Plaquemines Parish Public Records / Plaquemines Parish Arrest Records

Plaquemines County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Plaquemines County in 2026

PlaqueminesParishRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Plaquemines County, Louisiana. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, bond information, and disposition records. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the status of the case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Plaquemines Parish.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the parish detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status and recent arrest activity. The roster reflects individuals currently in custody and is updated on a regular basis. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Belle Chasse and other municipalities within Plaquemines Parish maintain their own police departments, which may issue press releases or arrest logs through their respective public information offices. Arrest information from municipal agencies is forwarded to the Sheriff's Office upon booking. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from a specific municipal department may submit a written public records request to that agency directly.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the parish. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name to identify court filings associated with a specific arrest. The Clerk's office provides access to docket entries, charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions.

Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court
301 Main Street, Suite 101
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 297-5180
Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections maintains a statewide criminal history repository accessible to the public for name-based background checks. The repository includes arrest and conviction records from law enforcement agencies across Louisiana. A fee applies for criminal history record requests submitted through the state system. Members of the public may submit requests through the Louisiana State Police, which administers the criminal history records program.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office
8056 Highway 23, Suite 200
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 297-5300
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees apply per page for printed records.

Clerk of Court:

Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court
301 Main Street, Suite 101
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 297-5180
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court

Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed per page for reproduced documents.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted by mail to the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office at 8056 Highway 23, Suite 200, Belle Chasse, LA 70037. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the written request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office may be reached at (504) 297-5300 during regular business hours. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person for detailed record information. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through routine public access channels. Detailed police reports and investigative files are accessible through the discovery process in active litigation.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Location of arrest and arresting jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Plaquemines County

Arrest records in Plaquemines Parish are public records under Louisiana law. Pursuant to § 44:1 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, all records maintained by a public body in the conduct of its official functions are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this definition, as they are generated by law enforcement agencies acting in their official capacity. Public access to arrest records serves the interests of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Louisiana law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3, establishes the right of the public to examine public records and documents. This provision reflects the balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Louisiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may apply. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Plaquemines County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may include the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or the Louisiana State Police
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at time of booking
Louisiana Revised Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions and classifications, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, where applicable
Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, including whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
Release date and time, if applicable
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location and judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in the arrest record
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Plaquemines County?

Under Louisiana law, custodians of public records are authorized to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of records. The Louisiana Division of Administration's public records request guidelines provide a framework for fee assessment applicable to state agencies, and similar standards apply at the parish level.

Record Type	Standard Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25–$1.00 per page
Certified copies	$5.00 per document (varies)
Electronic records	Varies by agency
Search fee	No statutory search fee under RS 44:32
Inspection of records	No charge for inspection

Members of the public may inspect arrest records at the Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office at no charge. Fees are assessed only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods at the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court and Sheriff's Office include cash, money order, and in some cases personal check or credit card. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon written application, though this is subject to agency discretion. Fees for certified copies of court records are governed by § 13:844 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, which sets the schedule for clerk of court fees statewide.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Plaquemines County

Louisiana law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical removal or destruction of the record from public databases, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 971 et seq., eligible individuals may petition the court for expungement of arrest records where charges were not filed, were dismissed, or resulted in acquittal. Individuals who completed a diversion program or whose conviction was set aside under certain provisions may also be eligible.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrest with no charges filed
Charges dismissed by the prosecutor or the court
Acquittal at trial
Completion of a pretrial diversion program
First-offense misdemeanor conviction after a waiting period
Certain felony convictions after a waiting period, subject to restrictions
Convictions for which a pardon has been granted

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record and any associated court records from the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court
Complete the Louisiana Uniform Expungement Form, available through the Clerk of Court
File the petition with the Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court and pay the applicable filing fee
Serve copies of the petition on the district attorney's office, the arresting law enforcement agency, and the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
Attend the scheduled hearing if the district attorney objects to the expungement
If the court grants the expungement, the order is forwarded to all relevant agencies for compliance

Plaquemines Parish District Attorney's Office
301 Main Street
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 297-5200
25th Judicial District Attorney

Following a court-ordered expungement, the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information updates the state criminal history repository. Third-party commercial databases are not legally required to remove expunged records under state law, though the FCRA imposes accuracy obligations on consumer reporting agencies. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for official purposes even after the public record is removed.

What Happens After Arrest in Plaquemines County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Plaquemines Parish, the arrested individual is transported to the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the parish, which spans a significant geographic area along the Mississippi River.

Plaquemines Parish Detention Center
37000 Highway 11
Buras, LA 70041
Phone: (504) 657-7000
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:

Recording of personal identifying information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint collection
Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
Inventory and storage of personal property
Medical and mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Louisiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge within 72 hours of arrest for a first appearance. At this hearing, the court formally notifies the defendant of the charges, determines bond or bail, and advises the defendant of the right to counsel. Indigent defendants are referred to the public defender's office. First appearances may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the bond amount in Louisiana.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Scheduled check-in with pretrial services
Travel restrictions within or outside the state
No-contact orders protecting named individuals
Drug and alcohol testing requirements
GPS monitoring in certain cases
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the release process takes approximately one to eight hours. The released individual receives personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody, receive a housing assignment, and are oriented to facility rules and procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel under the Sixth Amendment. The Plaquemines Parish Public Defender's Office provides representation to eligible defendants based on financial need.

Plaquemines Parish Public Defender's Office
301 Main Street
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 297-5300
Louisiana Public Defender Board

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Louisiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits to the detention facility are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The 25th Judicial District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on the complexity of the case.

Grand Jury:

For felony offenses in Louisiana, the district attorney may present the case to a grand jury to obtain an indictment, or may file a bill of information directly. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without defense counsel present.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. The court sets subsequent hearing dates. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment regardless of the ultimate resolution of the case.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Pretrial conferences allow counsel and the court to assess case readiness and explore resolution.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the arrest or charging process
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a negotiated plea to reduced or original charges with an agreed-upon sentencing recommendation
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial, resulting in a verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing:

If convicted, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
Felonies: May extend to one year or longer
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Louisiana Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution

Important Contacts:

Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office (Jail)
37000 Highway 11
Buras, LA 70041
Phone: (504) 657-7000
Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office

Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court
301 Main Street, Suite 101
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 297-5180
Plaquemines Parish Clerk of Court

25th Judicial District Attorney's Office
301 Main Street
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 297-5200
25th Judicial District Attorney

Plaquemines Parish Public Defender's Office
301 Main Street
Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Phone: (504) 297-5300
Louisiana Public Defender Board

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest under any circumstances
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Appear at all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release as ordered by the court

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Plaquemines County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Plaquemines Parish is governed by Louisiana state law and the records retention schedules established by the Louisiana Secretary of State's office. Under current law, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with the applicable retention schedule, which varies based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
Maintained in the FBI's Interstate Identification Index indefinitely
Accessible through background checks without time limitation

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in court records
Maintained in the state criminal history repository
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years and often permanently in digital systems

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum of five years
Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
Records remain accessible to the public unless expungement is granted

Acquittals:

Court records: Retained permanently
Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of five years
May be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Retained for a minimum of three to five years
Eligible for expungement under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure § 971

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per state retention schedule, minimum five years
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for felony arrests; minimum five years for misdemeanors
Booking photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record

Digital Records:

Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Computer-aided dispatch records: Retained for a minimum of three years
Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most instances

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and removal requirements as government agencies. The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the consumer reporting framework are not bound by the same obligations. Expungement of a record from official government databases does not guarantee removal from commercial databases.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years; felony-related records often permanent
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
Phone: (504) 657-7000

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
Traffic cases: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Permanent

Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information (State Repository):

Maintains arrest and conviction records from all Louisiana jurisdictions
Retention is permanent for felony records
Records updated upon receipt of expungement orders
Accessible through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections

FBI Database:

National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
Federal retention is permanent for most arrest records
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for official purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Public Retention	Expungement Eligibility
Felony conviction	Permanent	Limited; waiting period required
Misdemeanor conviction	Permanent	Eligible after waiting period
Dismissed charges	Until expunged	Immediately eligible
Acquittal	Until expunged	Immediately eligible
No charges filed	3–5 years minimum	Immediately eligible

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests: Available through the Sheriff's Office online or by telephone inquiry.

Older Arrests (More Than Five Years): May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Records Division or the Clerk of Court. A retrieval fee may apply for archived records, and processing time is longer than for current records.

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years): Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form in the agency's archives. Some records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule. Members of the public should contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (504) 657-7000 to inquire about the availability of historical records.

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of arrest records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expungement, or in accordance with the Louisiana Secretary of State's records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony conviction records, records of serious violent offenses, sex offense records, and records in cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Louisiana does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for conviction records in private employment background checks. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain regulated industries and licensing contexts.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Records Division at (504) 657-7000 or submit a written public records request pursuant to § 44:1 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.