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Find Louisiana Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in Louisiana?

Louisiana is a closed records state, so the general public cannot obtain criminal records directly from the record custodian. However, the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information distributes Louisiana criminal records to agencies and businesses authorized to perform background checks in the state. Persons who wish to obtain criminal records may contact such authorized background check businesses.

Requesters typically must provide the following information to access these records:

The record subject’s name, unless the subject is a juvenile.
The record subject’s last known location, including cities, counties, and states.

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in Louisiana?

Louisiana criminal records contain an official summary of a subject’s alleged and convicted criminal activities in the state. Also known as a rap sheet, these records show a chronological history of a person’s previous and active criminal convictions recorded in parishes or state jurisdictions. The information is assembled from city courts, district courts, and correctional facilities within the state.

What Information Is Included in Louisiana Criminal Record?

Subject’s full name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Physical descriptions (race, sex, tattoos, etc.)
Details of any past arrests
Pending charges
Past or current warrants
Photograph
Conviction status
Post-conviction status

How To Check Criminal Records in Louisiana

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification issues criminal records in Louisiana. Authorized entities may conduct an internet background check for criminal records in Louisiana. Each name-based criminal record search costs $26.00. This online service requires account registration and prior authorization from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety.

In-state employers and agencies must use an authorization form to request criminal records. Requesters must attach a disclosure form and payment for the request, then mail the application packet to the Bureau of Criminal Identification.

Are Arrest Records Public in Louisiana?

Public requesters may obtain arrest records from the arresting agency if the arrest information does not compromise any active investigation. The city, parish, or state law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest is the custodian of arrest records in Louisiana.

Requesters must pay a fee that covers the cost of reproducing the record. Alternatively, some free databases post public arrest records online, though these records may often be erroneous or display partial information.

What Are Arrest Warrants in Louisiana?

A Louisiana arrest warrant is an official document that gives a police officer the authority to arrest or detain the person named in the warrant. Warrants are signed by a judge or magistrate. Police officers need to make a valid persuasive argument backed by objective evidence justifying the need for a warrant (show probable cause).

How To Lookup Mugshots in Louisiana

Mugshots are face-based images taken for official use, particularly for police records. They are stored in the automated fingerprint integrated system (AFIS) database. Interested members of the public can check mugshots by visiting any Louisiana police station that has access to AFIS. The dissemination of mugshots is restricted, except in specific cases such as violent offenses.

How To Search Inmate Records in Louisiana

Louisiana inmate records are publicly available and provide information about a person’s current and sometimes past inmate status. These records are maintained by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Interested persons can access the 24-hour inmate search system or call the offender locator phone system.

How To Find Louisiana Criminal History Record for Free

A criminal record, sometimes known as a rap sheet, is evidence of a person's interactions or involvement with the criminal justice system of any state, beginning with the police. These records cover any offenses for which they have been charged, as well as any arrests and convictions.

Louisiana criminal records are stored with the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information.
Criminal records are publicly available, but requesters must pay a processing fee of $26.
Free public criminal record checks can be done through third-party databases, though their accuracy is not guaranteed.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in Louisiana?

Juvenile criminal records are official records of criminal activity committed by children or adolescents who are not yet of legal adult age. These records are not publicly available. They are stored with the relevant juvenile court or law enforcement agency. Only specific authorized entities can access these records.

How To Find Sex Offenders in Louisiana

Sex offender records in Louisiana are official documents of persons convicted of sex crimes. These records are publicly available and maintained by the Louisiana State Police. Interested persons can look up registered sex offender information based on various criteria such as name, location, or internet address.

Are Police Records Public Information in Louisiana?

Police records in Louisiana are considered public, though certain information is exempt from disclosure. Police records include:

Grievances
Accident reports
Crime/incident reports
Arrest logs
Audio and video recordings
Warrants
Investigation reports
Reports on officer-involved shootings
Personnel and training records

These records are stored with the relevant law enforcement agency and can be accessed by submitting a request.

Louisiana Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in Louisiana are non-indictable offenses punishable with fines or incarceration in a parish or local jail for up to 1 year. Examples include:

Simple assault
Prostitution
Conspiracy
DUI (depending on the number of offenses)
Shoplifting
Vandalism
Theft (value less than $500)
Possession of a controlled substance

Louisiana Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felony offenses in Louisiana are the most severe crimes, punishable by more than 1 year of imprisonment or even death. Examples include:

Kidnapping
Murder
Aggravated assault
Arson
Three DWI convictions
Rape
Sexual Assault
Theft of items or property more than $500
Armed Robbery

Overview of Louisiana DUI Laws

An OWI in Louisiana is a serious traffic violation where an individual drives or operates a vehicle after consuming alcohol or using a substance that alters physical or mental state. Louisiana sets the BAC level at 0.08. Offenders face consequences such as license suspension, jail time, fines, probation, community service, ignition interlock installation, increased insurance premiums, and mandatory substance abuse rehabilitation.

Are Louisiana Probation Records Public?

Probation records are official documents that show when a person receives probation as an alternative to prison. These records are not publicly available. They are stored with the relevant probation office and can only be accessed by authorized entities.

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Other Categories in Louisiana

Court Records Criminal Records Inmate Records Vital Records