Calcasieu Public Records / Calcasieu County Arrest Records

Calcasieu County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Calcasieu County

Arrest records in Calcasieu County are considered public information under Louisiana law. Pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act, specifically Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1 et seq., citizens have the legal right to access and inspect government records, including arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies. This statute establishes that all records used in the conduct of public business are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by law.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Louisiana law. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Louisiana law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for expungement under certain circumstances as provided in Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with the Louisiana Law Enforcement Records Management guidelines, which establish protocols for the creation, maintenance, and public access to these records. While most arrest information is public, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile information, or other legally protected data.

What's in Calcasieu County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Calcasieu County contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the parish. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (first, middle, last)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Address at time of arrest
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Reason for arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance numbers violated
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
Charge severity (e.g., first degree, second degree)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

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

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Processing officer information
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction (typically 14th Judicial District Court for Calcasieu Parish)
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
Immigration holds
Medical alerts
Behavioral notes
Special housing requirements

The comprehensiveness of arrest records serves multiple purposes within the criminal justice system, including identification, case processing, and public safety. However, pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:3, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, particularly details that might compromise ongoing investigations or endanger individuals.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Calcasieu County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Calcasieu County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

Visit the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office in person:

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office
5400 E. Broad Street
Lake Charles, LA 70615
(337) 491-3700
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Requestors must complete a public records request form and provide valid government-issued photo identification. The Sheriff's Records Division processes these requests, typically within 3-5 business days depending on the complexity and volume of the request.
Submit a written request by mail:

Written requests must include:
- Full name of the subject of the record search
- Date of birth and/or approximate age
- Specific date range for the search
- Purpose of the request
- Requestor's contact information
- Copy of requestor's identification
Mail completed requests to:

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office
Records Division
5400 E. Broad Street
Lake Charles, LA 70615
Request through the Clerk of Court:

Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court
1000 Ryan Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 437-3550
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

The Clerk maintains criminal records for cases that have been filed with the court. Requestors must complete the appropriate request form and pay applicable fees.
Contact the Calcasieu Correctional Center:

Calcasieu Correctional Center
5400 E. Broad Street
Lake Charles, LA 70615
(337) 491-3800
Calcasieu Parish Correctional Facilities

Hours for Information: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The correctional center can provide information about individuals currently in custody.

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. Currently, the standard fee is $1.00 per page for the first 25 pages and $0.25 for each additional page. Certified copies may incur additional fees. Payment methods accepted include cash, money order, or cashier's check.

How To Find Calcasieu County Arrest Records Online

Calcasieu County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenience while maintaining compliance with Louisiana public records laws. The following online resources are currently available:

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal that provides information about individuals currently in custody or recently released. This database is updated regularly and includes basic arrest information, charges, and custody status. The system can be accessed through the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office website.
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court Online Records: The Clerk of Court offers an online records portal where users can search for criminal case information. This system provides access to court records related to arrests that have proceeded to formal charges. The Calcasieu Parish Clerk's online records system requires registration and may involve fees for certain document retrievals.
Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator: For individuals who have been sentenced to state custody, the Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Information database provides custody information, facility location, and projected release dates. This resource is particularly useful for tracking cases post-conviction.
Louisiana State Police Criminal History Record: For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests across multiple jurisdictions, the Louisiana State Police maintains a fee-based online system. This service requires specific identifying information and is available through the Louisiana State Police website.

When using online systems, users should note that:

Some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
Recent arrests may not appear immediately due to processing time
Complete criminal history information typically requires a formal background check
Online records may not include arrests that have been expunged or sealed
Fees may apply for certain searches or document retrievals

For optimal results, users should have the subject's full legal name and, if possible, date of birth or other identifying information. Online systems typically provide the most current information, though the definitive record remains with the originating agency.

How To Search Calcasieu County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options to access Calcasieu County arrest records without incurring fees. Louisiana public records law, specifically Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, provides that while agencies may charge for copies of records, the inspection of public records must be permitted at no charge during regular business hours. The following methods are available for free access to arrest records:

In-Person Inspection at the Sheriff's Office:

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office
Records Division
5400 E. Broad Street
Lake Charles, LA 70615
(337) 491-3700

Hours for Public Records Inspection: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Citizens may visit the Records Division and request to inspect arrest records. While there is no charge for inspection, identification is required, and certain records may have restricted access based on statutory exemptions.
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office maintains a free inmate lookup tool on their website that provides basic information about current inmates and recent arrests. This resource is updated regularly and requires no registration or payment.
Calcasieu Parish Courthouse Public Access Terminals:

Calcasieu Parish Courthouse
1000 Ryan Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Public access computer terminals are available in the courthouse for searching court records related to arrests and criminal cases. While printing documents from these terminals may incur fees, viewing the information is free.
Public Library Resources:

Calcasieu Parish Public Library - Central Library
301 W. Claude Street
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 721-7116

Hours vary by branch

The public library system offers free internet access where citizens can utilize the public online resources provided by county agencies.
Daily Arrest Reports: The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office publishes daily arrest reports that are available for public review. These reports provide basic information about recent arrests and are typically available at the Sheriff's Office or through their public information office.

When utilizing free resources, requestors should note that:

Some detailed information may only be available through formal requests
Records that have been sealed or expunged will not be accessible
Juvenile records are generally not available for public inspection
Identification is typically required even for free inspection
Staff assistance may be limited based on availability

For the most comprehensive free access, combining in-person inspection with online resources typically yields the best results. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections also provides certain free public information resources that may supplement county-level data.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Calcasieu County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Calcasieu County follows Louisiana state law, which provides specific mechanisms for expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of criminal records. These processes are governed primarily by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995, which establish eligibility criteria and procedures.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Legal Distinction

In Louisiana, expungement does not physically destroy records but rather restricts their accessibility to the public. When a record is expunged:

It is removed from public access
Law enforcement and certain government agencies retain limited access
The individual may legally state they were not arrested or convicted in most circumstances

Sealing, by contrast, typically applies to juvenile records and certain adult proceedings, making them confidential but not removing them from all government databases.

Eligibility for Expungement

Under current Louisiana law, the following situations may qualify for expungement:

Arrests that did not lead to conviction
Misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period (typically 5 years)
Certain non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period (typically 10 years)
First-offense marijuana possession (less than 14 grams)
Cases resolved through pre-trial diversion programs
Cases where the individual received a pardon

Certain serious offenses, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and domestic violence convictions, are generally ineligible for expungement under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:9.

Expungement Process in Calcasieu Parish

Determine Eligibility: Consult with an attorney or review the Calcasieu Clerk of Court expungement information to determine if the record qualifies.
Obtain Required Documents:
- Certified copies of court minutes
- Bill of information or indictment
- Disposition documentation
- Background check from Louisiana State Police
Complete Expungement Forms: The appropriate forms are available from the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court and must be completed according to the specific circumstances of the case.
File Petition with the Court:

14th Judicial District Court
1000 Ryan Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 437-3550

Filing fees and costs typically range from $550-$650 depending on the complexity of the case.
Service of Process: The petition must be served on:
- District Attorney's Office
- Arresting agency
- Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification
Hearing (if required): Some expungements require a court hearing, while others may be granted without one if no objections are filed.
Implementation of Expungement Order: If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge the record. The individual must ensure the order is properly distributed to all agencies holding records.

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process typically takes 3-6 months to complete and may require legal assistance. The Louisiana Justice Coalition and other legal aid organizations sometimes provide assistance with expungement proceedings for those who qualify financially.

What Happens After Arrest in Calcasieu County?

Following an arrest in Calcasieu County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Louisiana law. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition:

Booking and Processing: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Calcasieu Correctional Center for booking. This process includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
- Assignment to appropriate housing
Initial Appearance: Within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge or commissioner for:
- Formal notification of charges
- Determination of probable cause
- Appointment of counsel if indigent
- Setting of bail or bond conditions
- Scheduling of subsequent proceedings
Bail Determination: The court establishes bail based on:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Criminal history
- Flight risk assessment
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
Bail may be posted through cash, property, or commercial bond agents. In some cases, individuals may be released on their own recognizance without monetary bail.
Formal Charging: The Calcasieu Parish District Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to file formal charges through:
- Bill of information (for misdemeanors and some felonies)
- Grand jury indictment (typically for serious felonies)
This decision must occur within time limits established by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 701, generally 45 days for misdemeanors and 60 days for felonies if the defendant is in custody.
Arraignment: At arraignment in the 14th Judicial District Court, the defendant:
- Is formally informed of charges
- Enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Receives trial date if pleading not guilty
Pre-trial Proceedings: This phase may include:
- Discovery exchanges
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Pre-trial conferences
- Diversion program assessments
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it may be:
- Bench trial (judge only)
- Jury trial (6 jurors for misdemeanors, 12 for felonies)
The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows based on:
- Louisiana sentencing guidelines
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Victim impact statements
- Mitigating and aggravating factors
Post-Conviction: Following conviction, options include:
- Appeal to higher courts
- Post-conviction relief petitions
- Probation or parole supervision
- Incarceration in parish jail or state prison

Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to a speedy trial, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Calcasieu Public Defender's Office provides legal representation for those who cannot afford private counsel.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Calcasieu County?

Arrest records in Calcasieu County are maintained according to Louisiana's comprehensive records retention requirements, primarily governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36, which establishes the legal framework for public records preservation. The retention periods vary based on record type, disposition of the case, and the maintaining agency.

The Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Division publishes official retention schedules that law enforcement agencies and courts must follow. For arrest records in Calcasieu Parish, the following retention periods generally apply:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 10 years from date of arrest
- Arrests with no formal charges filed: 5 years from date of arrest
Fingerprint Records:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Juvenile cases: Until subject reaches age 17, unless case transferred to adult court
Mugshot Photographs:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal: 5 years, unless expunged earlier
Investigation Reports:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Other felony investigations: 30 years
- Misdemeanor investigations: 10 years
- Unfounded complaints: 5 years
Court Records Related to Arrests:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 3 years after final disposition

Different agencies within Calcasieu Parish maintain separate record systems with potentially different retention periods:

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and investigative files
The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court preserves court records related to criminal proceedings
The Louisiana State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information
The Louisiana Department of Corrections retains records for individuals sentenced to state custody

Records retention serves several critical purposes within the criminal justice system:

Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
Ensures accountability of law enforcement and judicial processes
Supports historical research and policy development

It should be noted that expungement orders, when granted by the court, supersede standard retention schedules. However, even expunged records may be maintained in confidential files by certain agencies for limited law enforcement purposes as permitted under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 973.

How to Find Mugshots in Calcasieu County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrested individual and serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system. In Calcasieu Parish, mugshots are created as part of the standard booking procedure at the Calcasieu Correctional Center.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Calcasieu Parish, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office
Records Division
5400 E. Broad Street
Lake Charles, LA 70615
(337) 491-3700
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office

As official records, mugshots are subject to Louisiana public records laws, specifically Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1 et seq., which generally classify them as public information unless specifically exempted.

Finding Mugshots

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

In-person requests at the Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). Requestors must complete a public records request form and provide identification.
Written requests submitted by mail to the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
- Copy of requestor's identification
Online resources may provide limited access to recent booking information, though policies regarding online mugshot publication vary over time.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office currently maintains an inmate lookup system that may include booking photos for individuals currently in custody or recently arrested. Additionally, third-party websites sometimes aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records, though these sites may not always maintain current or accurate information.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For official copies of mugshots, the most reliable method is to submit a formal public records request to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office. Standard fees apply:

$10.00 for the first mugshot
$2.00 for each additional mugshot requested simultaneously
Additional certification fees may apply for official use

Payment methods accepted include cash, money order, or cashier's check. Processing time typically ranges from 3-7 business days depending on the age and accessibility of the records.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

While mugshots are generally considered public records in Louisiana, several restrictions may apply:

Mugshots of juveniles (under age 17) are confidential unless the juvenile was prosecuted as an adult.
Mugshots associated with expunged arrests are removed from public access.
Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld.
Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:4.1 exempts certain records from public disclosure, which may include mugshots in specific circumstances.
The Louisiana Mugshot Law (R.S. 44:700) places restrictions on commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal.

Individuals concerned about their mugshots being publicly accessible may consult with an attorney regarding expungement eligibility or other legal remedies for limiting public access to these records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Calcasieu County

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