Vernon Parish Arrest Records

Arrests in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, are made when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe an individual has committed a crime. The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement conduct arrests and generate Vernon arrest records. These records are created every time someone is arrested and include detailed information such as the individual’s identity, the charges, and the circumstances of the arrest. Persons arrested in Vernon Parish are held at the Vernon Parish Jail.

Arrest records may be used in conjunction with Vernon Parish Court Records during legal proceedings, background checks, or other investigations.

Are Arrest Records Public in Vernon Parish?

According to the Louisiana Public Records Act, Vernon Parish arrest records are considered public records. This means that interested residents and the general public can access these records. However, some arrest records may be exempt from public disclosure or have restricted access. The following types of information are not available to the general public:

• Sealed and expunged records.
• Juvenile records.
• Records involving ongoing investigations if disclosing the arrest information could compromise an active investigation.
• Mental health and substance abuse records.
• Sensitive information from criminal records, such as information about victims or witnesses in protective custody.
• Personal identifying information, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and other personal identifiers.
• Medical records or health-related information.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Vernon Parish include the following details:

• Personal information of the arrested individual - full name, date of birth, gender, and physical description.
• Arrest information - date, time, and location of arrest.
• The arresting agency and officer.
• Reasons for the arrest (alleged offense committed).
• Booking details - booking date and time and mugshot.
• Court information - case information and upcoming court dates.

Vernon Parish Arrest Statistics

The Louisiana Statistical Analysis Center (LSAC) of the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice releases yearly crime and arrest reports of cities and parishes in the state. In 2023, it was reported that a total of 509, including 58 violent crime arrests and 451 property crime arrests, in Vernon Parish.

The violent crime arrests included one for murder, eight for rape incidents, four for robberies, and 45 for aggravated assaults. The property crime arrests included 87 for burglaries, 327 for larcenies, 37 for motor vehicle thefts, and one for arson.

Find Vernon Parish Arrest Records

State and federal resources are available for public use to look up Vernon Parish's arrest records or inmate information. Call the Vernon Parish Jail at (337) 238-7232 to obtain information about inmates in custody.

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections manages a statewide database for inmates in Louisiana correctional facilities. It provides online access to interested persons to search by location, name, and ID/case number.

Also, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) operates a national inmate locator tool for individuals held in federal facilities. Visit the BOP Inmate Locator website and enter the inmate’s name or BOP number to find details about those held in federal custody.

Free Arrest Record Search in Vernon Parish

There are options for conducting a free arrest record search in Vernon Parish. You can call the Vernon Parish Jail at (337) 238-7232 to obtain information about inmates in custody. Also, you can use the online tool provided by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections for information on inmates in state facilities or the BOP Inmate Locator for federal facilities.

Additionally, there are third-party websites that offer free access to public arrest records for Vernon Parish. These platforms often provide basic information such as the name of the arrested individual, date of arrest, and charge details. It should be stated that third-party websites may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information. The data presented might be incomplete, outdated, or even incorrect. It is recommended to verify any information found through official channels such as the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

Vernon Parish Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records and criminal records in Vernon Parish, Louisiana, are distinct legal documents, each serving a different purpose in the criminal justice system.

Arrest records document when law enforcement takes an individual into custody based on suspicion of involvement in a crime. These records provide information on the incident leading to the arrest but do not necessarily indicate that the person has been charged or convicted. Arrest records are primarily administrative documents that confirm a person was taken into custody. They are not proof of guilt and may not reflect the outcome of the case.

Criminal records provide a complete history of an individual’s involvement with the criminal justice system, including all arrests, charges, convictions, sentences, and dispositions. Criminal records are a comprehensive legal record of an individual’s interactions with law enforcement and the courts.

Arrest records are limited to the details of an arrest, while criminal records encompass the full history of an individual’s criminal cases. Also, an arrest record does not necessarily mean guilt or conviction; it only indicates that someone was taken into custody. A criminal record, however, reflects the legal outcome of arrests, such as convictions or dismissals.

In summary, arrest records document initial law enforcement actions, while criminal records offer a complete narrative of a person's legal encounters from arrest to the final court decision.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Louisiana, arrests remain on a person’s record indefinitely unless they are expunged. Arrest records do not automatically fall off after a certain period. Individuals seeking to remove an arrest from their record must go through the expungement process to achieve this.

Expunge Vernon Parish Arrest Records

In Vernon Parish, Louisiana, expungement refers to the process of removing a criminal record from public access, although the record remains available to law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, and certain state agencies. Expungement does not result in the destruction of the record; it is only removed from public view. Anyone who wants to apply for expungement should check the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-993.

Eligibility

Eligibility for expungement depends on the type of offense and the details of the arrest or conviction. If a misdemeanor, you may file for expungement if:

• The conviction was set aside, and the prosecution was dismissed under Article 894(B), or
• Five years have passed since completing the sentence, probation, or parole, and there have been no new felony convictions or pending felony charges.

Expungement is not available for misdemeanor convictions involving:

• Sex offenses as defined in Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 15, Chapter 541 (except for interim expungements under Article 985.1),
• Domestic abuse battery, or
• Stalking.

If a felony, you may file for expungement if:

• The conviction was set aside, and the prosecution was dismissed under Article 893(E), or
• Ten years have passed since completing the sentence, probation, or parole without any new criminal offenses or pending charges.

However, expungement is not available for:

• Crimes of violence under Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 14, Chapter 2(B) unless certain conditions are met (such as a 10-year period without offenses or pending charges and steady employment for 10 years),
• Serious felonies like sex crimes or violent offenses.

When to Apply for Expungement

The period to begin the expungement process depends on the nature of the conviction, which generally includes:

• Acquittal, dismissal, or not prosecuted (nolle prosequi) - immediately following these outcomes.
• Conviction involving probation or parole - Completion of probation or parole associated with sentence. There may also be a waiting period after the completion of the sentence.
• Convictions for offenses - statutory waiting periods after completion of the sentence, including five years for misdemeanors and ten years for felonies. This period can vary depending on the severity and nature of the offense.
• First offender pardon - immediately after the outcome.

Application for Expungement

• Verify eligibility: Ensure you meet the conditions for expungement based on the type of offense, sentence completion, and statutory waiting periods (five years for misdemeanors and ten years for felonies).
• Obtain an Expungement Packet: Visit the court that handled your case to get an expungement packet. This includes forms for filing a motion for expungement and, if needed, forms to set aside a conviction under Articles 893 or 894.
• Gather the necessary documents: Request a background check from the local police, Louisiana State Police, or Clerk of Criminal District Court. Also, obtain a certification letter from the District Attorney. If eligible for a fee waiver, complete a Certification of Fee Waiver form. Eligibility factors for fee waiver include:
  • No prior felony convictions in the country.
  • No pending felonies.
  • The offense ended in an acquittal, motion to quash, or dismissed/refused, and the time limit for prosecution has expired.
  • The offense was not dismissed after the successful completion of diversion.
• File your Expungement Motion: Submit your motion for expungement along with the required documents to the Clerk of Court. The Clerk will notify law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney, allowing them time to object if necessary.
• Court hearing and decision: A hearing will be scheduled if objections are raised. If the court grants your motion, you will receive certified copies of the expungement order, which will also be sent to relevant law enforcement agencies.

Expungement filing fees in Louisiana vary by the court and the type of expungement. It can range from $550 to $800. Apart from the fee waiver mentioned above, you may also be able to file your expungement without paying costs upfront if you complete an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) form and a judge grants your request. Eligibility typically depends on income level or benefits like SNAP or Medicaid. If the court grants your request, you may file without paying upfront, though you may be required to pay later if the expungement is denied.

The expungement process usually takes about 60 days from the date of filing for all agencies to respond. The Louisiana State Police will then issue a Certificate of Compliance, finalizing the expungement.

Vernon Parish Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement to arrest an individual. This document is based on probable cause that a person has committed a crime, ensuring that an arrest is legally sanctioned. Arrest warrants may be issued when a person is suspected of committing a crime and law enforcement believes they need to be apprehended to prevent further offenses.

An arrest warrant typically includes the following information:

• The name and aliases of the subject of the warrant.
• Physical description.
• A clear statement of the charges or crimes the individual is accused of committing.
• The name of the judge who issued the warrant.
• When the warrant was granted.
• The signature of the issuing judge.

Do Vernon Parish Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Vernon Parish, Louisiana, arrest warrants do not have an expiration date; they remain active until the individual is arrested, the warrant is recalled, or the underlying charges are dismissed by the court. While arrest warrants do not technically expire, some factors can influence their status. For example, if the case against the individual progresses, such as through arraignment or plea agreements, the warrant may be modified or recalled based on the court’s decisions. Also, if the state fails to pursue the charges within a reasonable time frame, the warrant may be dismissed, although this can vary based on the specific circumstances of the case.