Calcasieu County Criminal Records
What Is Calcasieu County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana (commonly referred to as Calcasieu County) are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records document the history of arrests, prosecutions, and court dispositions within the parish jurisdiction. Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:3, criminal records are maintained as part of the public record with certain exceptions.
Criminal records in Calcasieu Parish encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of detentions by law enforcement agencies when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 years and older (generally public)
- Juvenile Records: Criminal proceedings for minors under 18 (typically sealed under Louisiana Children's Code § 412)
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by judicial authorities
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal justice interactions
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Calcasieu Parish, including:
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office
5400 E Broad Street
Lake Charles, LA 70615
(337) 491-3700
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court
1000 Ryan Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 437-3550
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court
14th Judicial District Court
1001 Lakeshore Drive
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 437-3400
14th Judicial District Court
Louisiana State Police - Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
7919 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 925-6006
Louisiana State Police
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing, and probation or parole information. The criminal records maintained by the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court serve as the official repository for court proceedings in the parish.
Are Criminal Records Public In Calcasieu County
Criminal records in Calcasieu Parish are generally considered public information under the Louisiana Public Records Law, codified in Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:1 et seq. This statute establishes that "all books, records, writings, accounts, letters and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers...shall be public records."
The Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3, further reinforces this principle by stating: "No person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established by law."
However, important exceptions and limitations exist regarding public access to criminal records:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to pending or reasonably anticipated criminal litigation are exempt from disclosure until the litigation is finally adjudicated or otherwise settled, per LA R.S. § 44:3(A)(1)
- Juvenile Records: Records involving minors are generally confidential and not accessible to the public
- Expunged Records: Criminal records that have been legally expunged are removed from public access
- Sealed Records: Records sealed by court order are restricted from public view
- Certain Victim Information: Information that would identify victims of sexual offenses or domestic violence may be redacted
- First-Time Offender Programs: Records of individuals who successfully complete pre-trial diversion or similar programs may be restricted
Adult conviction records and court proceedings are typically accessible to the public through the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court. The clerk maintains records of all criminal cases filed in the 14th Judicial District Court, which has jurisdiction over Calcasieu Parish.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records should be aware that while the law provides for public access, practical limitations such as processing times, search capabilities, and fees may apply. Additionally, the interpretation of public records laws continues to evolve through legislative amendments and court decisions.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Calcasieu County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Calcasieu Parish may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal record information:
Online Search Options:
- Visit the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court's online search services portal
- Create an account through the eSearch platform
- Select the criminal records search option
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review available records and purchase copies if needed
In-Person Requests:
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Visit the Criminal Records Department at the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court - Criminal Records Department
1000 Ryan Street, Room 6
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 437-3550
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM -
Complete a records request form (available at the counter)
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Provide identification and any applicable search fees
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Specify the records being requested (case number if known)
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Wait for staff to retrieve records or return at a later date if extensive research is required
Mail Requests:
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Download and complete the criminal records request form from the Clerk's website
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Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
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Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
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Mail to:
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court
Attn: Criminal Records
P.O. Box 1030
Lake Charles, LA 70602 -
Allow 7-10 business days for processing
Background Check Requests:
For official background checks, individuals may:
- Visit the Louisiana State Police Internet Background Check portal
- Complete the required forms and pay the associated fees
- Submit fingerprints if required for a comprehensive check
When requesting criminal records, requestors should provide as much identifying information as possible, including full name, date of birth, and case numbers if available. Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 15:587, certain background checks require fingerprint submission and specific authorization.
How To Find Criminal Records in Calcasieu County Online?
Calcasieu Parish offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient access to various types of criminal record information:
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court eSearch:
The primary online resource for criminal court records is the Calcasieu Parish Clerk's eSearch portal, which provides:
- Case information for criminal proceedings in the 14th Judicial District Court
- Document indexes and case summaries
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Access to purchase document images
To use this system:
- Create a user account with valid email address
- Select "Criminal Records" from the search options
- Enter search parameters (name, case number, filing date)
- Review search results showing case numbers, filing dates, and charges
- Access detailed case information by selecting specific cases
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster:
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides:
- Current jail population information
- Booking details and charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Lookup:
For information about individuals currently serving sentences in state facilities, the Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Information search provides:
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Offense information
- Sentence details and release dates
Louisiana State Police Sex Offender Registry:
This statewide database includes information about registered sex offenders residing in Calcasieu Parish:
- Offender photographs and physical descriptions
- Residential addresses
- Conviction information
- Risk level assessments
Users should note that online systems may have limitations:
- Some older records may not be digitized
- Certain sensitive or sealed records are excluded
- Document images typically require payment to view
- Registration requirements and usage fees may apply
- Real-time updates may be delayed by processing time
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification provides official background checks for a fee, though this requires specific authorization and identity verification.
Can You Search Calcasieu County Criminal Records for Free?
Calcasieu Parish provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though limitations exist regarding the scope and depth of freely available information. Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:32, public records must be available for inspection during regular office hours at no charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free In-Person Inspection:
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost by visiting:
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court
1000 Ryan Street
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 437-3550
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court
During in-person visits, individuals may:
- Review case indexes and dockets
- Examine non-confidential court files
- Take notes on case information
- View publicly accessible documents
Free Online Resources:
Several free online resources provide limited criminal record information:
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Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Current Inmate Roster
- Provides information on currently incarcerated individuals
- Includes booking information and charges
- No registration or fee required for basic search
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Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator
- Free search for individuals in state custody
- Provides facility location and basic sentence information
- Accessible without registration
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14th Judicial District Court Calendar
- Public court schedules showing upcoming criminal proceedings
- Searchable by date and judge
- No fee for viewing calendar information
Limitations of Free Access:
While free options exist, users should be aware of significant limitations:
- Document images and copies typically require payment
- Comprehensive background checks require fees
- Historical records may not be available through free resources
- Detailed case information may require subscription services
- Free services often lack advanced search capabilities
The Calcasieu Parish Clerk's online search services provide basic case information at no cost, but accessing document images and detailed records requires payment of applicable fees. These fees are established in accordance with Louisiana law and are used to support the maintenance and operation of the records systems.
What's Included in a Calcasieu County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained in Calcasieu Parish typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are structured to include several key categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest
- Probable cause statement
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (typically 14th Judicial District Court)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by the District Attorney
- Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Court appearances and continuances
- Motion filings and rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Sentence completion date
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or detainers
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offense details
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
- Risk assessment information
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the disposition of the charges. Records maintained by the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court focus primarily on court proceedings, while law enforcement agencies maintain more detailed arrest and booking information.
Certain information may be redacted or restricted in publicly accessible versions of criminal records, particularly victim information in sensitive cases or details protected by specific privacy statutes.
How Long Does Calcasieu County Keep Criminal Records?
Calcasieu Parish maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Louisiana state law and administrative policies. The duration of record retention varies based on the type of record, case disposition, and severity of the offense. These retention periods ensure both historical preservation and compliance with legal requirements.
Felony Conviction Records:
- Capital offenses (murder, aggravated rape): Permanent retention
- Non-capital felonies: Minimum 75 years from date of conviction
- Case files for serious felonies: 25 years after case closure
- Associated evidence: Varies by statute of limitations and appeals status
Misdemeanor Records:
- Conviction records: 10-15 years from date of conviction
- Case files: 5-10 years after case closure
- DWI/DUI convictions: 10 years (per Louisiana Revised Statute § 14:98.1)
Non-Conviction Records:
- Dismissed cases: 3-5 years after dismissal
- Acquittals: 3-5 years after verdict
- Nolle prosequi (declined prosecution): 3 years after filing
Arrest Records:
- Felony arrests resulting in conviction: Retained with conviction record
- Felony arrests without conviction: 5 years
- Misdemeanor arrests: 3 years
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: Maintained by Louisiana State Police per state retention schedule
Expunged Records:
- Records ordered expunged by the court are removed from public access
- Law enforcement agencies may retain expunged records for limited purposes
- Expungement does not necessarily mean destruction of records
The Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court follows the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management policies and the Judicial Records Management schedule established by the Louisiana Supreme Court. These schedules are periodically updated to reflect changes in law and administrative needs.
Digital records have increasingly replaced paper records, particularly for newer cases, though the retention periods remain consistent regardless of format. The transition to digital records has facilitated longer retention periods for many document types.
It should be noted that even after official retention periods expire, information may persist in third-party databases that previously obtained the records. Additionally, certain records designated as having historical significance may be preserved permanently in parish archives.
Lookup Criminal Records in Calcasieu County
Online search services for Calcasieu Parish criminal records
eSearch portal for Calcasieu Parish court records
Criminal records information from the Calcasieu Parish Clerk
Louisiana Department of Corrections offender information search