Calcasieu Parish Arrest Records

Calcasieu Parish arrest records, managed by the Sheriff's Office, document the circumstances of an arrest, including information about the individual arrested. These records are compiled following the apprehension and detention of an individual suspected of committing a crime. Typically, this process includes capturing the individual's mugshot, fingerprints, and other pertinent details, constituting the booking procedure.

Following the booking process, the individual may be released on bail pending a future court appearance or presented before a judge.

Arrest records, like many other types of records, hold substantial significance in Calcasieu Parish. They are the initial records generated in the legal process and act as a primary source of information used during prosecutions. Additionally, they form part of the background check information within the realm of Calcasieu Parish court records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Calcasieu Parish?

Under RS 44:1 (Public Records), all records, writings, and materials produced by a government agency, including arrest records, are considered public records in Louisiana. However, not all arrest records are accessible to individuals not directly involved in the case or those without authorization. This is because these records often contain sensitive information, both personal and related to the legal process.

For instance, certain personal details such as driver's license or social security numbers may be excluded from public arrest records. Additionally, information that could reveal the identity of a case witness or the source of information may also be withheld from arrest records available to the public. These safeguards are in place to protect sensitive information and ensure the fair and just enforcement of the law.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

The following are the specific details that are typically included in a public arrest record in Calcasieu:

• Arrestee's name
• Date of birth
• Identification number
• Ethnicity
• Booking date
• Custody status
• Custody details
• Location
• Reporting agency

Calcasieu Parish Crime Rate

According to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice's report, the offenses reported in the state are divided into three categories: offenses against persons, offenses against properties, and offenses against society. In 2022, the total number of offenses reported was 11,692, with 2,827 crimes against persons, 5,936 crimes against property, and 2,929 crimes against society.

The report also highlighted the top three crimes committed in Calcasieu Parish per category in 2021, under crimes against persons, there were 1,252 occurrences of simple assault, 814 reports of aggravated assault, and 411 records of intimidation.

In the category of offenses against properties, there were 3,444 instances of all other larceny, 1,165 cases of destruction/damage/vandalism of property, and 748 reports of burglary/breaking and entering. In the offenses against society category, there were 1,651 violations of drug/narcotics, 930 violations of drug equipment, and 37 cases of prostitution.

Calcasieu Parish Arrest Statistics

Currently, there is a lack of easily accessible online resources that provide arrest statistics for Calcasieu Parish. However, for individuals seeking this information, reaching out to the Sheriff’s office or contacting the Louisiana state police to make specific inquiries would be the recommended course of action. These agencies can provide the necessary details and statistics related to arrests in the parish that one may find useful.

Find Calcasieu Parish Arrest Records

To obtain a Calcasieu Parish arrest record, one can request it as a standalone document or as part of a criminal record. The request can be made from the courthouse where the case was processed or from a law enforcement agency.

The Sheriff's office is the primary point of contact if the individual is specifically interested in obtaining arrest records for offenses committed within the Parish. While there is no direct online access to these records for residents, a list of inmates in custody can be found on the Sheriff’s website. An online request form is available, necessitating registration and account creation for tracking requests and accessing provided records.

Additionally, an inquirer can forward a request mail to any of the 10 law enforcement centers in the Parish or visit in person. Residents also have the option to contact the courthouse where the criminal proceeding was held or the clerk’s office to request the records, which are likely to include the arrest records.

Statewide arrest records are a part of an individual's criminal record. Members of the public can conduct background checks or request public records, such as arrest records, from the State Police of Louisiana. The State Police offers an inmate locator to find the records of a Calcasieu inmate held in state prison.

In cases where a Calcasieu offender is held in federal prison for their offense, their arrest records are not accessible at the Parish level. In such situations, the researcher should use the inmate locator provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Free Arrest Record Search in Calcasieu Parish

Arrest records are available at no cost from the Sheriff's office. Residents can review the online inmate list, fill out and submit the public records request form on the website, or visit the office in person to examine the records. While these methods are free of charge, a fee would be required if copies of the arrest record are requested.

Alternatively, residents in Calcasieu Parish may choose to explore private websites that host databases of arrest records to access Calcasieu records conveniently. Fortunately, navigating these websites is usually simple and user-friendly.

Get Calcasieu Parish Criminal Records

Calcasieu Parish criminal records are a compilation of documents containing information on criminal activities, court proceedings, and decisions made by the court regarding various offenders. These reports include arrest records and court determinations.

In Louisiana, criminal records are not considered public records and are only available to authorized individuals as specified by the Louisiana Revised Statute (LRS) 15:587.

Members of the public who are authorized to request a criminal record and wish to search Calcasieu Parish's criminal records can contact the Clerk of Court, Department of Criminal Records. To conduct an online criminal record search, individuals would need to create an account and log in. Upon registration, the request can be submitted, and any applicable fees must be paid. Requesters also have the option to submit an inquiry via mail.

Additionally, criminal records can be obtained from the Louisiana Department of Police, Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. The department maintains the state's repository of criminal records and provides access to authorized individuals or the record owner following Louisiana Revised Statute 15:588 through the Computerized Criminal History System (LACCH). Residents are required to schedule an appointment and visit designated sites to submit their digital fingerprints for retrieval of their criminal history. Alternatively, requests can be sent by mail to the following address:

P.O. Box 66614, #A-6
Baton Rouge, LA 70896-6614
Phone: (225) 925-6095

Those seeking to schedule an appointment can refer to the Louisiana Right To Review Appointment Scheduling Guide available online. Records are typically returned via email or mail.

However, for a federal criminal history report, residents should reach out to the FBI.

Calcasieu Parish Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records and criminal records, though often assumed to be synonymous, are distinct from each other. They differ in various aspects, beginning with the information they contain. While an arrest record provides details about the individual in question and the offense committed, it represents only a portion of the information found in a complete criminal record.

Additionally, arrest records can be obtained from the Sheriff’s office as they are available for public review, whereas criminal records are deemed confidential. It is also important to note that an arrest record does not necessarily indicate that an individual committed an offense, whereas the presence of a criminal record signifies that the individual has been convicted of an offense.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

An arrest record is usually a permanent fixture in an individual's record unless it undergoes the process of expungement or sealing. Unless officially expunged, an arrest record remains accessible to the public for review and inquiry. Expungement or sealing procedures are necessary to remove or block access to the arrest record. Once expunged or sealed, the information contained within the arrest record will no longer be readily available to the public.

Expunge Calcasieu Parish Arrest Records

The process of expunging or sealing an arrest record in Calcasieu Parish is typically less complex if the individual was not convicted or if the case was dismissed. Conversely, arrests that resulted in a conviction pose greater intricacies. Eligibility for seeking an expungement is contingent on the seriousness of the offense and the relevant expungement laws in the state, as outlined in Art. 978 and Title xxxiv for expungement of records, which are usually overseen by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information in Louisiana.

The initiation of the expungement process is only permissible a decade after the individual has fulfilled their legal obligations following their conviction. Prospective applicants need to start by obtaining their arrest records, essential documents such as dispositions and district attorney certifications, and any necessary fee waivers. They are then required to complete the expungement application and submit it to the court where the case originated.

The application fee for expunging a record amounts to $250. Those facing financial constraints can request a waiver if they meet the eligibility criteria. It is crucial to note that individuals with felony convictions, regardless of previous expungements, are ineligible to apply for a fee waiver.

Calcasieu Parish Arrest Warrants

Calcasieu Parish arrest warrants are legal writs signed and issued by a magistrate or judge only after sufficient evidence has been presented to demonstrate that the individual in question has committed, is involved in, or is planning to commit a crime. Typically, when a person is suspected of involvement in a criminal activity, law enforcement officers investigate to gather evidence to support the suspicion. This evidence, which can include documents, witnesses, and affidavits, is then presented to the judge or magistrate for review. If convinced by the evidence, the judge or magistrate authorizes the issuance of the warrant.

Any law enforcement officer holding an arrest warrant in the parish has the authority to detain and apprehend the individual named in the warrant upon locating them.

Typically, an arrest warrant will contain information such as the suspect's name, description if available, the name and signature of the issuing judge, the date of issuance, and the reasons behind the warrant's issuance.

Calcasieu Parish Arrest Warrant Search

Individuals looking to obtain information about a Calcasieu arrest warrant have the option to reach out to either the Sheriff’s office or the courthouse responsible for issuing the warrant. While there may not be an online database available on the Sheriff’s office or judiciary system's website that lists arrest warrants or the most wanted criminals, interested parties can submit an inquiry via mail to either of these departments. Alternatively, the requester can choose to visit them in person to inquire about the status of a warrant and the subject of one.

Do Calcasieu Parish Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. In line with the practice observed in most states, counties, cities, and parishes, it is important to note that Calcasieu Parish arrest warrants do not have an expiration date. This means that these warrants remain in effect and enforceable until the individual named in the warrant is apprehended or in the unfortunate event of their passing.