West Baton Rouge Parish Arrest Records

Individuals are considered "arrested" when deprived of their liberty because of an alleged criminal act. In West Baton Rouge Parish, specific conditions must be satisfied for the police to execute an arrest: there must be probable cause to suspect that an individual has committed or is about to commit a crime (CCRP 213), or a peace officer must possess or have knowledge of an arrest warrant (CCRP 217). While law enforcement officers generally carry out arrests, CCRP 214 permits a private citizen to intervene and make an arrest.

Once an arrest is made in West Baton Rouge, the suspect will be transported to the county detention facility or a police station, where they will undergo booking, as detailed in CCRP 228. The booking process is where the arrest record is generated.

Arrest records can exist as stand-alone documents or be incorporated into other records. For example, arrest information may be part of the West Baton Rouge Parish court records or statewide criminal history files.

Are Arrest Records Public in West Baton Rouge Parish?

Yes, West Baton Rouge Parish arrest records are classified as open records under La. R.S. 44:1 (the Louisiana public records law). Consequently, West Baton Rouge Parish residents and other parties can access these records. However, not all records are available to the general public; certain sections are restricted to authorized individuals only.

Examples of confidential West Baton Rouge Parish arrest records include:

• Juvenile records
• Records related to an ongoing investigation
• Identities of confidential witnesses and informants
• Records of pending legal actions`
• Mental health information

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

The following information is available to the public regarding arrests in West Baton Rouge Parish:

• Name, gender, age, and race of the individual arrested
• Date, time, and location of arrest
• Arresting agency
• Charges

West Baton Rouge Parish Arrest Statistics

Four law enforcement agencies serve West Baton Rouge Parish, each responsible for a specific jurisdiction. Arrest statistics from these agencies are available on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's CDE portal. To search the portal, one should specify the U.S. jurisdiction to search ("Louisiana"), the time frame to search (3 months - 10 years available, plus custom), and the local police agency—the Brusly, Addis, or Port Allen Police Department, or the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office.

For example, the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, the parish's primary law enforcement agency, recorded 403 arrests in 2023, comprising 300 male suspects and 103 female suspects. Larceny (77), simple assault (74), drug/narcotic offenses (68), and aggravated assault (54) were the most frequently reported offenses resulting in a person's arrest.

Find West Baton Rouge Parish Arrest Records

Arrest records in West Baton Rouge Parish are managed and made accessible by the county's arresting agencies through various channels. However, the general process to obtain an arrest record typically includes

• Identifying the Appropriate Agency: Local police agencies make most arrests in West Baton Rouge, but occasionally, the Louisiana State Police or a federal agency may arrest a person.

The agency that made the arrest maintains the arrest record. However, those uncertain where to start can contact the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office. This office runs the local detention center, which provides jail services for all West Baton Rouge Parish law enforcement agencies.

• Exploring Available Access Methods: Arrest records may be obtained online or offline, such as via mail applications or in-person visits. The specific agency custodian dictates the available retrieval methods. For example, individuals requesting records from local agencies may be allowed in-person inquiries, but a state or federal agency may use mail-in, email, or online request channels.
• Paying Applicable Fees: Sometimes, an arrest record may be viewed at no cost, usually when the requester submits an inspection request. However, obtaining copies of documents may require processing fees.

Free Arrest Record Search in West Baton Rouge Parish

One way to look up arrest information for free in West Baton Rouge Parish is to access the Inmate Search database on the local sheriff's website. Specifically, the information received will pertain to people booked in the local jail following an arrest. Additionally, onsite inspection of records at any local arresting agency may be free.

Members of the public can also look up arrest records on third-party aggregator websites that provide such services. Basic searches on third-party sites typically cost nothing. A person's first and last name is the minimum criterion for searches on these websites.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrests stay indefinitely on a person's public record. However, such records can be expunged if the subject meets state requirements. An expungement does not destroy records in Louisiana; instead, it seals a record, making it accessible only to those permitted by law.

Expunge West Baton Rouge Parish Arrest Records

Under CCRP 971 through 999.1, individuals may seek arrest record expungement in West Baton Rouge Parish under specified circumstances, including when

• A case was dismissed or did not result in a conviction.
• The defendant has completed a sentence, deferred adjudication, probation, or parole, and has remained conviction-free for a minimum of 10 years.
• The defendant is eligible for a first offense pardon.

The expungement provisions outlined in Louisiana's Code of Criminal Procedure (CCRP) Articles 971 through 999.1 aim to alleviate the repercussions of a criminal record. Once a record is expunged, it is treated as confidential.

Individuals with eligible arrest records should file an expungement petition with the clerk of the court that presided over their case. This process requires gathering the necessary documents, including arrest records, and completing the appropriate forms (obtainable from the court clerk's office). All documentation, along with any applicable fees, must be submitted to the court. If the expungement is approved, the arrest record will be removed from public access.

West Baton Rouge Parish Arrest Warrants

Arrest warrants are legal orders from a judge permitting a police officer to apprehend an individual. Such warrants are issued after credible evidence or facts justifying an arrest are presented to a judge (CCRP 202). If the judge finds probable cause for an arrest, they will issue an arrest warrant.

West Baton Rouge Parish arrest warrants include identifiable information about the suspect, the alleged offense, the issuing officer's signature, and the issuing date.

Do West Baton Rouge Parish Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants in West Baton Rouge do not expire. These writs remain legally enforceable until a formal arrest is made or the suspect surrenders.