Acadia County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Acadia County in 2026
AcadiaParishRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Acadia Parish, Louisiana. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal court case filings, and inmate rosters. Access to specific records may vary depending on the custodial agency and the disposition of the underlying case.
Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources including the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office, the Acadia Parish Clerk of Court, local police departments, and the Louisiana State Police. Online tools, public access terminals at government offices, and written records requests are all available methods for obtaining this information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster and booking records accessible through its official website. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status. Members of the public may search by name to locate individuals currently in custody or recently booked at the Acadia Parish Jail.
2. Local Police Departments
The Crowley Police Department, which serves the parish seat, publishes arrest-related press releases and maintains a records division for public records requests. Other municipal departments operating within Acadia Parish, including the Rayne Police Department and the Church Point Police Department, process records requests through their respective records divisions. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically published on department websites and social media channels.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Acadia Parish Clerk of Court maintains criminal case records that are linked to underlying arrests. Members of the public may search by defendant name through the clerk's office to identify court cases associated with a specific arrest. Case records include charge information, court dates, and disposition data.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a request for a name-based criminal history check through the Louisiana State Police. A fee applies for non-fingerprint-based searches. The repository includes arrest and disposition data submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide.
In-Person Access:
Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office
500 NE Court Circle
Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: (337) 788-8700
Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office
Records division hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Requestors should present a valid government-issued photo identification and provide the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Fees for copies apply per page.
Crowley Police Department
426 N. Avenue F
Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: (337) 783-1234
Crowley Police Department
Acadia Parish Clerk of Court
500 NE Court Circle
Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: (337) 788-8881
Acadia Parish Clerk of Court
The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Criminal case files are available for inspection during business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Louisiana law.
By Mail:
Written requests submitted by mail to the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
The Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office may be reached at (337) 788-8700 for general arrest inquiries. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone and requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas directed to the custodial agency compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.
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)
- Jurisdiction of arrest
Are Arrest Records Public in Acadia County
Arrest records in Acadia Parish are public records under Louisiana law. Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:1 et seq., all records maintained by a public body in the exercise of its official functions are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Law enforcement booking records, arrest logs, and associated documentation fall within the scope of public records subject to disclosure.
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 and not subject to routine public disclosure
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are withheld pursuant to judicial order
- Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
- Undercover officer identities and confidential informant information are exempt from disclosure
- Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
- Records pertaining to participants in witness protection programs are not publicly accessible
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
Louisiana's public records law reflects the constitutional principle that government transparency serves the public interest. The Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3 establishes the right of the public to examine public documents. Courts have consistently recognized that arrest records, as documents created in the exercise of law enforcement authority, are subject to this constitutional guarantee. The First Amendment further supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers conducting background screening, subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requirements
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing and regulatory agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance obligations
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when a consumer reporting agency is involved. Employers subject to FCRA must follow adverse action procedures before taking employment action based on arrest record information. An arrest that did not result in conviction carries less legal weight than a conviction and may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain jurisdictions.
What's in Acadia County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office and local police departments contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
- Booking date, time, and booking number
- Warrant information if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Louisiana Revised Statute numbers violated
- Charge classification (felony or misdemeanor, with degree or class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations where applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of booking facility
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time if the individual has been released
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
- Witness statements and victim information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Financial account information
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Acadia County?
Fees for obtaining arrest records in Acadia Parish are governed by Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:32, which authorizes custodial agencies to charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. The following fee structure applies under current law:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.25 per page (standard) |
| Certified copies | Varies by office |
| Electronic records | May be provided at no charge or at cost of reproduction |
| Search fee | Not permitted under Louisiana law for routine requests |
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge. Fees are assessed only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods at the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court 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 the custodial agency retains discretion in granting such waivers. Booking photographs and inmate roster information available through the sheriff's online portal are accessible at no cost.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Acadia County
Louisiana law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or sealing of the record, and sealing, which restricts access without physical destruction. Under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971 et seq., eligible individuals may petition the court for expungement of arrest records under specified circumstances.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Arrest with no charges filed (no bill of information or indictment)
- Charges dismissed by the prosecutor or the court
- Acquittal at trial (not guilty verdict)
- Successful completion of a pretrial diversion program
- Conviction of certain misdemeanor offenses after a waiting period
- Conviction of certain felony offenses after a waiting period, subject to restrictions
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record and any associated court records from the Acadia Parish Clerk of Court.
- Determine eligibility based on the disposition of the case and applicable waiting periods under Louisiana law.
- Complete the Motion to Expunge and Order of Expungement forms available through the clerk's office or the Louisiana Supreme Court's self-help resources.
- File the motion with the Acadia Parish District Court and pay the applicable filing fee. A fee of $550 is assessed for most expungement petitions, though fee waivers are available for qualifying indigent petitioners.
- Serve copies of the motion on the district attorney's office and all law enforcement agencies that hold records related to the arrest.
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the district attorney objects to the expungement.
- If the court grants the motion, the order is served on all custodial agencies, which are required to destroy or seal the records within 60 days.
Acadia Parish District Court
500 NE Court Circle
Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: (337) 788-8881
Acadia Parish Clerk of Court
Acadia Parish District Attorney's Office
500 NE Court Circle, Suite 201
Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: (337) 788-8831
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to review the Louisiana Supreme Court's self-help expungement resources and to consult with a licensed Louisiana attorney regarding eligibility and procedure.
What Happens After Arrest in Acadia County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Acadia Parish, the arrested individual is transported to the Acadia Parish Jail located at 1819 NW Evangeline Thruway, Crowley, LA 70526. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the parish. The Acadia Parish jails and correctional offices are overseen in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the booking facility, jail staff record the individual's personal information, take a booking photograph, collect fingerprints, conduct a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventory personal property, and perform medical and mental health screenings. The booking process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume.
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 advises the individual of the charges, determines bond, and appoints counsel if the individual is indigent and cannot afford private representation.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by Louisiana law at ten percent of the bond amount.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all future court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The court may order that an individual be held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release within one to eight hours. A written notice of court dates and conditions of release is provided. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Acadia Parish Public Defender's Office
500 NE Court Circle
Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: (337) 788-8823
Eligibility for public defender services is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify for appointed counsel may retain private counsel through the Louisiana State Bar Association's lawyer referral service.
Charging Decision:
The Acadia Parish District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges by bill of information, present the matter to a grand jury for indictment, request additional investigation, or decline prosecution. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on the complexity of the case.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all pretrial rights.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, and either party may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement at any point prior to verdict. Cases that do not resolve by plea proceed to jury or bench trial.
Sentencing:
Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.
Important Contacts:
Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1819 NW Evangeline Thruway
Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: (337) 788-8700
Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office
Acadia Parish Clerk of Court
500 NE Court Circle
Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: (337) 788-8881
Acadia Parish Clerk of Court
Acadia Parish District Attorney's Office
500 NE Court Circle, Suite 201
Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: (337) 788-8831
Acadia Parish Public Defender's Office
500 NE Court Circle
Crowley, LA 70526
Phone: (337) 788-8823
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement.
- Do not physically resist arrest.
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions.
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel.
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable.
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception.
- Comply with all conditions of release.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Acadia County?
Records retention in Acadia Parish is governed by state law and the Louisiana Secretary of State's records retention schedules applicable to local government agencies.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions: Records of felony convictions are retained permanently by the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the Louisiana State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Misdemeanor Convictions: Misdemeanor conviction records are retained permanently at the state repository level. Local law enforcement retention periods may vary by agency policy.
Dismissed Charges and Acquittals: Arrest records associated with dismissed charges or acquittals may remain in local law enforcement databases and the state repository unless the subject obtains a court order of expungement. Court records of dismissed cases are retained according to the Louisiana Secretary of State's records retention schedule, which provides for permanent retention of criminal case files in many categories.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests in which no charges were filed are subject to shorter retention periods at the local level and may be eligible for expungement upon petition.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained indefinitely in most cases. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to agency-specific schedules. Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for shorter periods, typically three to seven years depending on agency policy.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework are not legally required to remove records upon expungement unless compelled by court order.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all official databases. A dismissal or acquittal may remain in official records unless expunged. An expungement order directs all named agencies to destroy or seal their records within 60 days of service of the order, but does not automatically remove records from federal databases or third-party commercial databases.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting window for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Louisiana does not currently impose a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to all private employers, though certain public employers are subject to restrictions on the timing of criminal history inquiries.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Records Division at (337) 788-8700 or submit a written public records request to the custodial agency. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.
Lookup Arrest Records in Acadia County
- Acadia Parish jails and correctional offices – Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections
- Acadia Parish official government resources – The official website of Louisiana
- Submit a public records request – Office of Governor Jeff Landry