Lafourche Parish Public Records / Lafourche Parish Arrest Records

Lafourche County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lafourche County

Arrest records in Lafourche Parish are considered public information under Louisiana's Public Records Law, Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1-41. This statute establishes that records maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties in accordance with state law.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Louisiana law, both types of records are generally public, though certain exceptions apply.

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:3, some records related to pending criminal investigations may be temporarily exempt from disclosure. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements under Louisiana Children's Code Article 412, with limited exceptions for certain violent offenses.

The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement maintains policies governing the dissemination of criminal history information in accordance with state and federal regulations, ensuring that while records remain public, they are handled with appropriate protocols to protect privacy interests where legally required.

What's in Lafourche County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Home address
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute numbers of alleged violations
Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Processing officer information
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, property)
Bond status (posted or not)
Conditions of release, if applicable

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Housing location if incarcerated at the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex
Release date if applicable

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation or parole status
Protective orders
Risk assessment information
Medical alerts or special needs notations
Immigration status or holds

The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency. All information is maintained in accordance with Louisiana public records laws and departmental record-keeping protocols.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lafourche County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Lafourche Parish may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest record information:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Records Division of the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office to submit a request for arrest records.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office - Administrative Office
200 Canal Boulevard
Thibodaux, LA 70301
(985) 448-2111
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Written Requests: Citizens may submit written requests for arrest records by mail. Requests must include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Copy of requestor's valid photo identification
- Notarized authorization if requesting records for another individual
Online Requests: The Sheriff's Office provides limited arrest information through its official website. Recent arrest information can be accessed through the crime and arrests section of the Sheriff's Office website.
Records Request Form: Requestors should complete the official Public Records Request Form available at the Sheriff's Office or downloadable from their website.
Fees: Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, reasonable fees may be charged for copies of records. Current fees are:
- $0.25 per page for standard copies
- $5.00 for certified copies
- Additional fees may apply for extensive searches or specialized reports
Processing Time: Standard requests are typically processed within 3-5 business days, though complex requests may require additional time in accordance with state law.
Identification Requirements: Valid government-issued photo identification must be presented for in-person requests or copies included with written requests.

All record requests are processed in accordance with Louisiana Public Records Law, which allows agencies up to five business days to respond to initial requests.

How To Find Lafourche County Arrest Records Online

Lafourche Parish provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. The following online methods are available to the public:

Sheriff's Office Website: The Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an official website with a dedicated section for crime and arrest information. This resource is updated regularly with recent arrest data and provides basic information about individuals who have been taken into custody.
Inmate Lookup System: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup portal that allows users to search for currently incarcerated individuals. This system provides:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Court dates
- Housing location
Search Parameters: When using online systems, searches may be conducted using:
- First and last name
- Booking number (if known)
- Date range of arrest or booking
Press Releases: The Sheriff's Office regularly posts arrest information through press releases on their website, particularly for significant cases or incidents of public interest.
Louisiana State Police Database: For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Louisiana State Police maintains a fee-based system for criminal background checks at Louisiana State Police Criminal History.
Third-Party Aggregators: While commercial websites may offer arrest record searches, these are not official sources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information. Official records should be obtained directly from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office or authorized state agencies.

When accessing arrest records online, users should be aware that the information provided may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from the Sheriff's Office. For complete arrest records, including disposition information, an official request through the methods outlined in the previous section is recommended.

How To Search Lafourche County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Lafourche Parish arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are available for free searches:

Sheriff's Office Website: The Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office provides free access to basic arrest information through their official website. The crime and arrests section contains press releases about recent arrests and significant incidents.
Online Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Office maintains a free inmate lookup portal that allows the public to search for currently incarcerated individuals. This resource provides basic booking information and current custody status.
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available for public use at the Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours. These terminals provide access to basic arrest information at no cost.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office - Records Division
200 Canal Boulevard
Thibodaux, LA 70301
(985) 448-2111
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Public terminal hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Courthouse Records: The Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court maintains public access terminals for searching court records related to arrests and criminal cases.

Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court
P.O. Drawer 1560
Thibodaux, LA 70302
(985) 447-4841
Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court

Public Records Inspection: Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, individuals have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no charge. While copies may incur fees, viewing records is free.
Local Library Resources: The Lafourche Parish Public Library system offers free internet access where users can visit the Sheriff's Office website and other public resources.

When conducting free searches, users should note that:

Information may be limited compared to official record requests
Some details may be redacted in publicly available versions
Case disposition information may not be included
Records for ongoing investigations may not be available

For comprehensive criminal history information, the Louisiana State Police offers official background checks for a fee, as free services typically provide only basic arrest information.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lafourche County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Lafourche Parish involves either expungement (legal erasure) or record sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971-995.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement is the legal process of removing an arrest or conviction from public records
Record sealing restricts access to records but does not completely destroy them
In Louisiana, most expunged records remain available to law enforcement and certain government agencies

Eligibility for Expungement: Arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:

Arrests without prosecution:
- No charges were filed within the time limitations
- The case was dismissed or refused by the district attorney
- The charges were dismissed by the court
Misdemeanor convictions:
- Five years have passed since completion of sentence
- No felony convictions during the five-year period
- No pending criminal charges
Felony convictions:
- Ten years have passed since completion of sentence
- No felony convictions during the ten-year period
- No pending criminal charges
- Certain violent crimes and sex offenses are ineligible
First-time offenders:
- Special provisions exist for first-time offenders under Article 893 or 894

Expungement Process:

Obtain necessary forms:
- Forms are available from the Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court
- Forms must be completed for each arrest record
File petition with the court:
- Petition must be filed in the court where the case was prosecuted
- Filing fees apply (approximately $550 for most expungements)
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants
Service of petition:
- Copies must be served to:
  - District Attorney's Office
  - Arresting agency
  - Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification
Hearing:
- Court may schedule a contradictory hearing
- Agencies have opportunity to object
- Judge makes final determination
Implementation:
- If granted, court issues an order of expungement
- Agencies must comply within specified timeframes

For legal assistance with expungement, individuals may contact:

Lafourche Parish Public Defender's Office
303 West 3rd Street
Thibodaux, LA 70301
(985) 446-8808
Lafourche Parish Public Defender

Expungement is a complex legal process, and outcomes vary based on individual circumstances. Consultation with a qualified attorney is strongly recommended.

What Happens After Arrest in Lafourche County?

Following an arrest in Lafourche Parish, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Louisiana law. This process typically proceeds through the following stages:

Arrest and Booking:
- Arrestee is transported to the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex
- Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, and personal information collection
- Property is inventoried and secured
- Initial medical screening is conducted
Initial Appearance:
- Occurs within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Judge informs arrestee of charges
- Determination of counsel (appointment of public defender if indigent)
- Initial bail consideration
Bail Determination:
- Judge sets bail amount based on:
  - Nature and severity of charges
  - Criminal history
  - Flight risk
  - Community ties
  - Public safety considerations
- Bail may be posted through cash, property, or commercial bond
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- For misdemeanors, this typically occurs at the initial appearance
- For felonies, arraignment follows formal charging
Pre-Trial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing and hearing of motions
- Plea negotiations
- Pre-trial conferences
Trial:
- Misdemeanor trials typically heard by judge (bench trial)
- Felony defendants have right to jury trial
- Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
- Verdict rendered by judge or jury
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Occurs after guilty plea or verdict
- May include:
  - Incarceration
  - Probation
  - Fines
  - Community service
  - Restitution
  - Treatment programs
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within specified timeframes
- Possible post-conviction relief proceedings
- Probation or parole supervision if applicable

Throughout this process, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office maintains custody records and coordinates with the courts, District Attorney's Office, and other criminal justice agencies. All proceedings are conducted in accordance with Louisiana law and constitutional requirements.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lafourche County?

Arrest records in Lafourche Parish are maintained according to retention schedules established by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36, which governs the preservation and disposition of public records. The retention of these records ensures transparency, accountability, and the preservation of evidence while balancing privacy concerns.

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 10 years
- Non-prosecution cases: Minimum of 5 years
Fingerprint Records:
- Maintained permanently in both local and state databases
- Submitted to the FBI's national database for serious offenses
Mugshot Photographs:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 10 years
- May be removed from public-facing systems earlier in certain circumstances
Investigation Reports:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Other felony investigations: Minimum of 30 years
- Misdemeanor investigations: Minimum of 10 years
Juvenile Records:
- Subject to special confidentiality provisions
- May be sealed or expunged upon reaching adulthood
- Serious violent offenses may be retained longer

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office follows these retention schedules in coordination with the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Program. Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate records with varying retention requirements:

Law enforcement agencies maintain arrest and investigation records
Courts maintain case files and disposition information
Corrections departments maintain incarceration records
The Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification maintains the central state repository

Digital records are increasingly replacing paper records, but retention periods remain consistent regardless of format. Records that have met retention requirements may be destroyed according to proper procedures, though many agencies opt for longer retention periods than the minimum requirements, particularly for serious offenses.

Expunged records receive special handling as outlined in the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure, though certain agencies retain access to these records even after expungement.

How to Find Mugshots in Lafourche County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images are created for identification purposes and become part of the official arrest record maintained by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office. Typically, mugshots include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Lafourche Parish, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office as part of their arrest records
The Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex for current inmates
The Louisiana State Police in their central criminal records repository

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Lafourche Parish have several options:

Sheriff's Office Website: The Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office publishes mugshots of recently arrested individuals in their arrests section. These are typically available for a limited time.
Inmate Lookup System: The online inmate lookup portal includes booking photos of currently incarcerated individuals.
Public Records Request: For mugshots not available online, individuals may submit a formal public records request to:

Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office - Records Division
200 Canal Boulevard
Thibodaux, LA 70301
(985) 448-2111
Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

While some mugshots are available through official online sources, comprehensive access is limited:

Recent arrests may appear on the Sheriff's Office website
Current inmates' photos appear in the inmate lookup system
Historical mugshots generally require a formal records request
Third-party websites may publish mugshots, but these are not official sources and may contain outdated or inaccurate information

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain a mugshot, requestors should:

Complete a public records request form
Provide specific identifying information about the subject
Present valid identification
Pay applicable fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
Allow 3-5 business days for processing

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots is subject to certain limitations under Louisiana law:

Juvenile mugshots (under age 17) are generally confidential except for certain violent offenses
Expunged arrest records and associated mugshots are restricted from public access
Active investigation records may be temporarily exempt from disclosure
Commercial use of mugshots for "pay-to-remove" websites is restricted under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:4.1

Individuals concerned about their mugshots appearing online may have remedies through expungement or record sealing as described in previous sections.

Lookup Arrest Records in Lafourche County

Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office

Lafourche Parish Jail Inmate List

Crime and Arrest Information

Recent Arrest Reports

Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex