrests. These records may include charging documents, witness statements, and evidence inventories.
In accordance with La. R.S. 44:3(A)(4)(a), certain investigative records may be withheld if their release would compromise an ongoing investigation or reveal confidential investigative techniques.
Louisiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records in Jefferson Parish. Expungement is the legal process through which arrest records are removed from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Jefferson Parish include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Jefferson Parish Court where the case was adjudicated. Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 976-978, specific forms must be completed and filing fees paid. Current expungement fees total approximately $550, which includes court costs and fees for service to all agencies maintaining the records.
The Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court processes expungement applications and can provide guidance on the required documentation. Upon approval, expungement orders are sent to all agencies maintaining the records, including the Sheriff's Office, District Attorney, and Louisiana State Police.
While arrest records are generally public in Jefferson Parish, certain limitations exist to protect privacy rights and ongoing investigations:
The Jefferson Parish Jail Roster provides information about currently detained individuals but excludes certain protected information. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office is responsible for determining which portions of arrest records may be withheld based on applicable exemptions.
Individuals who believe their records have been improperly withheld may seek judicial review as provided by La. R.S. 44:35, which establishes procedures for enforcement of public records access rights.