>Richland Parish Arrest Records Online

Richland Parish, Louisiana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Richland Parish, Louisiana?

Arrest records in Richland Parish, Louisiana are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests and law enforcement activities. The Act specifically designates that records created, used, or maintained by public bodies in the course of their official duties are presumed to be public unless explicitly exempted by law.

The Richland Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may submit requests in accordance with established procedures, which typically require proper identification and completion of designated request forms.

It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information contained within these records may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would:

Compromise an ongoing investigation
Violate privacy rights protected under state or federal law
Endanger the safety of law enforcement personnel
Jeopardize the fair trial rights of the accused

The Richland Parish government offices provide guidance on accessing these public records in compliance with state regulations.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Richland Parish?

Digital access to Richland Parish arrest records is available through several authorized online platforms. The Richland Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an electronic database that allows for remote access to certain arrest information. This service is provided in accordance with La. R.S. 44:31, which stipulates that public bodies utilizing computerized data management systems shall make reasonable provisions for access to such records.

Online accessibility options include:

The Richland Parish Sheriff's Office official website, which provides a searchable database of recent arrests
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections offender information portal, which includes data on individuals currently in custody
The Louisiana State Police Internet Background Check system, which provides criminal history information for a nominal fee

Users of these online systems should be aware that the information provided may not be comprehensive or current in all instances. Records available online may be limited to recent arrests or may exclude certain categories of information that require in-person verification. Additionally, pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32, a reasonable fee may be charged for electronic access to these records to cover the costs of maintenance and operation of the electronic systems.

How to Look Up Richland Parish Arrest Records in 2025

The process for obtaining arrest records in Richland Parish has been modernized as of 2025, offering multiple channels for public access. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following methods, in accordance with La. R.S. 44:31-32:

Submit a formal written request to the Richland Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division at 708 Julia Street, Rayville, LA 71269. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (318) 728-2071.
Visit the Richland Parish Detention Center located at 456 Highway 15, Rayville, LA 71269, during regular business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday) to submit an in-person request.
Access the Louisiana State Police Criminal Records Division online portal, which maintains a centralized database of arrest records statewide.
Utilize the Richland Parish Clerk of Court's electronic case management system for records related to arrests that have resulted in formal charges.

When requesting records, the following information must be provided:

Full name of the individual whose records are being sought
Date of birth or approximate age
Date or approximate timeframe of the arrest
Proper identification of the requestor
Payment of applicable fees (currently $25 per record as of January 2025)

Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:35, public bodies are required to respond to records requests within three business days. If a request is denied, written reasons for the denial must be provided, and the requestor has the right to institute proceedings for injunctive or declaratory relief.

Contents of a Richland Parish Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Richland Parish Sheriff's Office contain standardized information as mandated by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 228. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following components:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of the alleged offenses
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Agency case number and booking reference
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Photographic images (mugshots) taken during the booking process
Detention status information, including bond amounts if applicable
Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction
Disposition information if available (e.g., charges filed, case dismissal, conviction)

It should be noted that pursuant to La. R.S. 44:3, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of these records, including:

Social Security numbers
Medical information
Information pertaining to juvenile offenders
Details that might compromise confidential informants
Information related to ongoing investigations

The Richland Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules, which typically require preservation for a minimum of five years following the final disposition of the case.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Richland Parish

The expungement process in Richland Parish provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as outlined in Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 971-995. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements and follow prescribed procedures.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Richland Parish include:

Arrests that did not result in conviction
Misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period of five years with no subsequent arrests
Certain non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period of ten years with no subsequent arrests
First-offense marijuana possession convictions (less than 14 grams) after a two-year waiting period
Successful completion of a pre-trial diversion program

The expungement process requires:

Filing a Motion for Expungement with the Richland Parish Clerk of Court
Payment of filing fees (approximately $550 as of 2025)
Service of the motion on the District Attorney, the arresting agency, and the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification
Attendance at a contradictory hearing if any agency objects to the expungement
Issuance of an Order of Expungement by the presiding judge if all requirements are met

Upon successful expungement, the record is sealed from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain licensing boards as specified in La. R.S. 44:9. Individuals with limited financial resources may seek assistance from the Louisiana Office of the State Public Defender regarding expungement proceedings.

The Richland Parish Clerk of Court is located at 708 Julia Street, Suite 103, Rayville, LA 71269. Telephone: (318) 728-4171. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.