Vernon Parish, Louisiana Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Vernon Parish, Louisiana?
Arrest records in Vernon Parish, Louisiana are public documents pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that all records maintained by public bodies, including arrest records generated by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligations under Louisiana law.
Members of the public may access these records for various legitimate purposes, including background checks, personal information verification, or research. The Louisiana Public Records Act stipulates that custodians of public records must make such records available during regular office hours. Requestors are not required to state a reason for their request, as the right to access public records is established as a fundamental right under Louisiana law.
Certain exceptions may apply to the release of arrest records, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy as determined by La. R.S. 44:3. Additionally, records that have been expunged pursuant to court order are not available for public inspection.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Vernon Parish?
Vernon Parish arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the Vernon Parish Clerk of Court. The Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office provides limited online access to current inmate information and recent arrest data through their official website. This digital accessibility is part of the parish's commitment to governmental transparency and public information dissemination.
Online access to arrest records is governed by La. R.S. 44:1 et seq., which establishes parameters for electronic record availability. While basic arrest information may be accessible online, comprehensive records including detailed arrest reports and supporting documentation typically require formal requests through established channels.
The Leesville Police Department, as the primary municipal law enforcement agency in Vernon Parish, also maintains certain arrest records that may be accessible through their online portal. Users should note that online systems may not contain complete historical records, as digitization of older records remains an ongoing process in many Louisiana parishes.
Public terminals for accessing arrest record information are available at:
Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office
203 South Third Street
Leesville, LA 71446
Phone: (337) 238-1311
Official Website
How to Look Up Vernon Parish Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Vernon Parish. Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32, custodians of public records must present any public record to any person of the age of majority who requests it during regular business hours. The following procedures are established for accessing these records:
In-person requests: Individuals may visit the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division at 203 South Third Street, Leesville, LA 71446. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors must complete a public records request form and present valid government-issued identification. Fees for copies are $0.25 per page for standard documents and $5.00 for certified copies.
Online requests: The Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a limited database of recent arrests and current inmate information. For comprehensive searches, third-party aggregators may provide access to Vernon Parish arrest records for a fee.
Mail requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division at P.O. Box 649, Leesville, LA 71446. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment for copies must be included via check or money order.
Court records: The Vernon Parish Clerk of Court maintains records of court proceedings related to arrests at the Vernon Parish Courthouse, 215 South 3rd Street, Leesville, LA 71446. Phone: (337) 238-1384. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32(C), reasonable fees may be charged for copies of records. Response times for record requests typically range from 3-5 business days for standard requests to 15 business days for more complex or voluminous requests.
Contents of a Vernon Parish Arrest Record
Vernon Parish arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 228. These official documents serve as the legal record of an individual's arrest and subsequent processing through the criminal justice system. Standard arrest records in Vernon Parish include:
Biographical information of the arrestee, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, address, and identifying numbers such as driver's license and social security numbers.
Arrest details, including date, time, and location of arrest, arresting agency, name and badge number of arresting officer(s), and the legal authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal charges filed, including statute citations, offense descriptions, and classification (misdemeanor or felony).
Booking information, including fingerprints, mugshot photographs, personal property inventory, and medical screening results.
Case disposition information, including bail or bond amount, court appearance dates, and preliminary hearing outcomes.
Detention status, including release information or continued custody details.
The Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with La. R.S. 44:36, which establishes retention schedules for public records. Arrest records are generally maintained for a minimum of three years following the final disposition of the case, though records involving felony arrests may be retained for longer periods as specified by departmental policy and state archival requirements.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Vernon Parish
Expungement procedures in Vernon Parish are governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995. Under these provisions, eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process effectively removes arrest records from public access, though certain governmental agencies retain limited access to expunged records.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Vernon Parish include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or declined prosecution
- Successful completion of pretrial diversion programs
- Misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period of five years with no subsequent convictions
- Certain non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period of ten years with no subsequent felony convictions
- First-offense marijuana possession convictions (less than 14 grams) after a two-year waiting period
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Vernon Parish District Court where the case was adjudicated. Filing fees for expungement petitions range from $550 to $650, which includes court costs and fees for service to all agencies maintaining the records. Fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 983.
Individuals seeking expungement may obtain legal assistance through the Louisiana Office of the State Public Defender or through private legal counsel. The Vernon Parish District Attorney's Office must be served with the expungement petition and has the right to object within 60 days of receipt.
Upon granting of an expungement, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest must comply with the court order within 60 days. Failure to comply may result in contempt proceedings as provided in La. C.Cr.P. Art. 986.
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