Arrest records in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana are classified as public documents pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that records produced, maintained, or held by governmental entities shall be accessible to members of the public upon request, with certain statutory exceptions. The St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties in documenting law enforcement activities within the parish jurisdiction.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental purposes, including:
Individuals seeking access to arrest records may submit requests to the appropriate custodial agency in accordance with established procedures. The St. Helena Parish Police Jury oversees various governmental functions within the parish, including coordination with law enforcement record-keeping systems.
St. Helena Parish arrest records are available through various online platforms, both governmental and third-party. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections maintains electronic databases that include arrest information from parish jurisdictions throughout the state. These electronic records systems have been implemented pursuant to La. R.S. 15:578, which authorizes the maintenance of criminal history record information.
Online access options include:
Users should note that online records may not contain comprehensive arrest information, as certain data elements may be restricted from public view pursuant to privacy protections established under La. R.S. 44:3. Additionally, electronic records may not reflect the most current case status, particularly for recent arrests or cases with pending court actions.
Multiple methodologies exist for accessing arrest records in St. Helena Parish. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Office
53 North 2nd Street
Greensburg, LA 70441
(225) 222-4413
Sheriff's Office Website
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Sheriff's Office maintains the primary repository of arrest records for the parish. Requestors may submit written applications for specific records, providing sufficient identifying information to locate the relevant documents. Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32, the custodian shall present any public record to any person of the age of majority who so requests.
St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court
369 Sitman Street
Greensburg, LA 70441
(225) 222-4514
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Clerk's Office maintains court records related to criminal proceedings, which may include arrest information. These records typically become available once formal charges have been filed following an arrest.
Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
7919 Independence Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 925-6095
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests across multiple jurisdictions, the State Police maintains the central repository pursuant to La. R.S. 15:578. Requestors must submit fingerprints and pay applicable fees for record searches.
St. Helena Parish arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Louisiana law enforcement protocols and the Louisiana Uniform Crime Reporting program. These documents typically include the following data elements:
Subject identification information:
Arrest-specific information:
Case processing information:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the alleged offense, with felony arrests typically generating more extensive documentation than misdemeanor incidents. All arrest records are subject to evidence retention policies established by the St. Helena Parish Sheriff's Office in accordance with state archival requirements.
Louisiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specified circumstances. Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995, individuals may petition for expungement when:
The expungement process requires submission of formal petitions to the 21st Judicial District Court, which has jurisdiction over St. Helena Parish. Petitioners must:
Upon judicial approval, expungement orders direct the removal of arrest information from public access databases maintained by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and Louisiana State Police. However, certain justice agencies retain limited access to expunged records for law enforcement purposes as authorized by La. R.S. 44:9.
Residents of St. Helena Parish should note that expungement does not automatically extend to third-party databases that may have previously obtained arrest information. Additional steps may be necessary to address records held by private entities.