Arrest records in Madison Parish, Louisiana are public documents pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. 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."
The Madison Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records as the primary law enforcement agency for the parish. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may submit a formal request to the Records Division. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with La. R.S. 44:3, which protects ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and certain personal identifying information.
Madison Parish Sheriff's Office
100 N. Cedar Street
Tallulah, LA 71282
Phone: (318) 574-1831
Madison Parish Sheriff's Office
Digital access to Madison Parish arrest records is available through several official channels. The Madison Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides basic information about currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests. This system is updated regularly in compliance with La. R.S. 15:1229, which mandates timely reporting of arrest information.
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections also maintains a searchable database that includes information about individuals in state custody, including those arrested in Madison Parish who have been transferred to state facilities. This database is accessible pursuant to La. R.S. 15:574.12, which authorizes the department to establish and maintain such information systems.
Users of these online systems should note that:
Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:31, members of the public may access Madison Parish arrest records through multiple authorized channels. The following procedures have been established for obtaining these records:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Madison Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). Requestors must complete a Public Records Request form and provide valid identification. Processing fees may apply in accordance with La. R.S. 44:32(C).
Electronic requests may be submitted through the Madison Parish Sheriff's Office website. The online portal requires creation of a user account and acceptance of terms of service. Standard processing times for electronic requests are 3-5 business days.
The Madison Parish Detention Center maintains records of individuals currently in custody and can provide limited information via telephone at (318) 574-0584.
The Clerk of Court for Madison Parish maintains court records related to arrests, including case dispositions and court proceedings. These records may be accessed at:
Madison Parish Clerk of Court
100 N. Cedar Street, Room 100
Tallulah, LA 71282
Phone: (318) 574-0655
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Madison Parish arrest records are maintained in accordance with Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 228, which mandates specific information be documented upon arrest. Standard arrest records contain the following components:
Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including:
The expungement process in Madison Parish is governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995. Expungement refers to the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access, though certain governmental agencies may retain limited access to expunged records for law enforcement purposes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Madison Parish include:
The Louisiana State Public Defender's Office provides guidance on expungement eligibility and procedures. Individuals seeking expungement must file a Motion for Expungement with the Madison Parish Clerk of Court and pay applicable filing fees, which typically range from $550 to $650. Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants under La. C.Cr.P. Art. 983(G).
The Division of Probation and Parole may provide documentation necessary for the expungement process for individuals who have successfully completed supervision.