St. Landry County Criminal Records
What Is St. Landry County Criminal Records
Criminal records in St. Landry Parish (officially a parish, not a county, under Louisiana's unique administrative divisions) constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records encompass a comprehensive range of information pertaining to arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions within the parish jurisdiction.
Criminal records are categorized into several distinct types:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, which may not necessarily result in formal charges or convictions
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious offenses typically punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Documentation of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
- Juvenile Records: Documentation of offenses committed by individuals under 18 years of age, which are generally sealed and not accessible to the public pursuant to Louisiana Children's Code § 412
In St. Landry Parish, multiple agencies maintain criminal records according to their respective jurisdictions:
St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office
1592 E. Prudhomme Street
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 948-6516
St. Landry Parish Sheriff
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the parish.
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
118 S. Court Street, Suite 101
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 942-5606
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court maintains court case records, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, and sentencing information.
Louisiana State Police - Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
7919 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 925-6006
Louisiana State Police
The State Police maintain the central repository for criminal history information throughout Louisiana.
Criminal records typically include documentation of:
- Initial charges
- Arraignment proceedings
- Plea entries
- Trial proceedings and outcomes
- Sentencing information
- Probation and parole status
The legal definition and maintenance of criminal records in Louisiana are governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:3, which establishes parameters for record creation, maintenance, and public accessibility.
Are Criminal Records Public In St. Landry County
Criminal records in St. Landry Parish are generally considered public records under Louisiana law, with specific exceptions. The Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. § 44:1 et seq.) establishes the framework for public access to government records, including criminal records.
The Act states: "All books, records, writings, accounts, letters and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers...prepared, possessed, or retained for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of any business...of the state, parish, or municipal governments" are public records subject to inspection.
However, important exceptions and limitations apply to criminal records:
- Adult Conviction Records: Generally accessible to the public
- Court Proceedings: Most court proceedings and associated records are open to public inspection
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to pending or active criminal investigations are exempt from public disclosure under La. R.S. § 44:3(A)(1)
- Sealed Cases: Records that have been sealed by court order are not publicly accessible
- Juvenile Records: Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are confidential and not available for public inspection pursuant to the Louisiana Children's Code
- Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971 et seq. are removed from public access
The Louisiana Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access criminal records while recognizing these statutory exceptions. In the case of Title Research Corp. v. Rausch, the court affirmed that public records laws should be liberally construed in favor of access, while respecting specific legislative exemptions.
Law enforcement agencies and courts in St. Landry Parish are required to maintain the confidentiality of protected records while facilitating public access to those records that are subject to disclosure under state law. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections oversees compliance with these regulations at the state level.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In St. Landry County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in St. Landry Parish may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Complete a Public Records Request Form, available at the front desk
- Provide specific information about the records being sought, including the subject's full name and date of birth if available
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies (currently $20 for a background check)
In-Person Requests at the Clerk of Court:
- Visit the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Request assistance from the criminal records division
- Provide case numbers or identifying information for the records being sought
- Pay applicable fees for searches and copies (currently $0.50 per page for copies)
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate agency (Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court)
- Include specific information about the records being sought
- Provide contact information for response
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
Online Requests:
The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court offers limited online access to court records through their official website. Users may:
- Navigate to the Clerk's website
- Select the "Court Records" option
- Register for an account if required
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Pay applicable online access fees
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may also submit requests to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. This process requires:
- Completion of the Right to Review Authorization Form
- Submission of fingerprints
- Payment of the required fee (currently $26)
- Proper identification
All requests must comply with the provisions of the Louisiana Public Records Act, and agencies typically respond within 3-5 business days for routine requests.
How To Find Criminal Records in St. Landry County Online?
St. Landry Parish offers several online resources for accessing criminal records information. These digital platforms provide varying levels of detail and require different access procedures:
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court Online Records Portal
The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court maintains an online case access system that allows users to search for criminal court records. To utilize this resource:
- Navigate to the Clerk's official website
- Select "Court Records Search" from the available options
- Create a user account if required (registration is free)
- Search by defendant name, case number, or filing date
- Pay applicable access fees for detailed record viewing
- Download or print available documents
This portal provides access to case summaries, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information for criminal cases filed in St. Landry Parish courts.
St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals. Users can:
- Visit the Sheriff's Office website
- Select the "Inmate Roster" or "Jail Information" section
- Search by name or booking number
- View basic information including charges, booking date, and bond amount
This resource is updated regularly but contains information only on current inmates, not historical arrest records.
Louisiana State Police Criminal History Search
For more comprehensive background checks, the Louisiana State Police offers an online criminal history search system. This system:
- Requires user registration and authentication
- Charges a fee per search (currently $26)
- Provides statewide criminal history information
- Requires the subject's consent for non-criminal justice purposes
Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Lookup
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections maintains a searchable database of current and former state inmates. This system allows users to:
- Search by name or DOC number
- View conviction information
- Check current custody status and location
- See projected release dates for current inmates
It is important to note that online record systems may not contain complete criminal history information. Some records, particularly older cases or those with special handling requirements, may only be available through in-person requests. Additionally, online systems typically do not include sealed, expunged, or juvenile records in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:9.
Can You Search St. Landry County Criminal Records for Free?
St. Landry Parish provides several options for free or low-cost access to criminal records, though comprehensive searches may incur fees. The Louisiana Public Records Act establishes the right to inspect public records at no charge, though reproduction costs may apply.
Free In-Person Inspection:
Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, members of the public may inspect criminal records during regular business hours at no cost at the following locations:
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
118 S. Court Street, Suite 101
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 942-5606
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office
1592 E. Prudhomme Street
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 948-6516
St. Landry Parish Sheriff
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
While inspection is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for:
- Copies of records (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page)
- Certification of documents (typically $5-$10 per document)
- Staff research time for extensive searches
Free Online Resources:
Several free online resources provide limited criminal records information:
-
St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Inmate Roster: The Sheriff's Office website offers free access to current jail population information, including charges and booking dates.
-
Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Lookup: The DOC website provides free access to information about individuals currently under state supervision or incarceration.
-
Louisiana Sex Offender Registry: Maintained by the Louisiana State Police, this free resource allows searches for registered sex offenders residing in St. Landry Parish.
-
Court Docket Information: Basic case information may be available through the Clerk of Court's website without charge, though detailed document access typically requires payment.
It is important to note that free resources generally provide limited information and may not include complete criminal history data. For comprehensive background checks or certified records, fees typically apply in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32(C), which allows agencies to establish "reasonable fees for copying public records."
What's Included in a St. Landry County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in St. Landry Parish typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content may vary depending on the case circumstances and the maintaining agency, but generally includes the following categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned to the case
- Hearing and trial dates
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details, including:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information
- Probation or parole status
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections maintains standards for criminal record content through its Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. These standards ensure consistency in record-keeping across parish agencies while complying with state and federal reporting requirements.
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from publicly available records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Medical or mental health details
- Information about victims of certain crimes
- Information about confidential informants
These redactions are made in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:3, which establishes exceptions to public records disclosure requirements.
How Long Does St. Landry County Keep Criminal Records?
St. Landry Parish maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Louisiana state law and administrative regulations. The duration of record retention varies based on the type of record, the severity of the offense, and the final disposition of the case.
The Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Program establishes baseline retention requirements for all parish agencies, while specific criminal justice retention schedules are developed in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections.
General Retention Periods:
- Felony Case Records: Permanently maintained by the Clerk of Court
- Misdemeanor Case Records: Maintained for a minimum of 10 years after final disposition
- Arrest Records (No Charges Filed): Typically maintained for 5 years
- Traffic Violations: Generally maintained for 3-5 years
- Juvenile Records: Maintained until the subject reaches age 17, then sealed pursuant to Louisiana Children's Code § 412
- Sex Offender Registration Records: Maintained for the duration of the registration requirement, which may be 15 years to lifetime
- Expunged Records: Physical records are destroyed and digital records are sealed from public view following court-ordered expungement under La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971 et seq.
Agency-Specific Retention:
The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office maintains:
- Booking records for a minimum of 10 years
- Arrest reports for a minimum of 10 years
- Jail records for a minimum of 5 years after release
The St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court maintains:
- Court minutes permanently
- Case files according to case type (felony cases permanently)
- Exhibits until all appeals are exhausted plus 3 years
The Louisiana State Police maintains criminal history information in the central repository indefinitely, unless expungement is ordered by a court.
It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period has expired, many records are archived rather than destroyed, particularly for serious offenses. Digital conversion has also extended the practical retention of many criminal records beyond their scheduled destruction dates.
Records that have been expunged pursuant to court order are removed from public access, though certain criminal justice agencies may retain limited access for law enforcement purposes in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:9.
Lookup Criminal Records in St. Landry County
St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court