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New Orleans Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in New Orleans, Louisiana?

Arrest records are public in New Orleans, 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 available for public inspection. The law serves to maintain transparency and accountability within law enforcement operations throughout the state of Louisiana. Members of the public may access these records through designated channels established by local law enforcement agencies and judicial offices.

The Louisiana Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public information, with certain exceptions for juvenile records, ongoing investigations, and records sealed by court order. Public access to these records supports the constitutional right to information while balancing privacy considerations as outlined in state statutes.

How to Look Up New Orleans Arrest Records in 2025

The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) maintains arrest records that are accessible through multiple official channels. Individuals seeking arrest record information may utilize the following methods:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the NOPD Records Division to submit formal requests for arrest records. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees must be paid at the time of request.

New Orleans Police Department Records Division
715 South Broad Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 658-5575
NOPD Public Records

Online Portal Access: The NOPD Public Records Request System allows individuals to submit requests electronically. Users must create an account and provide specific information about the record being sought.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted via certified mail to the Records Division. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and a copy of the requestor's identification.
Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office: For records of individuals processed through the parish jail system, requests may be directed to:

Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office
2800 Gravier Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 202-9339
Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office

Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. Current fees for arrest records are $25 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy requested simultaneously. Processing times typically range from 3-10 business days depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload.

Contents of a New Orleans Arrest Record

Official arrest records maintained by the New Orleans Police Department contain comprehensive information as mandated by Louisiana Administrative Code Title 22, Part III, Subpart 4. Standard arrest records include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Residential address at time of arrest (may be redacted in public copies)
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed description of the alleged offense(s) and corresponding Louisiana Revised Statute citations
Booking number and case identification references
Arresting officer information and badge number
Fingerprint classification data
Photographic identification (mugshot)
Custody status and initial bail determination
Preliminary court appearance information

Law enforcement agencies maintain these records in accordance with Louisiana Criminal Code Article 228, which requires the documentation of all arrests. The comprehensiveness of these records serves both administrative and public safety purposes while supporting judicial proceedings related to the case.

Legal Framework for Arrest Record Access

The accessibility of arrest records in New Orleans is governed by a multi-tiered legal framework. The Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1-41) establishes the foundational right of access, while specific provisions address the scope and limitations of this access.

Under La. R.S. 44:3, certain investigative records may be temporarily exempt from disclosure if release would:

Reasonably be expected to interfere with pending or anticipated criminal proceedings
Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or impartial adjudication
Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Disclose the identity of a confidential source
Disclose investigative techniques or procedures

The Orleans Parish Criminal District Court maintains jurisdiction over disputes regarding access to arrest records. Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:35, if a request for records is denied, the requestor may institute proceedings for the issuance of a writ of mandamus, injunctive or declaratory relief within 60 days of the denial.

Additionally, the Criminal Justice Committee of the New Orleans City Council provides oversight regarding public access to criminal justice records and regularly reviews policies affecting transparency in law enforcement operations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in New Orleans

Louisiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement procedures are governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995 and effectively remove arrest information from public access.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Orleans Parish include:

Arrests that did not lead to conviction
Misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period of 5 years with no subsequent arrests
Certain non-violent felony convictions after a 10-year waiting period
First-offense marijuana possession convictions (less than 14 grams)
Successful completion of pre-trial diversion programs

The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court located at:

Orleans Parish Criminal District Court
2700 Tulane Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 658-9100
Orleans Parish Criminal District Court

Filing fees for expungement petitions range from $550-$650, depending on the nature of the case. Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 983, fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants who provide proof of inability to pay.

Upon successful expungement, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest are required to remove such information from public access. However, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies and certain licensing boards as specified in La. C.Cr.P. Art. 973.

Impact of Arrest Records on Employment and Housing

Arrest records in New Orleans can significantly impact an individual's access to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. Louisiana law establishes certain protections while allowing for legitimate public safety considerations.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission enforces state regulations regarding the use of criminal history in employment decisions. Pursuant to La. R.S. 23:291, employers may consider arrest records when making hiring decisions, but are encouraged to evaluate:

The nature and gravity of the offense
The time elapsed since the arrest or conviction
The nature of the job sought

The New Orleans "Ban the Box" Ordinance (M.C.S., Ord. No. 27889) prohibits city agencies and contractors from inquiring about criminal history on initial job applications, delaying such inquiries until after an interview or conditional offer of employment.

For housing matters, the Housing Authority of New Orleans has established guidelines regarding the consideration of arrest records in public housing eligibility determinations. These guidelines comply with federal Fair Housing regulations while addressing legitimate public safety concerns.

Individuals facing discrimination based on arrest records may file complaints with:

Louisiana Commission on Human Rights
1001 North 23rd Street, Suite 268
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 342-6969
Louisiana Commission on Human Rights

Juvenile Arrest Records in New Orleans

Juvenile arrest records in New Orleans are subject to enhanced confidentiality protections under Louisiana Children's Code Articles 811-827. These provisions establish stricter access limitations than those governing adult records.

Access to juvenile arrest records is generally restricted to:

The juvenile and their legal representatives
Parents or legal guardians
Juvenile court personnel
Law enforcement agencies for official purposes
Schools and educational institutions (limited circumstances)

The Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans maintains separate juvenile proceedings records and enforces specific confidentiality protocols. Unauthorized disclosure of juvenile records constitutes a misdemeanor offense under La. Ch.C. Art. 412(H).

Expungement of juvenile records follows a distinct process outlined in La. Ch.C. Art. 918-922, with broader eligibility criteria than adult expungements. Juveniles may petition for expungement immediately upon:

Successful completion of diversion programs
Non-adjudicated dismissals
Adjudications for misdemeanor-grade delinquent acts after a two-year waiting period