East Baton Rouge County Criminal Records
What Is East Baton Rouge County Criminal Records
East Baton Rouge Parish criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the parish jurisdiction. These records serve as the official history of arrests, prosecutions, and court dispositions maintained by various government agencies throughout East Baton Rouge Parish.
Criminal records in East Baton Rouge Parish typically fall into several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documents created when law enforcement takes a person into custody, including booking information, charges, and mugshots
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing
- Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding jail or prison terms served
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records confirm that legal proceedings resulted in a finding of guilt. Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:3, certain arrest records may be subject to disclosure limitations if no conviction resulted.
Criminal offenses in East Baton Rouge Parish are categorized as either:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state facilities for terms exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by parish jail terms of up to one year
Adult and juvenile records maintain significant legal distinctions. While adult criminal records are generally public, juvenile records are typically sealed under Louisiana Children's Code Article 412 to protect minors' privacy and future opportunities.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in East Baton Rouge Parish:
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
19th Judicial District Court
300 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
225-389-4737
19th Judicial District Court
Baton Rouge Police Department
9000 Airline Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
225-389-2000
Baton Rouge Police Department
Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
7919 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-925-6006
Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
These records typically document the complete criminal justice process, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation or parole information.
Are Criminal Records Public In East Baton Rouge County
Criminal records in East Baton Rouge Parish are generally considered public documents under Louisiana's Public Records Law, 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...prepared, possessed, or retained for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of any business" of public bodies are 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, significant exceptions exist to this general rule of public access:
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Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to pending criminal investigations are exempt from disclosure under R.S. § 44:3(A)(1), which protects "records containing the identity of a confidential source of information or records which would tend to reveal the identity of a confidential source of information."
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Juvenile Records: As previously noted, juvenile criminal records are generally sealed and not accessible to the public pursuant to Louisiana Children's Code Article 412.
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Expunged Records: Records that have been legally expunged under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971 et seq. are removed from public access.
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Sealed Court Records: Certain court proceedings may be sealed by judicial order.
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Certain Personal Information: Information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain medical information is typically redacted from public records.
Adult conviction records remain public and accessible through various means, including court records, unless they have been expunged. Court proceedings in East Baton Rouge Parish are generally open to public observation, reinforcing the transparency of the criminal justice system.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court serves as the custodian for court records within the parish:
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
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, fees for copies, and technological constraints may affect the ease of obtaining these records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In East Baton Rouge County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in East Baton Rouge Parish may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures outline the current process for obtaining these records:
In-Person Requests at the Clerk of Court's Office:
- Visit the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).
- Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the records sought (name, case number, date range).
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5.00 per name search plus $1.00 per page for copies).
- For certified copies, additional fees apply (currently $5.00 per certification).
Written Requests by Mail:
- Prepare a written request including:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information about the subject (full name, date of birth if known)
- Case numbers if available
- Date range for the search
- Purpose of the request
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees.
- Mail the request to:
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court
Attn: Criminal Records
222 St. Louis Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225-389-3950
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court
Sheriff's Office Records Requests:
For arrest records, booking information, and incarceration history:
- Visit the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM).
- Complete the required records request form.
- Provide identification and pay applicable fees.
- Alternatively, submit requests by mail to:
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
Records Division
8900 Jimmy Wedell Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
225-389-5000
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office
State-Level Criminal History Records:
For comprehensive criminal history information across Louisiana:
- Submit fingerprints and a completed right to review form to:
Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
7919 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
225-925-6006
Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
- Include the required fee (currently $26 for a state background check).
- Results are typically provided within 15 business days.
Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:32, custodians of public records must make records available during regular office hours. The statute also provides that "if any record contains material which is not a public record, the custodian may separate the nonpublic record and make the public record available for examination."
How To Find Criminal Records in East Baton Rouge County Online?
East Baton Rouge Parish offers several online resources for accessing criminal records digitally. These electronic systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope and depth of information may vary across platforms.
19th Judicial District Court Case Search:
The 19th Judicial District Court maintains an online case search portal that allows public access to basic case information:
- Visit the 19th Judicial District Court Case Search portal.
- Create a user account if required (free registration).
- Search by defendant name, case number, or filing date.
- Review basic case information including charges, court dates, and disposition.
This system provides access to case summaries but may not include complete case files or documents. The information available typically includes:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Charge information
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case status and disposition
- Judge assignment
East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Inmate Lookup:
For current incarceration information:
- Access the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Inmate Lookup tool.
- Search by name or booking number.
- View booking information, charges, bond amounts, and scheduled release dates when available.
This database only includes currently incarcerated individuals and recent releases. Historical incarceration records may require a formal records request.
East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court E-Access:
The Clerk's Office provides a subscription-based service for more comprehensive access to court records:
- Register for an account through the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court.
- Pay the subscription fee (currently $50 per month or $500 annually).
- Search criminal case records by name, case number, or filing date.
- Access available case documents, including minutes, filings, and some judgments.
Louisiana State Police Criminal History Search:
For authorized users conducting background checks:
- Register with the Louisiana State Police Criminal History Search system.
- Complete required authorization forms.
- Pay applicable fees per search.
- Receive comprehensive criminal history information from across Louisiana.
This system is primarily available to employers, licensing agencies, and other authorized entities rather than general public users.
When using online systems, users should note that:
- Not all records are available electronically
- Older records may only be accessible through in-person requests
- Document images may require additional fees to view
- Some sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
- Technical limitations may affect search functionality
Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:31.1, agencies may establish reasonable procedures for accessing public records electronically.
Can You Search East Baton Rouge County Criminal Records for Free?
East Baton Rouge Parish provides several options for free inspection of criminal records, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Louisiana law establishes the public's right to examine records without charge while allowing agencies to recover reasonable costs for reproduction.
Free In-Person Inspection:
Under Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:32(A), "The custodian shall present any public record to any person of the age of majority who so requests." This statute guarantees the right to inspect records without charge during regular business hours at:
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
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
19th Judicial District Court
300 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
225-389-4737
19th Judicial District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
While inspection is free, the agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies (currently $1.00 per page) and certified documents (additional $5.00 per certification).
Free Online Resources:
Several free online resources provide limited access to criminal record information:
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East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Inmate Lookup: This free online database allows searches for currently incarcerated individuals and provides booking information, charges, and bond amounts.
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19th Judicial District Court Public Access: Basic case information is available through the court's public access portal at no charge. Users can search by name or case number to view case status, charges, and upcoming court dates.
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Louisiana Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry: Maintained by the Louisiana State Police, this free registry provides information about registered sex offenders residing in East Baton Rouge Parish.
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Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Lookup: This statewide database allows free searches for individuals currently under Department of Corrections supervision.
Limitations of Free Access:
Free resources typically have limitations:
- Online databases may not include complete case files or documents
- Historical records may not be available through free online portals
- Detailed background checks and certified copies require fees
- Some free systems may not be updated in real-time
- Technical limitations may affect search functionality
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information provides records for a fee (currently $26 per search), as authorized by Louisiana Revised Statute § 15:587.
What's Included in a East Baton Rouge County Criminal Record?
East Baton Rouge Parish criminal records typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records varies based on the maintaining agency and the nature of the case, but generally includes several key 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 when available
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- 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 (may differ from formal charges)
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility and status
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (e.g., 19th Judicial District Court)
- Judge assignment
- Formal charges filed by the District Attorney
- Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
- Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
- Plea information
- Motion filings and court rulings
- Trial information if applicable
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Final verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date if applicable
- Sentencing details including:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information if applicable
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion or termination of sentence
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Probation or parole status reports
- Risk assessment information
- Victim notification requirements
The level of detail in criminal records may vary based on the age of the record, the maintaining agency, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records maintained by the East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court focus primarily on court proceedings, while Sheriff's Office records contain more detailed arrest and incarceration information.
Pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 892, upon conviction, the clerk of court must prepare a "disposition form" containing specific information about the case outcome, which becomes part of the official criminal record.
How Long Does East Baton Rouge County Keep Criminal Records?
East Baton Rouge Parish maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Louisiana state law and administrative policies. These retention periods vary based on the type of record, the severity of the offense, and the maintaining agency.
The Louisiana Secretary of State's Office establishes records retention schedules for public agencies through the Division of Archives, Records Management, and History. These schedules, authorized under Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:411, provide the legal framework for records retention throughout the state.
Court Records Retention:
The 19th Judicial District Court and East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court maintain criminal case files according to the following general guidelines:
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Felony Cases: Permanent retention for cases involving homicide, sex crimes, and crimes against children. Other felony cases are typically retained for a minimum of 20 years after final disposition.
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Misdemeanor Cases: Generally retained for 10 years after final disposition, though DWI cases may be kept longer due to enhancement provisions for repeat offenders.
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Court Minutes and Dockets: Permanently retained as historical records of court proceedings.
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Exhibits: Physical evidence is typically retained until all appeals are exhausted, then returned or destroyed according to court order. Documentary exhibits may be retained with the case file.
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office and Baton Rouge Police Department typically follow these retention guidelines:
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Arrest Records: Maintained for a minimum of 10 years for misdemeanors and 20 years for felonies.
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Investigative Files: Homicide and sex crime investigations are typically retained permanently. Other closed investigations are generally kept for 10-20 years depending on the offense.
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Booking Information: Generally retained for 10 years after release from custody.
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Incarceration Records: Maintained for 10 years after release from custody.
State-Level Records Retention:
The Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information maintains criminal history information according to the following schedule:
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Criminal History Records: Maintained permanently unless expunged by court order.
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Fingerprint Records: Retained permanently for convicted offenders.
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Sex Offender Registry Information: Maintained according to registration requirements, which may be 15 years, 25 years, or lifetime depending on the offense.
It's important to note that expungement provides a legal mechanism to remove certain criminal records from public access. Under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 976, eligible individuals may petition for expungement of records related to arrests that did not result in conviction or for certain convictions after specified waiting periods.
The Louisiana State Archives serves as the final repository for historical court records that have permanent retention value. These records may be transferred from local custodians after their active use period has ended.