Livingston County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Livingston County
Arrest records in Livingston Parish, Louisiana are considered public records under the Louisiana Public Records Law, Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1-41. This statute establishes that all records used in the conduct of public business are presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3, further reinforces this right by declaring that "no person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established by law."
It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of the crime in a court of law. Under Louisiana law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The Louisiana Law Enforcement Records Management policies govern how these records are maintained and accessed. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted or restricted, particularly if the record involves:
• Juvenile offenders (under 17 years of age) • Ongoing investigations • Records sealed by court order • Certain domestic violence cases • Cases involving sexual offenses
Requesters seeking arrest records should note that while the records are public, access procedures and fees may vary depending on the specific law enforcement agency maintaining the records.
What's in Livingston County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Livingston Parish contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information: • Full legal name (including aliases or maiden names) • Date of birth • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color) • Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.) • Home address • Driver's license number • Fingerprints • Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details: • Date and time of arrest • Location of arrest • Arresting agency • Names and badge numbers of arresting officers • Circumstances leading to arrest • Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information: • Criminal charges filed • Statute numbers of alleged violations • Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony) • Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable): • Warrant number • Issuing court • Date issued • Judge who signed the warrant
Booking Information: • Booking number • Date and time of booking • Facility where individual was processed • Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)
Bond/Bail Information: • Bond amount set • Type of bond (cash, surety, property, etc.) • Whether bond was posted • Date of release if bond was posted
Court Information: • Court of jurisdiction • Case number • Scheduled court appearances • Name of assigned judge
Custody Status: • Current detention status • Facility where individual is being held • Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include: • Prior arrest history • Known gang affiliations • Risk assessment scores • Medical or mental health alerts • Probation/parole status
The specific content of arrest records may vary slightly depending on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the offense. All information is maintained in accordance with the Louisiana Criminal Code of Procedure requirements.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Livingston County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Livingston Parish may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing these public records:
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Submit a formal public records request to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the agency's online portal. Requesters should provide:
- The full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Requester's contact information
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Visit the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office in person to complete a records request form. Staff members can assist with the proper completion of forms and answer questions about the process.
Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office
20300 Government Boulevard
Livingston, LA 70754
(225) 686-2241
Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office
- Contact the Livingston Parish Clerk of Court for arrest records that have proceeded to court action. The Clerk maintains records of all criminal cases filed in the parish.
Livingston Parish Clerk of Court
20180 Iowa Street
Livingston, LA 70754
(225) 686-2216
Livingston Parish Clerk of Court
- Submit a request to the Louisiana State Police for a comprehensive criminal history check, which will include arrest records from Livingston Parish and other jurisdictions within Louisiana.
Louisiana State Police, Bureau of Criminal Identification
7919 Independence Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 925-6095
Louisiana State Police
Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, agencies must respond to public records requests promptly. If the record is immediately available, it must be presented at once. If not immediately available, the custodian must promptly certify this in writing and fix a day and hour within three working days for the record to be available.
Fees for copies of arrest records are established by each agency but must be reasonable and related to the actual cost of providing the record. Current fees typically range from $5-25 per record, depending on the complexity and length of the document requested.
How To Find Livingston County Arrest Records Online
Livingston Parish provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenience and efficiency for members of the public seeking information about arrests within the parish. The following online methods are currently available:
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Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - The Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of current inmates and recent arrests. This searchable system is updated regularly and provides basic information about individuals currently in custody.
To use this system:
- Navigate to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Current Inmates" section
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review the results, which typically include booking date, charges, and bond information
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Livingston Parish Clerk of Court Online Records - For cases that have proceeded to court, the Clerk's online portal provides access to case information, including arrest details.
To access these records:
- Visit the Livingston Parish Clerk of Court website
- Select "Search Court Records"
- Create an account if required (some basic information may be viewable without an account)
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Pay any applicable fees for detailed record access
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Louisiana State Police Criminal History Search - For a comprehensive statewide search that includes Livingston Parish arrests, the Louisiana State Police offers an online criminal history search system.
This system requires:
- Registration with the Louisiana State Police Criminal History Search
- Payment of the required fee (currently $26 per search)
- Consent of the individual being searched or legal authorization
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Livingston Parish Public Records Request Portal - The parish government maintains an online public records request system where citizens can submit formal requests for arrest records and other public documents.
When using online systems, requesters should note that:
- Not all arrest record details may be available online due to privacy restrictions
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
- Some online searches may require payment of fees
- Official certified copies typically require in-person or mail requests
Online access to arrest records is governed by the same laws and exemptions that apply to physical records under the Louisiana Public Records Law.
How To Search Livingston County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Livingston Parish arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for free searches:
- In-person inspection at the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office - Louisiana law permits individuals to inspect public records during regular business hours at no charge. While copies may incur fees, viewing the records is free.
Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office
20300 Government Boulevard
Livingston, LA 70754
(225) 686-2241
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office
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Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office website - The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate lookup system that provides basic information about current inmates and recent arrests.
To use this free resource:
- Visit the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Roster" or "Current Bookings" section
- Search by name without creating an account or paying fees
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Livingston Parish Clerk of Court public access terminals - The Clerk's office provides public access computer terminals where visitors can search court records, including those related to arrests, at no charge.
Livingston Parish Clerk of Court
20180 Iowa Street
Livingston, LA 70754
(225) 686-2216
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Livingston Parish Clerk of Court
- Public libraries in Livingston Parish - Several public libraries in the parish offer free internet access where individuals can search public websites for arrest information.
Livingston Parish Library - Main Branch
20390 Iowa Street
Livingston, LA 70754
(225) 686-4160
Livingston Parish Library
- Local newspaper websites and archives - Local publications often report on arrests, particularly for serious crimes, and many maintain searchable online archives that can be accessed without charge.
When conducting free searches, requesters should be aware that:
- Free resources may not provide complete arrest record information
- Some details may be redacted or unavailable through free channels
- Records for older arrests may not be included in free online systems
- In-person inspection requires proper identification
- While inspection is free, any requested copies will incur fees as established by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32(C)
How To Delete Arrest Records in Livingston County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in Livingston Parish involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These distinct legal remedies are governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971-995.
Expungement vs. Sealing: Expungement in Louisiana refers to the process of removing an arrest from public records and, in some cases, from law enforcement records. Sealing restricts access to records but does not completely destroy them. Law enforcement agencies and courts may still access sealed records under certain circumstances.
Eligibility for Expungement: Under current Louisiana law, arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not lead to a conviction (charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted)
- The conviction was for a misdemeanor and the required waiting period has passed (typically 5 years after completion of sentence)
- The conviction was for certain non-violent felonies and the required waiting period has passed (typically 10 years after completion of sentence)
- The arrest was for a marijuana possession offense that has since been decriminalized
- The individual received a first-offender pardon under Louisiana Constitution Article IV, Section 5(E)(1)
Expungement Process in Livingston Parish:
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Determine eligibility - Review the criteria established in Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure to confirm eligibility.
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Obtain required forms - Expungement forms are available from the Livingston Parish Clerk of Court or online through the Louisiana Supreme Court website.
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Complete the Motion for Expungement - This document must include:
- Case information
- Arrest details
- Grounds for expungement
- Supporting documentation
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File the motion with the Livingston Parish Clerk of Court where the case was prosecuted.
Livingston Parish Clerk of Court
20180 Iowa Street
Livingston, LA 70754
(225) 686-2216
Livingston Parish Clerk of Court
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Pay the required fees - Expungement filing fees in Louisiana typically range from $550-$650, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants.
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Serve copies of the motion on:
- The District Attorney's Office
- The arresting agency
- The Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification
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Attend the expungement hearing if one is scheduled by the court.
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If granted, obtain certified copies of the expungement order and distribute to all agencies holding records.
Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal assistance, as the process is complex and technical errors can result in denial. The Livingston Parish Bar Association or Louisiana Legal Aid may provide resources for those unable to afford private counsel.
What Happens After Arrest in Livingston County?
Following an arrest in Livingston Parish, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by the Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure. This process typically progresses through the following stages:
- Booking and Processing
- The arrestee is transported to the Livingston Parish Detention Center
- Fingerprinting and photographing (mugshot) are completed
- Personal information is recorded
- Property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
Livingston Parish Detention Center
28445 Charlie Watts Road
Livingston, LA 70754
(225) 686-2241
Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office
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Initial Appearance/Bail Hearing
- Must occur within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Judge informs the arrestee of charges and constitutional rights
- Bail amount is set based on:
- Severity of the alleged offense
- Prior criminal history
- Flight risk assessment
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
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Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges in court
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- For misdemeanors: typically within 30 days of arrest
- For felonies: after formal charges are filed by the District Attorney
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Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery (exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense)
- Filing of motions (e.g., motion to suppress evidence)
- Plea negotiations
- Pre-trial conferences
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Trial
- Misdemeanor trials are held in Livingston Parish Justice of the Peace Courts or City Courts
- Felony trials are held in the 21st Judicial District Court
- Defendants have the right to:
- Jury trial for offenses punishable by imprisonment
- Confront witnesses
- Present evidence
- Testify or remain silent
21st Judicial District Court
20300 Government Boulevard
Livingston, LA 70754
(225) 686-2216
21st Judicial District Court
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Sentencing
- If found guilty, sentencing may occur immediately or at a later date
- Sentences may include:
- Incarceration in parish jail or state prison
- Probation
- Fines
- Community service
- Restitution to victims
- Treatment programs
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Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within specified timeframes
- Possibility of probation or parole depending on offense and sentence
- Potential for expungement after completion of sentence and waiting period
Throughout this process, defendants have the right to legal representation. Those unable to afford an attorney may qualify for services from the Livingston Parish Public Defender's Office.
Livingston Parish Public Defender's Office
20180 Iowa Street, Suite 2
Livingston, LA 70754
(225) 686-4700
Louisiana Public Defender Board
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Livingston County?
Arrest records in Livingston Parish are maintained according to retention schedules established by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36 and the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management policies. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various categories of public records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.
The retention periods for arrest records in Livingston Parish vary based on several factors:
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Felony Arrest Records
- Records for violent felonies: Permanent retention
- Records for non-violent felonies: Minimum 10 years after final disposition
- Records for felony arrests resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- Records for felony arrests not resulting in conviction: Minimum 5 years from date of arrest
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Misdemeanor Arrest Records
- Records for misdemeanor convictions: Minimum 5 years after completion of sentence
- Records for misdemeanor arrests not resulting in conviction: Minimum 3 years from date of arrest
- DWI/DUI arrests: Minimum 10 years regardless of disposition
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Juvenile Arrest Records
- Generally sealed when the individual reaches 17 years of age
- Exception for violent offenses, which may be maintained longer
- Subject to special confidentiality provisions under Louisiana Children's Code Article 412
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Booking Photos and Fingerprints
- Maintained by the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification indefinitely
- Local copies maintained according to the same schedule as the corresponding arrest records
Different agencies within Livingston Parish may maintain separate copies of arrest records, each with their own retention requirements:
- Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest records according to state retention schedules
- Livingston Parish Clerk of Court: Maintains court records related to arrests permanently
- District Attorney's Office: Maintains prosecution records according to case type and disposition
- Louisiana State Police: Maintains centralized criminal history information indefinitely
The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preservation of evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
- Documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Statistical analysis of crime patterns and recidivism
- Accountability of law enforcement and the criminal justice system
Records that have reached the end of their mandatory retention period may be destroyed according to procedures established by the Louisiana Secretary of State, though many agencies opt to maintain records beyond the minimum required period, particularly for serious offenses.
How to Find Mugshots in Livingston County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. In Livingston Parish, these photographs serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. Mugshots typically show the arrestee's face from the front and profile (side) views and often include a booking number or date marker.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Livingston Parish, mugshots are primarily maintained by the following agencies:
- Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office - As the primary law enforcement agency responsible for operating the parish detention center, the Sheriff's Office maintains the most comprehensive collection of booking photographs.
Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office
20300 Government Boulevard
Livingston, LA 70754
(225) 686-2241
Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office
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Louisiana State Police - Maintains a centralized database of booking photographs from jurisdictions throughout the state, including Livingston Parish.
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Municipal Police Departments - Local police departments within Livingston Parish may maintain mugshots for arrests they process before transferring individuals to parish custody.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Livingston Parish may utilize several methods:
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Submit a public records request to the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office specifically requesting booking photographs. Requests should include:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
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Visit the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division in person to complete a records request form specifically for booking photographs.
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Submit a request to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification for a complete criminal history, which may include booking photographs from Livingston Parish arrests.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office currently publishes limited booking information online, including recent arrest information and inmate status. However, pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:4.1, which governs exceptions to public records, full mugshot galleries are not typically published on official government websites.
Several third-party websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records requests, but these sites may:
- Contain outdated or inaccurate information
- Charge fees for removal of photographs
- Not reflect expunged or sealed records
- Violate individual privacy rights
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To obtain official copies of mugshots from Livingston Parish authorities:
- Complete the Livingston Parish Public Records Request form
- Submit the form with required identification
- Pay applicable fees (typically $5-10 per photograph)
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots in Livingston Parish may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestees (under 17 years of age)
- Arrests that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Arrests related to certain domestic violence or sexual offenses
- Ongoing investigations where release could compromise public safety
- Cases where the District Attorney has filed a motion to limit disclosure
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records under Louisiana law, their use and distribution may be subject to other legal restrictions, particularly for commercial purposes.