Arrest records are public documents in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The statute serves to maintain transparency in governmental operations and ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies operating within the parish. Citizens may obtain these records to review information pertaining to arrests conducted by authorized officials. The Louisiana Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public information unless they fall under specific exemptions outlined in the statute, such as records pertaining to ongoing investigations or juvenile matters.
Plaquemines Parish arrest records are available through various online platforms. The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office maintains digital records that may be accessed through their official website. Additionally, the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court provides electronic access to court records which may include arrest information. These online resources compile publicly available arrest data and present it in searchable formats, enabling citizens to access information remotely. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections also maintains an online database for offender information that includes individuals who have been arrested and subsequently incarcerated.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Plaquemines Parish:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office located at 8022 Highway 23, Belle Chasse, LA 70037. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (504) 934-6776.
Online Access: Electronic records may be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or through the Clerk of Court's online portal. Users must create an account and may be required to pay applicable fees for certain documents.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known.
Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court: Court records related to arrests may be obtained from the Clerk of Court located at 301 Main Street, Belle Chasse, LA 70037. Telephone: (504) 934-6610. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Louisiana State Police: For comprehensive criminal history information, requests may be submitted to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification located at 7919 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806. Telephone: (225) 925-6095.
Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. Requestors should be prepared to present valid identification when requesting records in person.
Plaquemines Parish arrest records typically contain the following information as mandated by Louisiana state law:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific policies of the maintaining agency. Certain information may be redacted in accordance with La. R.S. 44:3, which provides exemptions for sensitive information that may compromise ongoing investigations or public safety.
The expungement process in Plaquemines Parish is governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995. Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances:
The expungement procedure requires:
Upon approval, expunged records are removed from public access but remain available to law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers as specified in La. R.S. 44:9. The Plaquemines Parish District Attorney's Office, located at 102 Avenue G, Belle Chasse, LA 70037, telephone (504) 934-6630, can provide additional guidance on eligibility requirements.