Evangeline Parish Public Records / Evangeline Parish Arrest Records

Evangeline County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Evangeline County in 2026

EvangelineParishRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Evangeline Parish (County), Louisiana. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and inmate rosters. The completeness and currency of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the nature of the case.

Records may be searched through official law enforcement resources, the Clerk of Court's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may view current inmate information, including charges, booking dates, and bond status, through the Sheriff's Office online portal. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody status.

Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office 1008 W Maple Ave Ville Platte, LA 70586 Phone: (337) 363-2161 Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The Ville Platte Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Evangeline Parish. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official channels.

Ville Platte Police Department 212 W Main St Ville Platte, LA 70586 Phone: (337) 363-1313 Ville Platte Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the parish. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated court case numbers, charge dispositions, and hearing dates.

Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court 200 Court St Ville Platte, LA 70586 Phone: (337) 363-5671 Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Louisiana State Police maintains the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information, which serves as the state's central repository for criminal history records. Members of the public may submit a request for a name-based criminal history check through the Louisiana State Police Criminal Records Unit. A processing fee currently applies to civilian requests, and the search returns arrest and disposition data from jurisdictions statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 1008 W Maple Ave, Ville Platte, LA 70586
Records division is located within the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Phone: (337) 363-2161
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
Fees for copies: Standard copy fees apply per page; contact the office for current rates

Police Departments:

Ville Platte Police Department, 212 W Main St, Ville Platte, LA 70586, (337) 363-1313
Records requests are processed during regular business hours; requestors should present valid identification and submit a written request form

Clerk of Court:

Address: 200 Court St, Ville Platte, LA 70586
Criminal records division is located on the main floor
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Phone: (337) 363-5671
Case files are available for inspection during business hours
Copy fees: Standard per-page fees apply

By Mail:

Mailing address: Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office, 1008 W Maple Ave, Ville Platte, LA 70586
Written requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information
Payment for copies should be included with the request
Processing time varies; allow a minimum of 10 business days

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (337) 363-2161
Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by phone; requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative records not available through standard public access
Records obtained through discovery in active legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Ville Platte PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Evangeline County

Arrest records in Evangeline Parish are public records under Louisiana law. Pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Law, codified at La. R.S. § 44:1 et seq., all records made or received by a public body in the conduct of its official business are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records, booking logs, and jail rosters fall within this framework as records generated by law enforcement agencies in the performance of their duties.

The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests:

Government transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations
Public safety awareness within the community
Support for journalism, academic research, and civic oversight
Use in background screening processes by employers and licensing agencies
Access by parties and counsel in legal proceedings

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Louisiana law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are protected
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
Records pertaining to participants in witness protection programs are confidential

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3, establishes the right of the public to examine public documents. This provision, combined with La. R.S. § 44:1, creates a strong presumption of openness. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment and due process principles support public access to arrest information, while also acknowledging that privacy interests may justify limited restrictions in specific circumstances.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Occupational licensing agencies
Consumer reporting agencies conducting background checks
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 the FCRA must follow adverse action procedures before taking employment action based on arrest records. Louisiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipal ordinances may impose additional requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest alone does not establish guilt and may not be used as conclusive evidence of criminal conduct.

What's in Evangeline County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Louisiana Revised Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public-facing records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance bond
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests within the parish
Prior booking numbers
Historical charge information

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not routinely available in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions, sentences, and dispositions
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Evangeline County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Evangeline Parish is governed by the fee schedule established under La. R.S. § 44:32, which authorizes public bodies to charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of copying public records.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.25 per page (standard rate)
Certified copies	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic records	Fees based on actual cost of reproduction
In-person inspection	No charge for inspection only
Search fee	No separate search fee authorized under current law

Inspection of records at the Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested
Certification fees vary by office; requestors should confirm current rates directly with the issuing agency
Accepted payment methods at the Clerk of Court and Sheriff's Office include cash, money order, and in some cases personal check; electronic payment availability varies
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated; requestors should submit a written waiver request with supporting documentation
The Louisiana State Police charges a separate fee for state-level criminal history record checks; current fee schedules are available through the Louisiana State Police

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Booking information currently available through the Sheriff's Office online roster is accessible without charge.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Evangeline County

Louisiana law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the removal or destruction of the record from public repositories, and sealing, which restricts access without physical destruction. Under Louisiana law, expungement is the more commonly available remedy and is governed by La. C.Cr.P. art. 971 et seq.

Expungement results in the removal of the arrest record from the public domain. Following a successful expungement, the record is not accessible to the general public, and the individual may lawfully deny the arrest in most non-law-enforcement contexts. Law enforcement agencies and certain licensing boards retain access to expunged records.

Sealing restricts public access to a record without requiring its physical destruction. Sealed records remain in the custody of the originating agency but are not available for routine public inspection.

Cases Eligible for Expungement in Louisiana:

Arrests where no charges were filed
Arrests where charges were dismissed
Arrests resulting in acquittal at trial
Convictions for certain misdemeanor offenses after a waiting period
Convictions for certain felony offenses after a waiting period, subject to eligibility criteria
First-offense convictions under specific diversion or deferred adjudication programs

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record and any associated court records from the Clerk of Court
Determine eligibility based on the offense type, disposition, and applicable waiting period under Louisiana law
Complete the expungement petition forms available through the Clerk of Court
File the petition with the Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court and pay the applicable filing fee
Serve copies of the petition on the district attorney's office and the arresting law enforcement agency
Attend the scheduled hearing if the district attorney objects; if no objection is filed, the court may grant the expungement without a hearing
Upon entry of the expungement order, provide certified copies to all agencies holding the record

Relevant Contacts:

Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court 200 Court St Ville Platte, LA 70586 Phone: (337) 363-5671 Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court

Louisiana District Attorney – 13th Judicial District 200 Court St Ville Platte, LA 70586 Phone: (337) 363-3438

Louisiana Judiciary – Expungement Information Louisiana Courts

Filing fees for expungement petitions are set by statute and currently include fees payable to the Clerk of Court, the district attorney's office, and the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. Fee waivers based on indigency may be available upon application to the court.

What Happens After Arrest in Evangeline County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Evangeline Parish, the arrested individual is transported to the Evangeline Parish Jail, located at the Sheriff's Office facility at 1008 W Maple Ave, Ville Platte, LA 70586. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the parish. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the arrested individual undergoes a standardized intake process that typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes the following steps:

Recording of personal identifying information
Administration of Miranda rights advisement if not previously given
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
Outstanding warrants check conducted
Personal property inventoried and secured
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
Medical screening completed
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Louisiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge for a first appearance within 72 hours of arrest. At this hearing, the court formally notifies the defendant of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the defendant of the right to counsel, and appoints a public defender if the defendant is determined to be indigent. First appearances may be conducted via video conference in some circumstances. Court schedules are available through the Louisiana Courts website.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or pursuant to a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

The defendant or family engages a licensed bail bondsman
A non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount, is paid to the bondsman
The bondsman posts the full bond amount with the court

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The defendant is held without the possibility of bond
Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions within or outside the state
No-contact orders protecting named individuals
Drug and alcohol testing requirements
GPS monitoring in certain cases
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing and release typically takes between one and eight hours after bond is posted
Personal property is returned upon release
The defendant receives written notice of all upcoming court dates
Written conditions of release are provided and must be followed; failure to appear results in bond forfeiture

If Bond Not Posted:

The defendant remains in custody at the Evangeline Parish Jail
Housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Eligibility is determined based on income. The Louisiana Public Defender Board oversees public defender services statewide.

Evangeline Parish Public Defender's Office 200 Court St Ville Platte, LA 70586 Phone: (337) 363-5671 Louisiana Public Defender Board

Private Attorney:

Defendants retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Louisiana State Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service. Attorney visits to the jail are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The 13th Judicial District Attorney's Office reviews each arrest to determine whether formal charges will be filed. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file formal charges by bill of information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file charges different from those listed at booking.

Grand Jury:

For serious felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without defense counsel present. A finding of probable cause results in an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Available pleas include not guilty, guilty, and nolo contendere (no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set at that time.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Pretrial conferences bring together the attorneys and the court to discuss case status, potential resolution, and trial readiness.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor to resolve the case through a reduced charge or agreed sentencing recommendation. The defendant retains the right to accept or reject any plea offer.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal occurs when charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissed case may be eligible for expungement.

Diversion programs, where available, allow eligible defendants to complete a structured program in exchange for dismissal of charges. Louisiana offers pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, and veterans court in various jurisdictions.

Plea agreement results in the defendant entering a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, with sentencing to follow.

Trial proceeds before a jury or, by agreement, before the judge alone. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned; if guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose a combination of the following:

Incarceration in state prison or parish jail
Probation with conditions
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment
Credit for time served in pretrial detention
Appeal rights are explained at sentencing

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Typical Timeframe
Arrest to first appearance	Within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment	Days to several weeks
Arraignment to resolution	Months; varies by complexity
Misdemeanor cases	Typically resolved within 3–6 months
Felony cases	May extend 6–18 months or longer
Right to speedy trial	Guaranteed under Louisiana Constitution, Art. I, § 16

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office (Jail) 1008 W Maple Ave Ville Platte, LA 70586 Phone: (337) 363-2161 Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office

Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court 200 Court St Ville Platte, LA 70586 Phone: (337) 363-5671 Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court

13th Judicial District Attorney's Office 200 Court St Ville Platte, LA 70586 Phone: (337) 363-3438

Evangeline Parish Public Defender's Office 200 Court St Ville Platte, LA 70586 Phone: (337) 363-5671 Louisiana Public Defender Board

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or a bondsman for assistance with bail
Appear at all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Evangeline County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Evangeline Parish is governed by Louisiana law and the records retention schedules established by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office. Under the Louisiana Public Records Law and applicable retention schedules, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the nature of the record and the disposition of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
Submitted to the FBI's Interstate Identification Index and retained at the federal level

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the Clerk of Court
State repository retains records consistent with applicable retention schedules

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
Records remain accessible unless the subject obtains an expungement order

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement retains records for the applicable retention period
Court records are often retained permanently
The subject may petition for expungement following acquittal

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for the minimum period under the retention schedule
Arrest logs may be retained for several years
Eligible for expungement petition in many cases

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement retains records for the applicable period
Often eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the state retention schedule
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained per applicable schedules
Records management system data is often retained for extended or permanent periods
Court electronic records are frequently retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accuracy in reported information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Louisiana Secretary of State's records retention schedule
Investigative files are retained based on offense classification and case outcome
Phone: (337) 363-2161

Police Departments:

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per applicable schedules
Retention periods may vary slightly between the Sheriff's Office and municipal departments

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files are retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files are retained for the period specified in the state retention schedule
Electronic records are retained permanently in most instances

State Repository:

The Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information maintains arrest and disposition records from all jurisdictions statewide
Records are accessible through the Louisiana State Police

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, typically permanently
These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment and firearms background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Records are retained permanently in most databases and constitute part of the individual's permanent criminal history

Dismissal:

Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement; dismissed charges are not always reported on standard background checks

Expungement:

Local records are sealed or destroyed pursuant to the court order
The state repository updates its records following receipt of a certified expungement order
The FBI database may retain a notation of the record with an expungement flag
Removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed and may require separate action

No Charges Filed:

Records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable period
Immediate expungement may be available in some cases

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Sheriff's Office roster and state resources with real-time or daily updates

Older Arrests:

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Processing time may be longer than for current records

Very Old Arrests:

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division at (337) 363-2161 for information on specific older records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expungement, or pursuant to the records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Louisiana does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a fixed period, though expunged records are not reportable following a valid expungement order. Arrests without convictions may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain contexts.

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (337) 363-2161
Submit a public records request for information about a specific arrest
Fees may apply for copies of responsive records