> >Lafayette Arrest Records

Lafayette Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lafayette, Louisiana?

Arrest records are public documents in Lafayette, 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 accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations and ensures accountability within the criminal justice system.

Members of the public may access arrest records through designated channels established by local law enforcement agencies. The Lafayette Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and departmental policies. Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure would compromise public safety as outlined in La. R.S. 44:3.

The Lafayette Consolidated Government adheres to these statutory requirements while balancing the public's right to information with privacy considerations as mandated by state law.

How to Look Up Lafayette Arrest Records in 2025

The Lafayette Parish criminal justice system provides multiple avenues for accessing arrest records. Individuals seeking information about arrests in Lafayette have several official methods available:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may obtain arrest records by visiting the Lafayette Police Department Records Section located at 705 West University Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70506. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A valid government-issued photo identification is required when requesting records in person.
Online Access: The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an electronic database of recent arrests. This system allows for searches by name, date of arrest, or case number.
Public Records Request: Formal requests may be submitted through the Lafayette Consolidated Government's public records request process. 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.
Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court maintains records that may be accessed at the Lafayette Parish Courthouse, 800 South Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. Phone: (337) 291-6400.

Requestors should note that fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with La. R.S. 44:32(C), which permits reasonable fees for reproduction of documents.

Contents of a Lafayette Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Lafayette Police Department contain specific information as required by Louisiana law and departmental policy. 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
Detailed enumeration of charges filed, including applicable Louisiana Revised Statutes
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking information, including mugshot photographs and fingerprint data
Case number and incident report references
Bail or bond information, if applicable
Custody status and detention facility location

The Lafayette Police Department Records Section, in compliance with La. R.S. 44:36, maintains these records according to established retention schedules. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and other data protected by privacy statutes.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Lafayette

The management and accessibility of arrest records in Lafayette operates within a comprehensive legal framework established by state legislation and local ordinances. The primary statutory authority governing these records includes:

Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1-41): Establishes the fundamental right of public access to governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests and bookings.
Louisiana Criminal Code (La. R.S. 14:1 et seq.): Defines criminal offenses and establishes the legal basis for arrests within Lafayette Parish.
Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure (La. C.Cr.P. Art. 201-230): Outlines procedures for lawful arrests, booking processes, and the creation of official arrest documentation.
Lafayette Consolidated Government Ordinances: Local regulations that may supplement state requirements regarding record-keeping and public access.

Law enforcement agencies in Lafayette must adhere to these legal provisions when creating, maintaining, and disseminating arrest records. The Lafayette Police Department has established internal policies that ensure compliance with these legal requirements while facilitating public access as mandated by law.

Agencies Maintaining Arrest Records in Lafayette

Multiple governmental entities within Lafayette Parish maintain and provide access to arrest records. Each agency serves specific functions within the criminal justice system:

Lafayette Police Department
705 West University Avenue
Lafayette, LA 70506
(337) 291-8600
Lafayette Police Department

The Records Section processes requests for arrest reports, incident reports, and other police documentation. Counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office
316 West Main Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 232-9211
Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office

Maintains booking records and inmate information for the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center. Public access hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court
800 South Buchanan Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 291-6400
Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court

Maintains court records related to arrests that have proceeded to prosecution. Public access hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Lafayette City Marshal's Office
120 South Buchanan Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 291-8720
Lafayette City Marshal's Office

Responsible for executing warrants issued by Lafayette City Court and maintaining related records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lafayette

Under Louisiana law, certain individuals may qualify to have their arrest records expunged from public access. Expungement in Lafayette Parish is governed by La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.

Eligibility for expungement typically includes:

Arrests that did not result in conviction
Misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period of 5 years with no subsequent convictions
Certain non-violent felony convictions after a 10-year waiting period with no subsequent felony convictions
First-offense marijuana possession convictions (less than 14 grams) after a 2-year waiting period

The expungement process requires:

Filing a petition with the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court
Payment of filing fees (approximately $550, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants)
Service of the petition on the District Attorney, arresting agency, and Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification
Attendance at a scheduled court hearing (if required)

Upon successful expungement, records are removed from public access but remain available to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes as specified in La. R.S. 44:9.

Individuals seeking expungement may obtain assistance through the Lafayette Parish Public Defender's Office, located at 307 East University Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70503, (337) 232-9345.

Privacy Considerations and Restrictions

While arrest records in Lafayette are generally public, certain limitations and privacy protections exist under Louisiana law. These restrictions serve to balance transparency with individual privacy rights and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

Protected information and records include:

Juvenile arrest records (La. Ch.C. Art. 412), which remain confidential except under specific circumstances
Records pertaining to victims of sexual offenses (La. R.S. 46:1844)
Information related to ongoing investigations (La. R.S. 44:3)
Records sealed by court order
Expunged records as provided by La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995
Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and financial account details

The Lafayette Police Department and other custodial agencies are required to redact protected information before releasing records to the public. Unauthorized disclosure of protected information may result in civil liability or criminal penalties as provided in La. R.S. 44:31-37.

Individuals who believe their privacy rights have been violated may seek remedies through the Legal Department of the Lafayette Consolidated Government, located at 705 West University Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70506, (337) 291-8234.