Lafayette County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lafayette County

Arrest records in Lafayette County, Louisiana are considered public records under the Louisiana Public Records Law, Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1-41. This statute establishes that records created or maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Louisiana law. An arrest record documents the apprehension and booking of an individual suspected of committing a crime, while a conviction record indicates that a court has found the individual guilty of the charged offense. Pursuant to Louisiana law, both arrest and conviction records are considered public, though certain exceptions apply.

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the parish and makes these available to the public in accordance with state law. However, certain information may be redacted or restricted, particularly in cases involving:

• Juvenile offenders (under 17 years of age)
• Ongoing investigations
• Records sealed by court order
• Certain domestic violence cases
• Cases involving protected victim categories

According to the Louisiana Law Enforcement Records Management, law enforcement agencies must maintain arrest records while balancing public access rights with privacy protections established under state and federal law.

What's in Lafayette County Arrest Records

Lafayette County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. 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 (tattoos, scars)
• Address at time of arrest
• Gender
• Race/ethnicity

Arrest Details:

• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Arresting agency
• Arresting officer's name and badge number
• Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

• Criminal charges filed
• Statute or ordinance citations
• Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
• Charge severity level

Warrant Information (if applicable):

• Warrant number
• Issuing court
• Date issued
• Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

• Booking date and time
• Booking number
• Fingerprints
• Mugshot photograph
• Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond amount
• Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
• Bond status (posted or not)
• Bond conditions

Court Information:

• Court of jurisdiction
• Case number
• Scheduled court appearances
• Judge assigned

Custody Status:

• Current detention status
• Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
• Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

• Prior arrest history
• Probation/parole status
• Risk assessment scores
• Medical screening information (redacted in public versions)
• Emergency contact information (redacted in public versions)

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest, as outlined in the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections guidelines for record maintenance.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lafayette County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Lafayette County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:

1. In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office
   • Visit the Records Division during regular business hours
   • Complete a public records request form
   • Present valid government-issued photo identification
   • Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $5-25 depending on record type)

Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office
316 W Main St
Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 232-9211
Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office

2. Written Requests by Mail

   • Submit a formal written request including:
     • Full name of the subject
     • Date of birth or approximate age
     • Date or approximate date of arrest
     • Requestor's contact information
     • Copy of requestor's identification
   • Mail request with appropriate fee to the Sheriff's Office Records Division

3. Requests to the Lafayette Police Department

   • For arrests made by city police rather than sheriff's deputies

Lafayette Police Department
900 E University Ave
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 291-8600
Lafayette Police Department

4. Court Clerk's Office
   • For arrest records that have proceeded to court proceedings

Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court
800 S Buchanan St
Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 291-6400
Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, custodians of public records must make records available during regular office hours. The custodian may establish reasonable fees for copies of records, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

How To Find Lafayette County Arrest Records Online

Lafayette County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records electronically. The following online methods are available to the public:

1. Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup

   • Navigate to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office website
   • Locate the "Inmate Lookup" or "Current Inmates" section
   • Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date range)
   • Review results showing current inmates and recent bookings

2. Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator

   • Access the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections offender information portal
   • Enter the individual's name or DOC number
   • Review results for current custody status and location
   • Note that this system primarily shows state prison inmates, not all county arrests

3. Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court Online Records

   • Visit the Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court website
   • Navigate to the public records search function
   • Create a user account if required
   • Search by name, case number, or filing date
   • Access case information related to arrests that have proceeded to court

4. Third-Party Aggregator Websites

   • Several commercial websites compile public records from multiple sources
   • These sites may charge fees for comprehensive reports
   • Information accuracy varies and may not reflect the most current status

When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that:

• Not all arrest records are available online
• Recent arrests may experience a delay before appearing in online systems
• Some information may be redacted in online versions
• Official verification may require contacting the records custodian directly

Online access to public records is governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:33, which requires custodians to provide prompt access to records while maintaining necessary security measures for electronic systems.

How To Search Lafayette County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access Lafayette County arrest records without payment through several available channels. The following methods provide free access to arrest information:

1. Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office Website

   • The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate lookup tool
   • This resource provides basic information about current inmates and recent bookings
   • Information typically includes name, booking date, charges, and custody status
   • No registration or payment is required to access this public information

2. In-Person Inspection at Records Division

   • Visit the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours
   • Request to inspect (not copy) specific arrest records
   • Present valid identification
   • Review records on-site at no charge

Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
316 W Main St
Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 232-9211
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

3. Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse
   • The Lafayette Parish Courthouse provides public access computer terminals
   • These terminals allow free searches of court records related to arrests
   • Available during regular courthouse hours
   • Staff assistance may be available for search guidance

Lafayette Parish Courthouse
800 S Buchanan St
Lafayette, LA 70501
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

4. Public Library Resources
   • Lafayette Parish libraries offer free internet access
   • Library staff can assist with navigating public records websites
   • Some libraries maintain reference materials on accessing public records

Lafayette Public Library - Main Branch
301 W Congress St
Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 261-5787
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32(C), examining public records in the custody of a public body is free of charge. While fees may be charged for copies, the inspection of records cannot incur a cost to the requestor.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lafayette County

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

Expungement vs. Sealing:

• Expungement: The physical destruction or removal of records from public access
• Sealing: Records remain intact but are restricted from public view, accessible only to law enforcement and certain government agencies

Eligibility for Expungement: Individuals may qualify for expungement in the following circumstances:

• Arrest did not lead to conviction
• Case was dismissed or declined for prosecution
• Acquittal after trial
• Completion of pretrial diversion program
• Certain misdemeanor convictions after cleansing period (typically 5 years)
• Certain non-violent felony convictions after cleansing period (typically 10 years)
• First-offense marijuana possession (less than 14 grams)

Expungement Process:

1. Determine Eligibility

   • Review arrest and court records
   • Consult with an attorney or legal aid organization
   • Verify completion of all sentencing requirements and waiting periods

2. Obtain Required Documents

   • Background check from Louisiana State Police
   • Certified copies of court minutes, bill of information, and disposition
   • Verification of completed sentence and probation

3. File Expungement Petition

   • Complete appropriate expungement forms (available from the Clerk of Court)
   • File petition with the court where the case was prosecuted
   • Pay filing fees (currently $550 for most expungements)
   • Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants

4. Service and Hearing

   • Serve copies of petition to District Attorney, arresting agency, and Louisiana State Police
   • Attend hearing if scheduled by the court
   • Obtain signed expungement order if granted

5. Distribution of Order

   • Ensure the expungement order is distributed to all agencies holding records
   • Follow up to confirm compliance with the order

Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court - Criminal Records Division
800 S Buchanan St
Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 291-6400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Individuals with limited financial resources may seek assistance from the Lafayette Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service or Acadiana Legal Service Corporation, which provides free legal services to qualifying individuals.

What Happens After Arrest in Lafayette County?

The criminal justice process in Lafayette County follows a structured sequence from initial arrest through final disposition. This process adheres to procedures established under Louisiana law and includes the following key stages:

1. Arrest and Booking

   • Law enforcement officers take the individual into custody
   • Transportation to the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center
   • Booking procedures: fingerprinting, photographing, personal information collection
   • Property inventory and temporary storage
   • Initial medical screening

2. Initial Appearance/Bail Hearing

   • Occurs within 72 hours of arrest (typically within 24-48 hours)
   • Judge informs defendant of charges and constitutional rights
   • Bail determination based on:
     • Severity of alleged offense
     • Criminal history
     • Flight risk assessment
     • Community ties
     • Public safety considerations

3. Charging Decision

   • District Attorney's Office reviews evidence
   • Determines whether to file formal charges, modify charges, or decline prosecution
   • For felonies: Bill of Information or Grand Jury Indictment
   • For misdemeanors: Bill of Information

4. Arraignment

   • Formal reading of charges in court
   • Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
   • Court may revisit bail conditions
   • Scheduling of future proceedings

5. Pre-Trial Proceedings

   • Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
   • Filing and hearing of motions (e.g., suppression of evidence)
   • Plea negotiations
   • Pre-trial conferences

6. Trial

   • Jury selection (for jury trials)
   • Opening statements
   • Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
   • Closing arguments
   • Jury deliberation and verdict (or judge's decision in bench trials)

7. Sentencing (if convicted)

   • Pre-sentence investigation report
   • Victim impact statements
   • Sentencing hearing
   • Imposition of sentence (incarceration, probation, fines, restitution)

8. Post-Conviction

   • Right to appeal within specified timeframe
   • Possible post-conviction relief proceedings
   • Probation supervision or transfer to Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections for incarceration

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right to remain silent, right to confront witnesses, and right to a speedy trial. The Lafayette Parish Public Defender's Office provides legal representation for those who cannot afford private counsel.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lafayette County?

Arrest records in Lafayette County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36 and the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management policies. These retention periods vary based on record type, case disposition, and maintaining agency.

Standard Retention Periods:

• Arrest Reports and Booking Information

  • Felony arrests: Minimum 10 years after final disposition
  • Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 5 years after final disposition
  • Arrests not resulting in charges: 5 years from date of arrest

• Fingerprint Records

  • Felony convictions: Permanent retention
  • Misdemeanor convictions: 10 years after completion of sentence
  • Arrests without conviction: 5 years from date of arrest (unless expunged)

• Mugshot Photographs

  • Follow same retention schedule as corresponding arrest records
  • May be removed from public-facing systems earlier than full record deletion

• Investigation Files

  • Homicide cases: Permanent retention
  • Other felony investigations: 10 years after case closure
  • Misdemeanor investigations: 5 years after case closure

• Juvenile Records

  • Generally sealed at age 17
  • May be destroyed when individual reaches age 23 if no subsequent adult record
  • Certain serious offenses may be maintained longer

Different agencies maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

1. Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office

   • Maintains booking records, arrest reports, and jail records
   • Follows state-mandated minimum retention periods
   • May retain records longer for administrative purposes

2. Lafayette Police Department

   • Maintains arrest reports and investigation files
   • Retention based on case type and disposition

3. Louisiana State Police

   • Maintains central repository of fingerprint records and criminal histories
   • Permanent retention of conviction records
   • Non-conviction records maintained according to state schedule

4. Lafayette Parish Clerk of Court

   • Maintains court records related to criminal cases
   • Felony case files: Permanent retention
   • Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after final disposition

Records retention serves several important purposes:

• Preserves evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
• Maintains information for background checks and law enforcement investigations
• Ensures accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
• Provides statistical data for crime analysis and policy development

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention or destruction should contact the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Records Division or submit a public information request to the appropriate agency.

How to Find Mugshots in Lafayette County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Lafayette County, mugshots are captured as part of standard booking procedures at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshot photographs in Lafayette County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:

1. Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office
   • Primary custodian of booking photographs
   • Maintains digital database of current and historical mugshots
   • Photographs linked to corresponding arrest records

Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office
316 W Main St
Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 232-9211
Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office

2. Lafayette Police Department
   • Maintains photographs from arrests by city police
   • May share database access with Sheriff's Office

Lafayette Police Department
900 E University Ave
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 291-8600
Lafayette Police Department

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public may access mugshots through several methods:

1. In-Person Requests

   • Visit the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
   • Complete a public records request form
   • Provide the name and approximate arrest date of the subject
   • Pay applicable fees for copies (typically $5-10 per photograph)

2. Written Requests

   • Submit a formal written request to the Sheriff's Office
   • Include subject's name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
   • Enclose appropriate fee payment
   • Provide return address for mailing

3. Online Inmate Search

   • The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office website provides an inmate lookup feature
   • Search by name to view current inmates
   • Recent booking photos may be displayed with basic arrest information

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

Mugshots from Lafayette County may appear online through:

• Official law enforcement websites (current inmates only)
• Court records databases (if entered as evidence)
• Third-party mugshot websites and commercial background check services
• News media websites (particularly in high-profile cases)

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For official copies of mugshots, individuals should:

1. Submit requests directly to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
2. Provide specific identifying information about the subject and arrest
3. Explain the purpose of the request (though not legally required)
4. Pay established fees for reproduction
5. Allow 3-5 business days for processing

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

• Juvenile arrests (under age 17)
• Expunged or sealed records
• Ongoing sensitive investigations
• Cases involving certain protected victim categories
• Records subject to court-ordered confidentiality

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:3, certain law enforcement records may be exempt from public disclosure requirements when release would compromise investigations or endanger individuals.

Lookup Arrest Records in Lafayette County

Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office

Lafayette Police Department

Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections

Information For & About People in Prison - Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections

Public Information - Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections