Ascension County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Ascension County?
Inmate records in Ascension County are official government documents maintained by the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office that track and document individuals who are in custody within the parish detention system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of an individual's incarceration history from initial booking through release. Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute § 15:574.12, correctional facilities are required to maintain accurate and complete records for all persons committed to their custody.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways:
- Court records document judicial proceedings, charges, and case dispositions
- Inmate records document the physical custody and daily management of detainees
- Court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court
- Inmate records are maintained by detention facilities under Sheriff's Office authority
The creation of inmate records begins at booking when an individual is processed into the detention facility. During this intake process, personal information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge details are documented. These records are continuously updated throughout the period of incarceration to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical information, and program participation. Upon release, the inmate record is completed with discharge information but remains in the system as a historical document.
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
828 S. Irma Boulevard
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 621-8300
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
Are Inmate Records Public In Ascension County?
Yes, certain inmate records in Ascension County are considered public information under Louisiana law. The Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:1 establishes that records maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are generally available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
However, not all information contained in inmate records is publicly accessible. The following information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (who is currently in custody)
- Basic booking information
- Charges filed
- Mugshots
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates
- Current housing facility
Information that is typically restricted from public access includes:
- Medical and mental health records
- Disciplinary reports
- Personal identifying information (Social Security numbers, etc.)
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Information that would compromise facility security
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections maintains additional regulations regarding inmate record access at the state level, which may influence county-level policies. Members of the public seeking inmate information should be aware that while basic custody information is public, more detailed records may require proper authorization or a court order to access.
What's Included Inmate Records in Ascension County
Inmate records in Ascension County contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, and identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Address of residence prior to incarceration
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Booking number/inmate ID
- Current housing assignment
- Custody classification level
- Disciplinary history while incarcerated
- Visitation logs
- Commissary account information
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Warrant information
- Case numbers
- Arresting agency
- Arrest location
- Prior criminal history (if applicable)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Bondsman information (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Attorney information
- Upcoming court dates
- Court appearance history
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Conviction details
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Good time/earned time credits
- Parole eligibility date
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
- Post-release supervision requirements
This information is maintained in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute § 15:574.12, which governs the maintenance of inmate records throughout the state.
Ascension County Prison System
The Ascension County prison system operates under the jurisdiction of the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the management and operation of detention facilities within the parish. Ascension Parish, like other Louisiana parishes, maintains a local detention center primarily for pre-trial detainees and individuals serving sentences of up to one year.
It is important to distinguish between parish jails and state prisons in Louisiana:
- Parish jails (like Ascension's) house individuals awaiting trial, serving misdemeanor sentences, or serving short felony sentences (typically under one year)
- State prisons, operated by the Louisiana Department of Corrections, house individuals serving longer felony sentences
The Ascension Parish Detention Center serves as the primary correctional facility for the parish. The facility houses both male and female inmates and provides various programs including work release, educational opportunities, and substance abuse treatment.
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office - Detention Center
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
(225) 473-8331
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office works in coordination with the 23rd Judicial District Court and the Ascension Parish District Attorney's Office to manage the inmate population and ensure proper processing of cases through the criminal justice system.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Ascension County
Ascension County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate different security levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves a specific purpose within the parish's correctional system:
Ascension Parish Detention Center
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
(225) 473-8331
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
This is the main detention facility in Ascension Parish, housing both male and female inmates. The facility accommodates pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms of up to one year. The detention center provides various services including medical care, commissary, and visitation.
Ascension Parish Work Release Center
9488 Airline Highway
Sorrento, LA 70778
(225) 675-8557
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
This facility houses non-violent offenders who are nearing the end of their sentences and have demonstrated good behavior. Participants in the work release program are permitted to leave the facility for employment during the day but must return in the evening. This program helps inmates transition back into society while still serving their sentences.
Ascension Parish Juvenile Detention Center
615 E. Worthey Street
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 621-8800
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
This facility is designed specifically for juvenile offenders and provides age-appropriate housing, education, and rehabilitation services. The juvenile detention center operates under different regulations than adult facilities, in accordance with Louisiana Children's Code § 801.
Temporary Holding Facilities
Located at various Sheriff's Office substations throughout the parish, these facilities are used for temporary holding of individuals who have been recently arrested and are awaiting transport to the main detention center. These facilities are not designed for long-term incarceration.
Each of these facilities operates under the authority of the Ascension Parish Sheriff and in compliance with standards established by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
Who's in Prison In Ascension County
The Ascension County detention facilities house several categories of individuals who are in custody for various reasons. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, trial, or other court proceedings
- These individuals make up approximately 60-70% of the jail population
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses
- Serving sentences of up to one year
- May include DUI/DWI offenders, petty theft, simple assault, and other minor offenses
- Often eligible for work release or other alternative sentencing programs
Short-term Felony Offenders:
- Persons convicted of certain felonies with sentences of one year or less
- May be serving the parish jail portion of a split sentence
- Includes non-violent offenders deemed suitable for county-level incarceration
Probation/Parole Violators:
- Individuals who have violated terms of their probation or parole
- Held pending revocation hearings or serving sanctions
- May be temporarily housed while awaiting transfer to state facilities
State Inmates Awaiting Transfer:
- Convicted felons awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Temporarily housed in parish jail due to processing delays or capacity issues
- Subject to transfer to Louisiana Department of Corrections facilities
Federal Detainees:
- In some cases, the parish may house federal detainees through agreements with U.S. Marshals Service
- These individuals are typically awaiting federal court proceedings
Weekend Commitments:
- Individuals serving sentences on weekends only
- Allows offenders to maintain employment while serving their sentence
The demographic composition of the Ascension Parish inmate population generally reflects trends seen throughout Louisiana's correctional system, with disproportionate representation of certain demographic groups. The average daily population fluctuates based on arrest rates, court processing times, and seasonal factors.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Ascension County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Ascension County may utilize several methods to access this information. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate data that is accessible through multiple channels:
Online Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Detention Center" section
- Select the "Inmate Lookup" or "Current Inmates" option
- Enter the required search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
- Review the results, which typically include booking photo, charges, and custody status
- Note that the online system displays only current inmates, not historical records
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
828 S. Irma Boulevard
Gonzales, LA 70737
(225) 621-8300 - Complete an inmate information request form
- Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Specify the information being requested
- Pay any applicable fees for record copies
- Records staff will process the request according to current parish policies
Telephone Inquiries:
- Contact the Ascension Parish Detention Center at (225) 473-8331
- Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the inmate
- Basic information such as custody status, charges, and bond amount may be provided
- Detailed record information typically requires a formal written request
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to:
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office
Records Division
P.O. Box 118
Donaldsonville, LA 70346 - Include the inmate's full name, date of birth, and approximate dates of incarceration
- Provide your contact information and relationship to the inmate
- Specify the information being requested
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing
All requests for inmate records are subject to review under the Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:31, which governs the right of access to public records. Certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with applicable privacy laws and security considerations.
How To Find an Inmate in Ascension County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Ascension County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide free access to basic inmate information:
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Current Inmates" section
- Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
- No account creation or fees are required for basic searches
- Results typically display current custody status, charges, and booking date
- This service is available 24/7 and updates regularly
VINELink (Victim Information and Notification Everyday):
- Visit VINELink or call 1-866-277-7477
- Select Louisiana as the state
- Enter the inmate's name or ID number if known
- Review custody information and register for notifications if desired
- This service is provided free of charge through the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement
Louisiana Department of Corrections Offender Locator:
- Access the Louisiana Department of Corrections website
- Select "Offender Locator" from the available options
- Enter the individual's name or DOC number
- This system primarily tracks state inmates but may include parish detainees who are state-sentenced
Telephone Inquiry:
- Call the Ascension Parish Detention Center at (225) 473-8331
- Request information during regular business hours (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)
- Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the person
- Basic custody information is typically provided without charge
- Staff may limit information provided by phone to protect privacy and security
In-Person Inquiry at Detention Center:
- Visit the Ascension Parish Detention Center during regular business hours:
Ascension Parish Detention Center
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346 - Speak with the reception staff
- Provide the name of the person you are inquiring about
- Basic custody status information is typically provided without charge
These free methods generally provide limited information such as confirmation of custody status, charges, and potential release date. More detailed records may require formal requests and associated fees in accordance with the Louisiana Public Records Act § 44:32, which allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for document reproduction.
How To Visit an Inmate In Ascension County
Visiting an inmate at an Ascension County detention facility requires adherence to established protocols designed to maintain security and order. The following information outlines the current visitation procedures:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may submit visitor applications during their first week of incarceration
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/legal guardian
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors under 18 must have birth certificate and be accompanied by legal guardian
- Maximum of two adults and two children per visit
- Visitors with outstanding warrants or on probation/parole may be denied entry
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Work Release Inmates: Sunday only, 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
- Trustee Inmates: Saturday only, 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
- Special Housing Units: By appointment only
- Visits are typically limited to 30 minutes
- Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visit time
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
- Baby necessities if accompanied by infant (one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
- Medication required during visit (must be declared and approved)
- Locker tokens or quarters for storage lockers
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products, lighters, or matches
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Cameras or recording equipment
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $50
- Prescription medications (unless medically necessary during visit)
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (no low-cut tops, short shorts, mini skirts)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No sleeveless shirts or tank tops
- No hats or head coverings (religious exceptions may apply)
- No excessively baggy clothing
- Shoes must be worn at all times
Visit Types:
- Contact Visits: Available for certain classification levels, allowing limited physical contact
- Non-Contact Visits: Conducted through glass partition with telephone communication
- Video Visitation: Available at designated terminals within the facility
- Professional Visits: Attorneys, clergy, and other approved professionals (separate scheduling)
Visit Restrictions:
- Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
- Persons with felony convictions require special approval
- Visitors appearing to be under the influence will be denied entry
- Disruptive behavior will result in visit termination
- Violation of rules may result in suspension of visitation privileges
All visitation policies are subject to change based on facility needs and security considerations. Visitors are advised to contact the detention center at (225) 473-8331 prior to their visit to confirm current procedures and schedules. These policies are established in accordance with Louisiana Administrative Code Title 22, Part I, Chapter 31, which governs visitation in correctional facilities.
How To Send Money to a Ascension County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Ascension County detention facilities have several methods available for depositing funds into inmate accounts. These funds allow inmates to purchase commissary items and pay for services within the facility.
Methods for Sending Money:
-
Online Deposits
- Visit JailATM or Access Corrections
- Create an account or proceed as guest
- Enter inmate information (full name and ID number)
- Select deposit amount
- Complete payment using credit/debit card
- Processing fees apply (typically $2.50-$10.00 depending on amount)
- Funds typically available within 24 hours
-
Kiosk Deposits
- Available in the lobby of the Ascension Parish Detention Center
- Ascension Parish Detention Center
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346 - Touch screen operation with simple instructions
- Accept cash, credit, or debit cards
- Provides immediate receipt
- Funds typically available within 1-2 hours
- Small service fee applies
-
Money Order by Mail
- Purchase money order from post office or retail location
- Make payable to "Ascension Parish Inmate Trust Fund"
- Include inmate's full name and ID number on money order
- Mail to:
Ascension Parish Detention Center
Inmate Accounts
P.O. Box 118
Donaldsonville, LA 70346 - No personal checks accepted
- No service fee, but processing takes 5-7 business days
-
In-Person Cash Deposits
- Visit the Ascension Parish Detention Center during business hours
- Complete deposit form at reception
- Provide exact amount (no change given)
- Receive receipt for deposit
- Funds typically available within 24 hours
- No service fee
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
- Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00
- Special approval required for larger amounts
Deposit Fees:
- Online deposits: $2.50-$10.00 depending on amount
- Kiosk deposits: $2.00-$8.00 depending on amount
- Money orders: No fee
- In-person cash deposits: No fee
What Money Cannot Be Used For:
- Bond or bail payments
- Court fines or fees
- Restitution payments
- Attorney fees
- Outside purchases
- Transfers to other inmates
Approved Inmate Expenditures:
- Commissary items (hygiene products, snacks, writing materials)
- Phone calls
- Tablet rentals and services
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Approved educational materials
- Release funds (money remaining upon release)
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute § 15:866.1, which governs inmate financial accounts. Suspicious transactions may be investigated and potentially reported to appropriate authorities. The detention facility reserves the right to refuse or return any funds that violate facility policies.
How To Send Jail Mail In Ascension County
Corresponding with inmates housed in Ascension County detention facilities requires adherence to specific guidelines designed to maintain security while facilitating communication. The following information outlines the current mail procedures:
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name (as booked, no nicknames)
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Facility name and address:
Ascension Parish Detention Center
300 Houmas Street
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
- Sender's full name and complete return address must appear on envelope
- Mail without proper return address will be rejected
- All mail is opened, inspected, and screened before delivery to inmates
- Mail is typically distributed within 24-48 hours of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays
Acceptable Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages, single-sided)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
- Photos (maximum 5 per envelope, 4x6 size only, no Polaroids)
- Money orders (must be separate from letters)
- Legal documents (clearly marked as "Legal Mail")
- Religious materials (subject to review)
- Newspaper clippings (maximum 3 per envelope, no full newspapers)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Padded or oversized envelopes
- Plastic, metal, or wooden items
- Stickers or adhesive labels
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Lipstick marks or unknown substances
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Materials depicting violence or weapons
- Coded messages or foreign language without translation
Publications and Books:
- Books must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Soft-cover books only (no hardcover)
- Maximum of 3 books per mailing
- Subject to content review and approval
- Religious texts allowed with certain restrictions
- Educational materials related to approved programs generally permitted
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Privileged"
- Must be from licensed attorney, legal aid service, or court
- Will be opened in inmate's presence
- Contents checked for contraband but not read by staff
- Legal mail is not subject to standard page limits
E-Messages (if available):
- Available through approved third-party service
- Fees apply for each message
- Subject to same content restrictions as physical mail
- Typically delivered more quickly than postal mail
- May include limited photo attachments (additional fees may apply)
All mail procedures are established in accordance with Louisiana Administrative Code Title 22, Part I, Chapter 31, which governs inmate correspondence in correctional facilities. Violation of mail rules may result in rejection of correspondence and potential suspension of mail privileges. Attempts to introduce contraband through mail may result in criminal charges under Louisiana Revised Statute § 14:402, which prohibits introduction of contraband into correctional facilities.