Ouachita County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Ouachita County

Arrest records in Ouachita County are considered public information under Louisiana's Public Records Law, specifically 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. The Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties in documenting arrests within the jurisdiction.

It is important for requesters to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

• Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause that they committed an offense
• Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings
• An arrest does not constitute proof of guilt and individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty

The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement oversees policies related to law enforcement records throughout the state, including those in Ouachita Parish. Under current law, certain exceptions to public disclosure exist for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and records that may compromise public safety if released.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, the information contained within them should not be used for unauthorized purposes such as harassment or discrimination, as specified in Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:31.1.

What's in Ouachita County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals. 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)
• Gender
• Race/ethnicity
• Home address
• Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
• Fingerprints
• Photograph (mugshot)

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 numbers violated
• Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor)
• Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

• Warrant number
• Issuing authority
• Date issued
• Type of warrant

Booking Information:

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

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond amount
• Bond type
• Bond status
• Conditions of release

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
• Risk assessment scores
• Medical screening information (redacted for privacy)
• Emergency contact information

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency within Ouachita Parish. All records are maintained in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36, which governs the preservation of public records.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Ouachita County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Ouachita County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records within the jurisdiction. Requesters may access these records through the following procedures:

1. Submit a formal public records request to the Records Division of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office
2. Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
3. Present valid identification when requesting records in person
4. Complete the required Public Records Request Form
5. Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying

In-person requests may be submitted at:

Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
400 St. John Street
Monroe, LA 71201
(318) 329-1200
Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office

Operating hours for public records requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.

For written requests, individuals may mail a completed request form to the address above or submit electronically through the official sheriff's office website. Pursuant to Louisiana public records law, agencies must respond to requests within three business days. Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, which permits reasonable charges for document reproduction.

How To Find Ouachita County Arrest Records Online

Ouachita County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official online platforms. The Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that allows the public to search for current and recent booking information. To access arrest records online, members of the public may follow these steps:

1. Visit the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office bookings page
2. Navigate to the inmate search function
3. Enter search criteria such as:
   • First and last name
   • Booking number (if known)
   • Date range of arrest
4. Review the search results, which typically include:
   • Arrestee name
   • Booking date
   • Charges
   • Bond information
   • Custody status

The online system primarily contains recent and current booking information. For historical arrest records or more detailed information, requesters may need to submit a formal records request as outlined in the previous section.

Additional online resources for Ouachita County arrest information include:

• Louisiana State Police Criminal History Repository
• Louisiana Clerk of Court Association
• Fourth Judicial District Court Records

Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest records, and information is updated according to established schedules. The most comprehensive and current information is available through direct request to the Records Division of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office.

How To Search Ouachita County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Ouachita County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods provide free access to basic arrest information:

1. Online Inmate Lookup System: The Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a free online booking database that provides basic information about recent arrests and current inmates.

2. Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available for public use at:

   Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office
   400 St. John Street
   Monroe, LA 71201
   (318) 329-1200
   Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office

   These terminals allow visitors to search basic arrest information without charge during regular business hours.

3. Court Records: The Fourth Judicial District Court provides access to court records related to arrests through their public access system at:

   Fourth Judicial District Court
   300 St. John Street, Suite 315
   Monroe, LA 71201
   (318) 361-2250
   Fourth Judicial District Court

4. Local Library Resources: The Ouachita Parish Public Library offers free internet access where individuals can search public records websites:

   Ouachita Parish Public Library - Main Branch
   1800 Stubbs Avenue
   Monroe, LA 71201
   (318) 327-1490
   Ouachita Parish Public Library

While basic arrest information is available without charge, fees may apply for:

• Certified copies of records
• Extensive searches requiring staff time
• Records that require redaction
• Printed copies exceeding standard page limits

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32(C), examination of public records must be free of charge, but reasonable fees may be charged for copies or certified documents.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Ouachita County

Louisiana law provides specific mechanisms for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records in Ouachita County under certain circumstances. These processes are governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971-995.

The distinction between expungement and sealing is significant:

• Expungement: The physical destruction or removal of records from public access
• Sealing: Records remain intact but are restricted from public view

Eligibility for expungement in Ouachita County typically requires one of the following conditions:

1. Arrest did not lead to formal charges
2. Charges were dismissed or refused
3. Acquittal after trial
4. Completion of a pre-trial diversion program
5. Conviction was set aside or pardoned
6. Specified waiting period has elapsed after completion of sentence for eligible offenses

The process for seeking expungement includes:

1. File a Motion for Expungement with the Fourth Judicial District Court
2. Pay applicable filing fees (approximately $550, though fee waivers may be available)
3. Serve copies of the motion to:
   • District Attorney's Office
   • Arresting agency
   • Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification
4. Attend scheduled court hearing if required
5. If granted, obtain certified copies of the expungement order
6. Distribute the order to all agencies maintaining the records

Certain serious offenses are ineligible for expungement under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:9, including:

• Violent crimes
• Sex offenses
• Domestic violence convictions
• DWI offenses (with limited exceptions)

Individuals seeking expungement in Ouachita County may file at:

Fourth Judicial District Court Clerk's Office
300 St. John Street, Suite 315
Monroe, LA 71201
(318) 361-2250
Fourth Judicial District Court

Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process, as requirements are complex and subject to change under current law.

What Happens After Arrest in Ouachita County?

Following an arrest in Ouachita County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:

1. Booking and Processing: Upon arrival at the Ouachita Parish Correctional Center, arrestees undergo:

   • Fingerprinting and photographing
   • Personal property inventory
   • Medical screening
   • Background check
   • Initial custody classification

2. Initial Appearance: Within 72 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a judge who:

   • Informs them of charges
   • Advises them of constitutional rights
   • Makes preliminary determination of probable cause
   • Sets bail or bond conditions
   • Determines eligibility for public defender

3. Bail Determination: The court establishes bail based on:

   • Nature and severity of charges
   • Criminal history
   • Flight risk assessment
   • Community ties
   • Public safety considerations

4. Formal Charging: The District Attorney's Office determines whether to pursue charges through:

   • Bill of information (for misdemeanors and some felonies)
   • Grand jury indictment (for serious felonies)
   • Decision to decline prosecution

5. Arraignment: Defendants are formally presented with charges and enter a plea of:

   • Guilty
   • Not guilty
   • No contest

6. Pre-trial Proceedings: May include:

   • Discovery exchange
   • Motion hearings
   • Plea negotiations
   • Pre-trial conferences

7. Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, case proceeds to:

   • Bench trial (judge only)
   • Jury trial (for offenses with potential imprisonment)

8. Sentencing: Upon conviction, sentencing may involve:

   • Incarceration
   • Probation
   • Fines
   • Community service
   • Restitution
   • Treatment programs

9. Post-Conviction: Following conviction, options include:

   • Appeal
   • Post-conviction relief
   • Expungement (if eligible)

Throughout this process, records are created and maintained by various agencies including the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office, the Fourth Judicial District Court, and the District Attorney's Office.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Ouachita County?

Arrest records in Ouachita County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36, which governs the preservation of public records. The Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Program provides oversight for records retention throughout the state.

Under current law, different categories of arrest records are subject to varying retention periods:

• Booking Information: Maintained permanently in electronic format
• Arrest Reports: Retained for a minimum of 10 years from date of creation
• Fingerprint Cards: Preserved permanently by both local agencies and the Louisiana State Police
• Mugshots: Retained for a minimum of 5 years for misdemeanors and permanently for felonies
• Investigation Files: Maintained for 10 years after case closure for solved cases; permanently for unsolved major crimes
• Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to special confidentiality provisions and may be sealed upon reaching adulthood

Different agencies within Ouachita Parish maintain separate record systems with distinct retention requirements:

• The Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office maintains booking records, arrest reports, and investigation files
• The Fourth Judicial District Court preserves court proceedings related to arrests
• The District Attorney's Office retains prosecution records
• The Louisiana State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information

Records retention serves several critical purposes:

• Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
• Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
• Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
• Provides statistical data for crime analysis and policy development

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact:

Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
400 St. John Street
Monroe, LA 71201
(318) 329-1200
Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office

How to Find Mugshots in Ouachita County

Mugshots, the official photographs taken during the booking process, are considered part of the public arrest record in Ouachita County. These images serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and are maintained by law enforcement agencies.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of:

• Front-facing (portrait) photograph
• Profile (side-view) photograph
• Booking information board showing:
  • Name of arrestee
  • Booking number
  • Date of arrest
  • Arresting agency

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Ouachita Parish, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
400 St. John Street
Monroe, LA 71201
(318) 329-1200
Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office

Finding Mugshots

To obtain official copies of mugshots, members of the public may:

1. Submit a public records request to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
2. Provide specific identifying information about the individual (full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
3. Complete the required request form
4. Pay applicable fees for reproduction

Can They Be Found Online

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office provides limited online access to recent booking photos through their inmate booking information system. This database typically includes:

• Current inmates
• Recent bookings (generally within the past 30 days)
• Basic arrest information

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For official copies or historical mugshots not available online, individuals must submit a formal records request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests may be submitted:

• In person during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
• By mail with appropriate documentation
• Through the agency's online records request portal

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to certain mugshots may be restricted under the following circumstances:

• Juvenile arrests (under 18 years of age)
• Expunged or sealed records
• Ongoing sensitive investigations
• Cases involving protected victims
• Records sealed by court order

The use of mugshots obtained through public records requests is subject to legal restrictions. Louisiana law prohibits the operation of websites that charge fees for removing mugshots, pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:67-69.

Lookup Arrest Records in Ouachita County

Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office Bookings

Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office Records and Offense Reports

Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office Records and Identification