East Baton Rouge County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in East Baton Rouge County
Arrest records in East Baton Rouge Parish (county) are considered public records under Louisiana law. The Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. § 44:1 et seq.) establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests. According to § 44:3, while certain law enforcement records may be exempt from disclosure, basic arrest information is generally available to the public.
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 by law enforcement and may include booking information, charges, and mugshots
- Conviction records indicate that a person was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process
The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:36, which governs the preservation of public records. Members of the public seeking arrest information may submit requests to the appropriate law enforcement agency or access certain information through online portals maintained by the Sheriff's Office.
What's in East Baton Rouge County Arrest Records
East Baton Rouge Parish arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of an arrest and generally include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
- 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 numbers
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge description
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Fingerprints
- Mugshot photograph
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Property seized during arrest
- Victim information (may be redacted)
- Witness information (may be redacted)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's policies and the nature of the case. Certain sensitive information may be redacted to protect privacy rights or ongoing investigations pursuant to exemptions under Louisiana public records law.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in East Baton Rouge County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in East Baton Rouge Parish may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in place for accessing arrest records:
- Submit a public records request to the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
- Complete the official public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or via email
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
8900 Jimmy Wedell Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
(225) 389-5000
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
- Contact the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court
- Request criminal case records related to arrests
- Provide case number if available, or name and date of birth
- Pay applicable fees for document retrieval
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court
222 St. Louis Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 389-3950
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court
- Visit the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison
- Request inmate information for currently incarcerated individuals
- Provide name and other identifying information
- Verify current custody status
East Baton Rouge Parish Prison
3000 Harding Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
(225) 389-4000
East Baton Rouge Parish Prison
- Contact the Baton Rouge Police Department Records Division
- Submit a records request for arrests made by city police
- Complete required forms and provide identification
- Pay applicable fees
Baton Rouge Police Department
9000 Airline Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
(225) 389-3800
Baton Rouge Police Department
When requesting arrest records, requesters should be prepared to provide proper identification and as much specific information as possible about the record being sought. Pursuant to Louisiana R.S. § 44:32, custodians of public records must make records available during regular office hours.
How To Find East Baton Rouge County Arrest Records Online
East Baton Rouge Parish provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are currently available:
-
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Navigate to the EBRSO Inmate Lookup portal
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review current inmate information and booking details
- Note that this system only includes currently incarcerated individuals
-
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court Online Records
- Access the Clerk Connect portal
- Create a user account if required
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- Review case information, including charges and court dates
- Pay applicable fees for document access
-
Louisiana State Police Criminal History Record
- Visit the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification
- Follow instructions for requesting criminal history information
- Submit required identification and payment
- Receive comprehensive criminal history including arrests statewide
-
Baton Rouge City Court Case Search
- Access the Baton Rouge City Court online system
- Search by name or case number
- Review misdemeanor cases handled by City Court
- Note that this system does not include felony cases
When using online systems, users should be aware that:
- Information may not be comprehensive or complete
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately
- Some details may be restricted from public view
- Official copies of records typically require formal requests
- User fees may apply for certain searches or document access
Online access to arrest records is governed by the same laws and regulations that apply to physical records, including Louisiana R.S. § 44:4.1, which outlines exceptions to public records disclosure.
How To Search East Baton Rouge County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing East Baton Rouge Parish arrest records without incurring fees. The following free resources are currently available:
-
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office Website
- Visit the EBRSO website
- Access the free inmate lookup tool
- Search for currently incarcerated individuals
- View basic booking information and charges
- Check current custody status
-
East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Visitation Office
- Visit the facility in person during public hours
- Request basic inmate information at no charge
- Verify custody status and basic case information
East Baton Rouge Parish Prison
3000 Harding Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
(225) 389-4000
East Baton Rouge Parish Prison
- Public Access Terminals at the Clerk of Court
- Visit the Clerk's office during business hours
- Use public computer terminals at no charge
- Search basic case information
- Note that printing documents incurs fees
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court
222 St. Louis Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 389-3950
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court
- Local Public Libraries
- Use public computers at East Baton Rouge Parish Library branches
- Access public court and inmate databases
- Utilize free internet access to search public records
East Baton Rouge Parish Library (Main Library)
7711 Goodwood Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 231-3750
East Baton Rouge Parish Library
While basic arrest information may be accessed without charge, requesters should be aware that:
- Comprehensive records may require formal requests and fees
- Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
- Research assistance from agency staff may incur charges
- Complex or extensive searches may not be available through free resources
- Records may be limited to basic information only
Pursuant to Louisiana R.S. § 44:32(C), agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records, but examination of records must be permitted at no charge during regular business hours.
How To Delete Arrest Records in East Baton Rouge County
Louisiana law provides specific mechanisms for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes are governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971 et seq.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement: The legal process that removes arrests and convictions from public criminal records
- Sealing: The process that restricts access to records without completely destroying them
Eligibility for Expungement: Individuals may qualify for expungement in East Baton Rouge Parish under the following circumstances:
- Arrest did not lead to formal charges
- Charges were dismissed or refused
- Acquittal after trial
- Completion of pretrial diversion program
- Conviction was set aside/pardoned
- Certain first-time offenses after waiting periods
- Misdemeanors after 5-year waiting period (with exceptions)
- Certain felonies after 10-year waiting period (with exceptions)
Expungement Process:
- Determine eligibility under Louisiana law
- Obtain certified court minutes, bill of information, and disposition from the Clerk of Court
- Complete the appropriate expungement forms (available from the Clerk of Court)
- File the petition with the court where the case was prosecuted
- Pay applicable filing fees (approximately $550)
- Serve copies on the District Attorney, arresting agency, and Louisiana State Police
- Attend scheduled court hearing if required
- Receive court order if expungement is granted
East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office
222 St. Louis Street, 5th Floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 389-3400
East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney
Limitations on Expungement: Not all records qualify for expungement. Restrictions apply to:
- Violent crimes
- Sex offenses
- Domestic violence offenses
- DWI offenses
- Multiple convictions (with exceptions)
Even when records are expunged, certain government agencies may still access them, including:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Criminal justice agencies
- Licensing boards for certain professions
- Gaming and casino licensing authorities
The expungement process is complex and technical. Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal assistance. The East Baton Rouge Parish Public Defender's Office or local legal aid organizations may provide guidance to eligible individuals.
What Happens After Arrest in East Baton Rouge County?
The criminal justice process in East Baton Rouge Parish follows a structured sequence of events after an arrest occurs. This process includes several key stages:
1. Arrest and Booking
- Individual is taken into custody by law enforcement
- Transportation to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison or holding facility
- Booking process includes fingerprinting, photographs, personal information collection
- Initial charges are documented
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
2. Initial Appearance/Magistrate Hearing
- Occurs within 72 hours of arrest (typically within 24-48 hours)
- Judge informs defendant of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail/bond determination is made
- Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
3. Bail/Bond Consideration
- Judge sets bail amount based on:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Criminal history
- Flight risk assessment
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
- Defendant may be released upon posting bail or remain in custody
4. Formal Charging
- For misdemeanors: Bill of information filed by District Attorney
- For felonies: Case presented to grand jury for possible indictment
- District Attorney has discretion to pursue or decline prosecution
- Charges may be modified from original arrest charges
5. Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges in court
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set
- Discovery process begins
6. Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pre-trial motions filed and heard
- Plea negotiations may occur
- Case may be resolved through plea agreement
7. Trial
- Misdemeanor trials held in City Court or District Court
- Felony trials held in 19th Judicial District Court
- Jury selection (for eligible cases)
- Presentation of evidence and testimony
- Verdict determination
8. Sentencing (if convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Judge imposes sentence according to Louisiana sentencing guidelines
- Sentencing options include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Restitution
- Treatment programs
9. Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within specified timeframes
- Possible post-conviction relief proceedings
- Probation/parole supervision if applicable
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights protected under both Louisiana and federal law. The 19th Judicial District Court oversees most criminal proceedings in East Baton Rouge Parish for felony cases, while the Baton Rouge City Court handles misdemeanors and municipal violations.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in East Baton Rouge County?
Arrest records in East Baton Rouge Parish are maintained according to Louisiana R.S. § 44:36, which establishes the general requirements for public records retention. Law enforcement agencies must preserve these records for specific periods based on record type and significance.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest reports and booking information: Minimum of 10 years
- Felony arrest records: Typically permanent
- Misdemeanor arrest records: Minimum of 10 years
- Juvenile arrest records: Until age of majority (special rules apply)
- Investigative reports: Varies based on case type and status
The Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Division establishes official retention schedules that govern how long different types of records must be maintained. These schedules specify minimum retention periods, though agencies may retain records longer than required.
Agency-Specific Retention Policies: Different agencies within East Baton Rouge Parish may maintain arrest records for varying periods:
- East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office: Maintains comprehensive arrest records according to state retention schedules
- Baton Rouge Police Department: Follows departmental policies that meet or exceed state requirements
- Louisiana State Police: Maintains criminal history information indefinitely for serious offenses
- East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court: Preserves court records related to arrests according to judicial retention schedules
Factors Affecting Retention:
- Case disposition (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Severity of charges
- Statute of limitations considerations
- Historical or evidentiary value
- Storage capacity and technology
- Legal holds or pending litigation
Records retention serves several important purposes in 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 reporting
- Ensures accountability and transparency in law enforcement
- Supports public safety through access to criminal history information
Even after physical records reach the end of their retention period, digital information may be maintained in databases for longer periods. Criminal history information, particularly for serious offenses, may be retained indefinitely in state and federal databases.
How to Find Mugshots in East Baton Rouge 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 East Baton Rouge Parish. Typically, mugshots include:
- Front-facing (portrait) photograph
- Side-profile (profile) photograph
- Identifying information board or number
- Date of booking
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In East Baton Rouge Parish, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
8900 Jimmy Wedell Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
(225) 389-5000
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
Baton Rouge Police Department
9000 Airline Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
(225) 389-3800
Baton Rouge Police Department
These agencies maintain booking photographs as part of their arrest records. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections may also maintain mugshots for individuals who enter the state prison system.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in East Baton Rouge Parish have several options:
-
Submit a public records request to the arresting agency
- Provide the individual's full name and date of birth
- Include approximate date of arrest if known
- Specify that you are requesting booking photographs
- Submit request in writing with proper identification
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction
-
Visit the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency
- Request mugshots in person during business hours
- Complete required forms
- Provide identification
- Pay applicable fees
-
Contact the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison
- Request booking photographs for current inmates
- Provide inmate name and booking number if available
- Follow facility procedures for records requests
Can Mugshots Be Found Online?
Limited mugshot information may be available online through:
- East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office inmate search function
- Third-party websites that aggregate public records (not official sources)
- Media outlets that may publish mugshots for newsworthy arrests
The Sheriff's Office online inmate search provides basic booking information and may include photographs of currently incarcerated individuals. However, comprehensive access to historical mugshots typically requires formal records requests.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For official copies of mugshots, individuals should:
- Identify the arresting agency
- Submit a formal public records request
- Provide specific identifying information
- Pay required fees (typically $5-25 per photograph)
- Allow processing time (usually 3-10 business days)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records (generally confidential)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Active investigations
- Privacy protections for certain victims
- Records subject to court-ordered restrictions
Louisiana law generally treats mugshots as public records, but agencies may redact or withhold them if release would compromise an investigation or violate privacy protections established in Louisiana R.S. § 44:3, which outlines exceptions to public records disclosure for law enforcement records.