>Ouachita Parish Arrest Records Online

Ouachita Parish, Louisiana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana?

Arrest records in Ouachita 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 those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statutory provision. The Louisiana Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability in law enforcement activities throughout Ouachita Parish and the state of Louisiana.

Members of the public may access these records for various legitimate purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information verification. The custodian of such records, typically the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office or the Clerk of Court, maintains these documents in accordance with state retention schedules and accessibility guidelines as mandated by Louisiana law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Ouachita Parish?

Arrest records for Ouachita Parish are available through various online platforms in accordance with Louisiana's commitment to public information accessibility. The Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database of recent arrests and inmate information that is regularly updated. Additionally, the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections provides online access to certain records pertaining to individuals currently in custody or under supervision.

Digital accessibility of these records serves multiple public interests, including:

Facilitating efficient background verification processes for employers
Supporting judicial transparency in criminal proceedings
Enabling researchers and policy analysts to study law enforcement patterns
Assisting attorneys in case preparation and client representation
Providing journalists with factual information for public reporting

Online access to these records is governed by La. R.S. 44:31, which stipulates that any person of the age of majority may inspect, copy, or reproduce any public record, subject to established procedures and reasonable fees for reproduction services.

How to Look Up Ouachita Parish Arrest Records in 2025

The Ouachita Parish government provides multiple channels through which members of the public may obtain arrest records. Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, custodians of public records shall present any public record to any person of the age of majority who submits a request during regular business hours. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records:

Online Database Search: The Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court maintains electronic records accessible through their official portal. Users must register and may be required to pay nominal fees for document retrieval.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the records division at the following locations:

Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office
400 St. John Street
Monroe, LA 71201
(318) 329-1200
Official Website

Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court
301 S. Grand Street, Suite 104
Monroe, LA 71201
(318) 327-1444
Written Requests: Public records requests may be submitted via mail to either agency listed above. Requests must include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information sought (name of arrested individual, date of arrest if known)
- Requestor's signature and date
- Copy of valid identification
Third-Party Services: Commercial background check services may provide access to Ouachita Parish arrest records, though these services may not always contain complete or current information.

Standard processing fees apply to all record requests in accordance with La. R.S. § 44:32(C), which permits reasonable fees for copying services. Current fee schedules are available upon request from the respective agencies.

Contents of a Ouachita Parish Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Ouachita Parish law enforcement agencies and the Clerk of Court typically contain standardized information as required by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 228. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system and generally include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and race
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Booking number and processing information
Enumeration of charges filed, including statute citations
Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency identification
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
Bail or bond information, if applicable
Court appearance dates and judicial assignments
Disposition information (if available)

It should be noted that pursuant to La. R.S. § 44:3, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, reveal the identity of confidential informants, or infringe upon the privacy rights of victims in specific case types as enumerated in statute.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Ouachita Parish

The State of Louisiana provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995. Expungement refers to the legal process by which arrest records are sealed or removed from public access, though they may remain available to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Ouachita Parish 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 convictions after a waiting period of five years with no subsequent arrests
First-time non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period of ten years with no subsequent arrests
Juvenile records upon reaching the age of majority (with exceptions)

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

File an appropriate motion with the Western District of Louisiana Court or the 4th Judicial District Court that had jurisdiction over the case
Serve notice to the District Attorney's Office and arresting agency
Pay all applicable filing fees (approximately $550 as of 2025)
Attend any scheduled hearings regarding the petition
Obtain a signed order from the presiding judge if the petition is granted

Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 978, certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including most violent crimes, sex offenses, and domestic violence convictions. Additionally, individuals with multiple felony convictions are generally ineligible for expungement relief.

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the technical requirements of the expungement process. The Ouachita Parish Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in record expungement.

Search Arrest Records in Ouachita Parish

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