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Louisiana Arrest Records Online >St. James Parish Arrest Records Online

St. James Parish, Louisiana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in St. James Parish, Louisiana?

Arrest records in St. James 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 that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be available for public inspection. The Louisiana Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials by ensuring citizens have access to records created, obtained, or maintained by public bodies. The St. James Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duties under Louisiana law. Members of the public seeking arrest information may obtain these records through established procedures, subject only to specific exemptions defined by state statute.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in St. James Parish?

St. James Parish arrest records are available through various online platforms authorized to disseminate such information. The St. James Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that provides public access to current arrest information. This digital resource is updated regularly in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:3, which governs the availability of law enforcement records. The online system allows for efficient public access while maintaining compliance with state regulations regarding the dissemination of arrest information. Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive criminal history records may require formal requests through designated channels as prescribed by the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.

How to Look Up St. James Parish Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in St. James Parish, each designed to accommodate different public needs. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize any of the following official channels:

  • Visit the St. James Parish Sheriff's Office in person at 5800 Highway 44, Convent, LA 70723. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
  • Submit a formal written request to the Records Division at the address above, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
  • Access the Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup system through their official website.
  • Contact the Records Division by telephone at (225) 562-2200 during regular business hours.
  • Submit requests through the St. James Parish public records portal for processing according to La. R.S. 44:32.

Requestors should be prepared to present identification and may be required to pay reasonable fees for document reproduction as permitted under La. R.S. 44:32(C).

Contents of a St. James Parish Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the St. James Parish Sheriff's Office contain specific information as mandated by Louisiana law. These official documents typically include:

  • 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
  • Statutory charges filed at the time of booking
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Booking photograph (mugshot) taken during processing
  • Fingerprint classification information
  • Custody status and bail determination
  • Case number and court assignment information

These records are maintained in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:36, which establishes retention requirements for public records. The information contained within arrest records is subject to verification by the arresting agency and may be updated as case proceedings advance through the judicial system.

Expungement of Arrest Records in St. James Parish

The expungement process in St. James Parish follows procedures established under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995. Eligible individuals may petition to have arrest records removed from public access under specific circumstances. The expungement process requires:

  • Filing a petition with the St. James Parish Clerk of Court located at 5800 LA-44, Convent, LA 70723
  • Payment of filing fees as established by La. C.Cr.P. Art. 983
  • Submission of supporting documentation including disposition records
  • Notification to the District Attorney's Office and arresting agency
  • Judicial review and determination of eligibility

Eligibility criteria vary based on offense classification and case disposition. Generally, expungements may be granted for arrests that did not lead to conviction, certain misdemeanor convictions after cleansing periods, and select felony convictions as specified in La. C.Cr.P. Art. 978. The Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information serves as the central repository for all expungement orders and implements approved expungements across all state databases pursuant to La. R.S. 44:9.

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