Ascension Parish Public Records /Ascension Parish Criminal Records

Ascension County Criminal Records

What Is Ascension County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records encompass a comprehensive chronology of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies within the parish. According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:3, criminal records are defined as "records of the arrest, indictment, or other formal criminal charge and any disposition arising therefrom."

Criminal records in Ascension Parish are categorized by several important distinctions:

Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. It is crucial to note that an arrest does not necessarily result in a conviction.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment in state correctional facilities for terms exceeding one year. Misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by fines or imprisonment in parish jail for up to one year.
Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals 18 years and older are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Louisiana Children's Code Art. 412, with limited exceptions.
Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest and booking records, while the 23rd Judicial District Court maintains case files, dispositions, and sentencing information for cases within its jurisdiction. Additional records are maintained by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections and municipal police departments within Ascension Parish, including the Gonzales Police Department.

A comprehensive criminal record typically includes documentation of:

Arrests and bookings
Formal charges filed
Arraignment proceedings
Plea agreements
Trial proceedings and outcomes
Sentencing information
Probation and parole status

Are Criminal Records Public In Ascension County

Criminal records in Ascension Parish are generally considered public information pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Law (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This statute establishes that "all books, records, writings, accounts, letters and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers...shall be public records." The law further stipulates that "any person of the age of majority may inspect, copy, or reproduce any public record."

However, important exceptions and limitations exist regarding public access to criminal records in Ascension Parish:

Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to pending or reasonably anticipated criminal litigation are exempt from disclosure until the litigation is finally adjudicated or otherwise settled, as specified in La. R.S. 44:3(A)(1).
Juvenile Records: Records involving juvenile offenders are generally confidential and not accessible to the public, with limited exceptions for violent offenses, as outlined in the Louisiana Children's Code.
Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971 et seq. are removed from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies.
Sealed Records: Certain records may be sealed by court order, restricting public access.
Sensitive Information: Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and financial account numbers may be redacted from public records.

Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and booking information are typically accessible to the public through various means, including in-person requests at the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court's office and online databases. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office maintains public booking logs and inmate information, while court records can be accessed through the Clerk of Court.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Ascension County in 2026

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

In-Person Requests at the Clerk of Court:

Visit the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court office during regular business hours.
Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the records being sought (name, case number, date range).
Present valid photo identification.
Pay applicable fees for copies of records (currently $1.00 per page for certified copies).
Records may be reviewed immediately or provided within 3-5 business days, depending on complexity.

Ascension Parish Clerk of Court
828 S. Irma Boulevard, Building 2
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 621-8400
Ascension Parish Clerk of Court

Sheriff's Office Records Division:

Visit the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division.
Complete a records request form specifying the information needed.
Provide identification and pay applicable fees.
For background checks, fingerprinting services are available on-site.

Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
828 S. Irma Boulevard, Building 3
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 621-8300
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office

Mail Requests:

Submit a written request to the appropriate agency (Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office).
Include specific information about the records being sought.
Enclose a copy of valid identification.
Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order).
Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents.

Louisiana State Police Background Checks:

Complete the Right to Review Authorization Form available on the Louisiana State Police website.
Visit an authorized fingerprinting location in Ascension Parish.
Pay the required fee (currently $26 for state background checks).
Results are typically provided within 15 business days.

How To Find Criminal Records in Ascension County Online?

Ascension Parish offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information may vary by system.

Ascension Parish Clerk of Court Online Records:

The Clerk of Court maintains a subscription-based online portal for accessing court records:

Visit the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court website.
Register for an account by providing required information and payment method.
Once registered, search by name, case number, or filing date.
Records available include criminal case filings, hearing dates, judgments, and dispositions.
Subscription fees apply (currently $50 monthly or $500 annually).

Louisiana Judicial Administrator's Case Management Information System:

Access the Louisiana Supreme Court CMIS portal.
Select Ascension Parish (23rd Judicial District) from the jurisdiction menu.
Search by defendant name, case number, or filing date.
View basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status.
Note that complete case files are not available through this system.

Ascension Parish Sheriff's Inmate Lookup:

Visit the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office website.
Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section.
Enter the individual's name or booking number.
View current inmates, booking information, charges, and bond amounts.
This database only includes currently incarcerated individuals.

Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator:

Access the Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator.
Enter the individual's name or DOC number.
View information on individuals currently under state supervision, including incarceration status, facility location, and possible release dates.

Louisiana State Police Sex Offender Registry:

Visit the Louisiana Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry.
Search by name, address, or geographic area within Ascension Parish.
View registration information, offense details, and residence information for registered sex offenders.

Users should note that online systems may require registration, subscription fees, or have limitations on the types of records available. Some sensitive or sealed records may only be accessible through in-person requests with proper authorization.

Can You Search Ascension County Criminal Records for Free?

Ascension Parish provides several options for accessing criminal records at no cost, though certain limitations apply to free searches. According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, "the custodian shall provide copies to persons so requesting" but may establish and collect reasonable fees for providing copies of public records.

Free In-Person Record Inspection:

The public has the right to inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:

Ascension Parish Clerk of Court
828 S. Irma Boulevard, Building 2
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 621-8400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
828 S. Irma Boulevard, Building 3
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 621-8300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

When inspecting records in person:

Valid identification must be presented
Records may be viewed but not removed from the premises
Staff assistance may be limited based on availability
Copying fees apply if printed copies are requested

Free Online Resources:

Several online resources provide free access to limited criminal record information:

Ascension Parish Sheriff's Inmate Roster - Provides current inmate information including charges and booking dates at no cost.
Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator - Offers free searches for individuals currently under state supervision.
Louisiana Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry - Provides free access to information on registered sex offenders residing in Ascension Parish.
Louisiana Supreme Court CMIS Portal - Offers basic case information at no cost, though detailed documents are not available.

It is important to note that while inspection of records is generally free, fees typically apply for:

Printed or certified copies of documents
Background check reports
Extensive record searches requiring significant staff time
Expedited processing of requests

The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court maintain fee schedules for various record services, with standard copying fees currently set at $0.25-$1.00 per page, depending on the document type and certification requirements.

What's Included in a Ascension County Criminal Record?

Criminal records in Ascension Parish typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 228 and related statutes. A complete criminal record generally includes the following components:

Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Last known address
State Identification Number (SID)
FBI number (if applicable)
Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

Date and time of arrest
Arresting agency and officer
Booking number and facility
Charges filed at arrest with corresponding statute numbers
Bail or bond amount and status
Detention facility information

Court Case Information:

Case number and filing date
Court of jurisdiction (e.g., 23rd Judicial District Court)
Judge assigned to the case
Formal charges filed by the District Attorney
Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
Plea information
Attorney of record (public defender or private counsel)
Court appearance dates
Motion filings and rulings

Disposition Information:

Verdict or case outcome
Conviction date (if applicable)
Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and facility
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
Appeal information (if applicable)
Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

Active warrants or protective orders
Sex offender registration requirements
DWI/DUI history
Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
Pending charges in other jurisdictions
Prior criminal history summary

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections maintains state-level criminal history information, while local records are primarily held by the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office and the 23rd Judicial District Court. The level of detail available may vary depending on the agency providing the record and the purpose of the request.

How Long Does Ascension County Keep Criminal Records?

Ascension Parish adheres to the Louisiana Public Records Retention Schedule established by the Secretary of State's Office in conjunction with state law. Criminal records are subject to specific retention periods based on record type, offense severity, and case disposition.

Arrest Records and Booking Information:

Felony arrests: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum 10-year retention
Arrest records resulting in no charges: 5-year retention
Booking photographs and fingerprints: Permanent retention

Court Records:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: 10-year retention after case closure
Traffic violations: 3-year retention after case closure
Court minutes and judgment records: Permanent retention
Probation records: 5 years after completion of probation

Correctional Records:

Inmate files for felony offenders: Permanent retention
Inmate files for misdemeanor offenders: 10-year retention after release
Jail logs and incident reports: 5-year retention

Expunged Records: According to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 978, certain records may be eligible for expungement, which restricts public access but does not necessarily result in destruction. Expunged records are maintained by law enforcement agencies with restricted access for:

Felony arrests/convictions: Maintained for law enforcement purposes indefinitely
Misdemeanor arrests/convictions: Maintained for law enforcement purposes for at least 10 years

The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office and the 23rd Judicial District Court are required by state mandate to maintain these records for the specified periods. However, technological limitations or storage constraints may occasionally result in older records being more difficult to retrieve or requiring additional processing time.

It is important to note that even after the mandatory retention period expires, many criminal records—particularly those involving serious offenses—are maintained permanently as a matter of practice and for historical documentation. Digital conversion efforts are currently underway to preserve older paper records in electronic format for improved accessibility and preservation.