Ascension Parish Public Records / Ascension Parish Arrest Records

Ascension County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Ascension County

Arrest records in Ascension Parish (County), Louisiana are considered public records under the Louisiana Public Records Law, specifically Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:1-41. This statute establishes that records created or maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are generally accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Louisiana Public Records Law defines public records as:

"All books, records, writings, accounts, letters and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers, and all copies, duplicates, photographs, including microfilm, or other reproductions thereof, or any other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, including information contained in electronic data processing equipment, having been used, being in use, or prepared, possessed, or retained for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of any business, transaction, work, duty, or function which was conducted, transacted, or performed by or under the authority of the constitution or laws of this state, or by or under the authority of any ordinance, regulation, mandate, or order of any public body or concerning the receipt or payment of any money received or paid by or under the authority of the constitution or the laws of this state."

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. An arrest is not proof of guilt.
Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a crime through a legal proceeding.

Under Louisiana law, both arrest and conviction records are generally public, though certain exemptions may apply to ongoing investigations or juvenile records as specified in Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:3.

What's in Ascension County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the parish typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been arrested. The contents generally include:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
Home address
Gender
Race/ethnicity

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance citations
Charge severity (misdemeanor or felony)
Charge descriptions

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Booking facility
Fingerprints
Mugshot photograph

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type
Bond status (posted or not)
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Expected release date (if applicable)
Facility where detained

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation/parole status
Risk assessment scores
Medical alerts or special needs

The specific information available may vary depending on the arresting agency and the stage of the criminal justice process.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Ascension County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Ascension Parish may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest records:

Visit the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office in person:

Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office - Donaldsonville Office
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
(225) 621-8300
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office

Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office - Gonzales Office
828 S. Irma Boulevard
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 621-8300
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Submit a written public records request:
- Prepare a written request specifying the information sought
- Include the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or via email to the Records Division
- Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, the custodian must make records available immediately if not in active use
Contact the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court:

Ascension Parish Clerk of Court
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
(225) 473-9866
Ascension Parish Clerk of Court

Ascension Parish Clerk of Court - Gonzales Office
815 E. Worthey Street
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 621-8400
Ascension Parish Clerk of Court

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Complete an official records request form:
- Forms are available at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court
- Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Pay applicable fees for copies (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page)
- Certified copies may incur additional fees
Request records by mail:
- Send a written request with specific details about the records sought
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Allow 3-10 business days for processing

Requestors should note that while arrest records are public, certain information may be redacted pursuant to privacy laws or ongoing investigation exemptions under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:3.

How To Find Ascension County Arrest Records Online

Ascension Parish provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. The following methods are available for electronic access:

Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
- Visit the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Inquiry portal
- Search by name, booking number, or subject number
- View current custody status and basic booking information
- Information is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time status
Ascension Parish Clerk of Court Online Records:
- Access the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court website
- Navigate to the "Court Records" section
- Register for an account if required
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- View case summaries, charges, and court dates
- Note that some documents may require in-person access
Louisiana State Police Criminal History Record:
- Visit the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification
- Complete the online request form
- Pay the required fee ($26 per record check)
- Provide fingerprints if required
- Receive results electronically or by mail
Louisiana Supreme Court Case Search:
- Access the Louisiana Supreme Court Case Search
- Search by name or case number
- View case information for matters that have reached the court system
- Note that this system primarily contains court records, not arrest records

When using online systems, users should be aware that:

Not all arrest records may be available online
Information may be limited compared to in-person requests
Some systems may require registration or fees
Records may have a delay between arrest and online availability
Certain sensitive information may be redacted

How To Search Ascension County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access certain arrest record information in Ascension Parish without incurring fees through several methods:

Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup:
- The Sheriff's Office online inmate search is available at no cost
- Provides basic information about currently incarcerated individuals
- Includes name, booking date, charges, and custody status
- Updated regularly with current inmate information
Public Access Terminals at Government Offices:
- Visit the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court offices in Donaldsonville or Gonzales
- Use the public access computer terminals available in the lobby
- Search court records related to arrests and criminal cases
- No fee for on-site viewing (printing may incur charges)
- Available during regular business hours
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Press Releases:
- Check the Sheriff's Office website for press releases
- Review recent arrest information often published for significant cases
- Information is typically limited to major incidents and arrests
Local Newspaper Crime Reports:
- Review local publications such as The Advocate or The Gonzales Weekly
- Many newspapers publish arrest logs provided by law enforcement
- Information is typically limited to name, age, address, and charges
Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Lookup:
- Access the Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator
- Search for individuals who have been transferred to state custody
- Provides information on current inmates in the state prison system
- Includes conviction information and release dates

When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware of these limitations:

Information may be less comprehensive than paid record searches
Not all arrests may be included in free public databases
Historical records may not be available through free resources
Information may not be updated in real-time
Certain details may be omitted for privacy or security reasons

How To Delete Arrest Records in Ascension County

Louisiana law provides specific mechanisms for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records under certain circumstances. The distinction between these processes is important:

Expungement: The legal process that removes arrests and convictions from public criminal records. In Louisiana, expunged records are not destroyed but are sealed from public view.
Record Sealing: The process of restricting access to criminal records so they cannot be viewed by the general public but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies.

Under Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 971-995, arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:

Arrests without prosecution:
- The arrest did not result in conviction
- The time limitation for prosecution has expired
- The charges were dismissed or refused
- The district attorney declined to prosecute
Misdemeanor convictions:
- Generally eligible five years after completion of sentence
- No felony convictions during the five-year period
- No pending criminal charges
Felony convictions:
- Certain non-violent felonies may be eligible ten years after completion of sentence
- No felony convictions during the ten-year period
- No pending criminal charges

The process for expungement in Ascension Parish includes:

Determine eligibility:
- Review Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 978 for specific eligibility requirements
- Consult with an attorney to assess individual circumstances
Obtain required forms:
- Forms are available from the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court
- Different forms are required depending on the type of expungement sought
Complete and file forms with the Clerk of Court:

Ascension Parish Clerk of Court
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
(225) 473-9866
Ascension Parish Clerk of Court
Pay required fees:
- Expungement filing fees typically range from $550-$650
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants
Attend any required hearings:
- The court may schedule a contradictory hearing
- The district attorney and arresting agency may object
If granted, ensure distribution of the expungement order:
- The clerk will forward the order to all relevant agencies
- This includes the Sheriff's Office, District Attorney, and Louisiana State Police

Individuals should note that even expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies, certain licensing boards, and some employers as specified in Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:9.

What Happens After Arrest in Ascension County?

Following an arrest in Ascension Parish, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:

Arrest and Booking:
- The arresting officer transports the individual to the Ascension Parish Detention Center
- Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
Initial Appearance/Magistrate Hearing:
- Occurs within 72 hours of arrest (typically within 24-48 hours)
- Judge informs the arrestee of charges and constitutional rights
- Bail determination is made based on factors including:
  - Severity of the alleged offense
  - Prior criminal history
  - Flight risk
  - Community ties
  - Public safety considerations
Bail/Bond Process:
- Cash bond: Full amount paid directly to the court
- Surety bond: Arrangement with a bail bondsman (typically 12-15% fee)
- Property bond: Property used as collateral
- Personal recognizance: Release without financial conditions in certain cases
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges in court
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Typically occurs within 30 days of arrest for misdemeanors and 60 days for felonies
Pre-trial Proceedings:
- Discovery: Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense
- Pre-trial motions: Legal arguments regarding evidence and procedure
- Status conferences: Court appearances to monitor case progress
- Plea negotiations: Discussions between prosecution and defense
Trial:
- Misdemeanor trials held in Ascension Parish Court
- Felony trials held in 23rd Judicial District Court
- Jury selection (for jury trials)
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation or judge's decision
Sentencing (if convicted):
- May occur immediately after conviction or at a later date
- Factors considered include:
  - Severity of offense
  - Criminal history
  - Victim impact
  - Mitigating circumstances
- Potential sentences include:
  - Incarceration
  - Probation
  - Fines
  - Community service
  - Restitution
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within specified timeframes
- Potential post-conviction relief proceedings
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Incarceration in parish jail or transfer to state prison system

Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right to remain silent, right to a speedy trial, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and Louisiana Constitution.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Ascension County?

Arrest records in Ascension Parish are maintained according to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36, which governs public records retention, and specific agency policies. The retention periods vary based on several factors:

Law Enforcement Records:
- The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records indefinitely for internal use
- Booking photos and fingerprints are retained permanently
- Arrest reports are typically maintained for a minimum of 10 years
- Records related to homicides and other serious felonies are preserved permanently
Court Records:
- The Ascension Parish Clerk of Court maintains court records permanently
- Case files, including arrest information, are preserved as part of the permanent court record
- Electronic court records are maintained indefinitely in the case management system
- Physical documents may be microfilmed or digitized after a certain period
Corrections Records:
- Jail records are typically maintained for 5-10 years after release
- Records of individuals transferred to state custody are maintained by both parish and state agencies
- Medical records from incarceration are subject to separate retention schedules
Criminal History Records:
- The Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification maintains criminal history records indefinitely
- These records include arrest information from all parishes, including Ascension
- Updates to disposition information are added as cases progress through the system

Different retention requirements apply to different types of records:

Active investigations: Records are maintained until case closure plus the applicable retention period
Juvenile records: Subject to different retention and access restrictions under Louisiana Children's Code
Expunged records: While technically retained, they are sealed from public view as directed by court order

The Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Program establishes retention schedules for various government agencies, including law enforcement. These schedules ensure records are maintained for appropriate periods to:

Preserve evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Maintain accurate criminal history information
Support public safety and law enforcement functions
Ensure accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
Comply with state and federal records retention requirements

How to Find Mugshots in Ascension County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Ascension Parish, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
828 S. Irma Boulevard
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 621-8300
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office Records Division is responsible for the storage and management of booking photographs as part of the official arrest record. These photographs are considered public records under Louisiana law, subject to certain exceptions.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Ascension Parish have several options:

In-person requests:
- Visit the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide the name and date of birth of the individual
- Pay applicable fees for copies (typically $5-10 per photograph)
- Present valid identification
Written requests:
- Submit a formal public records request by mail
- Include specific information about the individual
- Enclose payment for applicable fees
- Provide return address for mailing

Can They Be Found Online

Some mugshots from Ascension Parish may be available online through:

The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Inquiry system for current inmates
Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots (not officially affiliated with law enforcement)
Local news media websites that may publish mugshots for newsworthy arrests

It is important to note that online availability varies, and the most recent and complete information is typically obtained through official channels.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To ensure accuracy and legitimacy, the recommended method for obtaining mugshots is through official channels:

Submit a public records request directly to the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
Specify the exact information sought, including the individual's name and date of arrest
Follow the established procedures for records requests
Be prepared to pay applicable fees for reproduction

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

While mugshots are generally public records in Louisiana, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile records (under age 17) are confidential under Louisiana Children's Code
Records sealed by court order are not accessible to the public
Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily exempt
Certain victim information may be redacted from associated records
Expunged records are not available to the general public

Individuals should be aware that Louisiana law does not currently have specific restrictions on commercial websites publishing mugshots, though some states have enacted such legislation.

Lookup Arrest Records in Ascension County

Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office

Inmate Search Portal

Ascension Parish Clerk of Court