French Settlement Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in French Settlement, Louisiana?
Arrest records are public documents in French Settlement, Louisiana, pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that all records maintained by public bodies, including arrest records generated by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection. The statute serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system.
Members of the public may access these records through designated channels established by local law enforcement agencies. The public nature of these records is consistent with Louisiana's constitutional commitment to open government, as articulated in Article XII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution, which states 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 exceptions to public disclosure may apply in specific circumstances, such as ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety. These exceptions are narrowly defined under Louisiana law to balance transparency with other compelling public interests.
How to Look Up French Settlement Arrest Records in 2025
The Village of French Settlement provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Pursuant to established procedures, individuals seeking arrest record information may utilize the following methods:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests directly to the French Settlement Police Department located at 16015 La Hwy 16, French Settlement, LA 70733. Office hours for public record requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Electronic Access System: The Village of French Settlement maintains a digital records portal accessible through the official municipal website. Users must register for an account and may be subject to identity verification procedures in accordance with La. R.S. 44:32.
Written Correspondence: Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division of the French Settlement Police Department. All requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific details regarding the records sought.
Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by parish authorities, records may be requested from the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office located at 20300 Government Blvd., Livingston, LA 70754. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at (225) 686-2241.
Mayor's Court Records: Arrest records related to cases processed through the Mayor's Court may be accessed by contacting the court clerk at (225) 698-6100 during regular business hours.
Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32(C)(1)(a), public bodies may establish reasonable fees for providing copies of public records. Current fee schedules are posted at each records access location and on the official Village website.
Contents of a French Settlement Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the French Settlement Police Department contain standardized information as prescribed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 228. These records typically include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, residential address, and any documented aliases or previous names.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Louisiana Revised Statute citations and charge classifications (misdemeanor or felony).
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint records, and booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during processing.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including bail or bond information, court dates, and preliminary hearing outcomes.
Custody Status: Information regarding whether the individual remains in custody or has been released, and any conditions of release imposed by the court.
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of criminal proceedings and the specific circumstances of the arrest. Records pertaining to arrests made within Livingston Parish jurisdiction may contain additional elements as required by parish ordinances and departmental policies.
Expungement of Arrest Records in French Settlement
The State of Louisiana provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in French Settlement through established legal procedures.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of charges
- Arrests where no charges were filed within the statutory time limitations
- Successful completion of pre-trial diversion programs
- Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after prescribed waiting periods
- First-offense marijuana possession convictions (under specific conditions)
The expungement process requires submission of a formal petition to the court of original jurisdiction. For arrests occurring within French Settlement, petitions must be filed with the 21st Judicial District Court located at 20300 Government Blvd., Livingston, LA 70754. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 983, filing fees for expungement petitions range from $550 to $650, depending on the nature of the case. Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants who submit appropriate documentation of financial hardship.
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the arrest record. Expunged records are removed from public access but remain available to law enforcement agencies and certain licensing boards as permitted under La. R.S. 44:9.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The Louisiana State Bar Association maintains a registry of attorneys specializing in expungement proceedings.
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