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Woodworth Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Woodworth, Louisiana?

Arrest records in Woodworth, Louisiana are considered public documents pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Louisiana Public Records Act operates under the principle that transparency in governmental operations serves the public interest by promoting accountability and informed civic participation.

Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Woodworth Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating within Rapides Parish. These records document official actions taken by government entities and are therefore subject to public disclosure, with certain statutory exceptions designed to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and juvenile records as specified in La. R.S. 44:3.

The Town of Woodworth maintains compliance with state transparency requirements while balancing privacy considerations as mandated by applicable federal and state regulations.

How to Look Up Woodworth Arrest Records in 2025

Residents and interested parties seeking arrest records in Woodworth for 2025 may utilize several authorized channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available for accessing public arrest records:

In-person requests may be submitted at the Woodworth Police Department during regular business hours. Requestors should be prepared to complete a formal records request form and provide identification.
The Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests within its jurisdiction, including those occurring in Woodworth.
The Rapides Parish Clerk of Court provides access to court records related to arrests that have proceeded to formal charges.
Louisiana's statewide criminal history repository, maintained by the Louisiana State Police, offers criminal background checks for a fee.

Woodworth Police Department
9363 Highway 165 South
Woodworth, LA 71485
(318) 442-8980
Town of Woodworth Police Services

Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office
700 Murray Street
Alexandria, LA 71301
(318) 473-6700
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Rapides Parish Clerk of Court
Rapides Parish Courthouse
701 Murray Street
Alexandria, LA 71301
(318) 473-8153
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Contents of a Woodworth Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Woodworth Police Department and accessible through Rapides Parish court records typically contain the following information as required by Louisiana law:

Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases or known monikers
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information including processing location and assigned identification numbers
Custody status and bail determination, if applicable
Fingerprint classification and identification data
Photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during booking procedures
Preliminary hearing dates and initial court appearances
Disposition information if the case has been adjudicated

Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:3, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including details that would compromise ongoing investigations, confidential informant identities, juvenile records, and certain personal identifying information protected by state privacy laws.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The accessibility of arrest records in Woodworth is governed by a comprehensive legal framework established at both state and federal levels. The Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1-44) establishes the foundational right of access, stipulating that all records maintained by public bodies are presumptively open to inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

The Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3, further reinforces this right by declaring 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."

Exceptions to disclosure are enumerated in La. R.S. 44:3 and include:

Records pertaining to pending criminal investigations
Records containing confidential informant information
Juvenile arrest records (subject to provisions in the Children's Code)
Records that would compromise the safety of law enforcement personnel
Information specifically protected by other state or federal statutes

The Woodworth Police Department adheres to these statutory provisions when processing public records requests. Custodians of records must respond to requests within three business days as mandated by La. R.S. 44:32, either by providing the requested records or citing specific legal authority for denial.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Woodworth

The expungement process in Woodworth follows Louisiana's statutory framework outlined in La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995, which provides mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Individuals seeking expungement must meet eligibility criteria that vary based on case disposition and offense classification.

Eligibility considerations for expungement in Woodworth include:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal may qualify for immediate expungement
Misdemeanor convictions generally require a five-year waiting period following completion of sentence with no intervening felony convictions
Certain felony convictions may be eligible after a ten-year waiting period, subject to statutory limitations
First-time offenders who have successfully completed diversion programs may qualify under special provisions

The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the Louisiana Mayor's Court in Woodworth or the Rapides Parish District Court, depending on where the case was adjudicated. Filing fees and costs typically range from $550 to $650, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants.

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or destroy records pertaining to the arrest. These agencies include the Woodworth Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana State Police, and the FBI.

Limitations on Using Arrest Records

Public users of arrest records in Woodworth must adhere to specific legal restrictions regarding the utilization of such information. Louisiana law imposes significant limitations on how arrest record information may be lawfully employed, particularly in employment, housing, and licensing contexts.

The Louisiana Employment Privacy Act (La. R.S. 23:291) restricts employers from considering expunged arrests or certain non-conviction records when making hiring decisions. Additionally, La. R.S. 51:2247 prohibits discrimination in housing based on arrest records that did not result in conviction.

Professional licensing boards operating under Louisiana regulatory authority must comply with La. R.S. 37:2950, which limits the use of arrest records in determining eligibility for occupational licenses unless the arrest directly relates to the specific occupation or profession.

Commercial users of arrest record information must ensure compliance with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.), which governs the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer information, including criminal history data. Violations of these provisions may result in civil liability and regulatory penalties.

Differences Between Arrest Records and Criminal History Reports

Arrest records and comprehensive criminal history reports represent distinct categories of documentation within Louisiana's criminal justice information system. The Woodworth Police Department maintains arrest records as documentation of specific law enforcement actions, while criminal history reports compile information from multiple sources across jurisdictional boundaries.

Key distinctions include:

Scope: Arrest records document specific incidents within Woodworth's jurisdiction, while criminal history reports may include statewide or nationwide data
Content: Arrest records focus on details of a specific detention, while criminal history reports track case progression through the justice system
Access methods: Arrest records are typically available through local agencies, while comprehensive criminal history reports require fingerprint-based searches through the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification
Verification standards: Criminal history reports undergo more rigorous identity verification procedures than local arrest records
Update frequency: Arrest records remain static documentation of specific events, while criminal history reports are continuously updated as cases progress

Individuals seeking the most accurate and complete information about their criminal history should request an official criminal history report from the Louisiana State Police rather than relying solely on local arrest records.