Evangeline County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Evangeline County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Evangeline Parish may access publicly available information through EvangelineParishRecords.us, which aggregates data drawn from official government sources. Criminal records in Evangeline County may include arrest logs, booking records, court case filings, charge dispositions, sentencing information, and incarceration history. The availability and completeness of any individual record depends on the originating agency, the nature of the case, and applicable state law governing public disclosure.
Records that may be found through official channels include:
- Arrest and booking records
- District court case filings and dispositions
- Felony and misdemeanor charge histories
- Warrant information
- Sex offender registration data
- Jail inmate rosters
- Probation and parole records (where publicly accessible)
1. County Court Records The 13th Judicial District Court serves Evangeline Parish and maintains case files for criminal proceedings filed within the parish. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the clerk's office during business hours. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject and an approximate case filing date or docket number.
Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court
200 Court Street
Ville Platte, LA 70586
Phone: (337) 363-5671
Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
2. Sheriff's Office The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and current inmate rosters. Requests for arrest records may be submitted in person or in writing. Fees may apply for copies of records beyond in-person inspection.
Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office
1008 W. Cotton Street
Ville Platte, LA 70586
Phone: (337) 363-2161
Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office
3. Online Court Search Louisiana's Judicial District Court case search portal allows members of the public to search for case filings by name or docket number. Users should enter the subject's full legal name and select Evangeline Parish as the jurisdiction. Results reflect cases filed in the district court system and may not include all municipal or justice of the peace proceedings.
4. State Criminal History Repository The Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information maintains the statewide criminal history repository. Formal background check requests require submission of fingerprints and applicable fees. At present, the standard processing fee for a name-based search is subject to change; requestors should confirm current fees directly with the agency.
Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
7919 Independence Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 925-6095
Louisiana State Police Criminal Records
5. Written and Mail Requests Written requests for criminal records may be submitted to the Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court or the Sheriff's Office at the addresses listed above. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under Louisiana Public Records Law, La. R.S. § 44:1 et seq., agencies are required to respond to public records requests within three business days of receipt.
What Is Evangeline County Criminal Record
A criminal record is an official compilation of documented interactions between an individual and the criminal justice system, maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and state repositories. In Louisiana, a criminal record may encompass arrest records, formal charges, arraignment proceedings, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing orders, and post-conviction supervision status such as probation or parole.
The distinction between record types is significant for legal and practical purposes:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not establish guilt. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt by plea or verdict.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are the more serious classification and carry potential sentences exceeding one year of imprisonment. Misdemeanors carry lesser penalties and are adjudicated in lower courts.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Records involving individuals under the age of 17 at the time of the offense are classified as juvenile records and are subject to confidentiality protections under Louisiana law. Juvenile records are not part of the public criminal record.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest and are maintained by the issuing court and law enforcement. Historical records document resolved matters.
Criminal records in Evangeline Parish are created and updated by multiple agencies throughout the criminal justice process. The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office generates arrest and booking records. The 13th Judicial District Court maintains case files, charge information, and dispositions. The Louisiana State Police serves as the central state repository for criminal history data. Local municipal police departments may also generate records for offenses occurring within their jurisdictions.
Are Criminal Records Public In Evangeline County
Criminal records in Evangeline Parish are presumptively public under Louisiana law. Louisiana Revised Statute § 44:1 establishes the public's right of access to records maintained by state and local government bodies. As stated in the statute, "all books, records, writings, accounts, letters and letter books, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers" held by public bodies are subject to inspection and copying by any person.
Records that are currently accessible to the public include adult conviction records, court case filings, sentencing orders, and booking information. However, certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure:
- Juvenile records, which are sealed by operation of law
- Records that have been expunged pursuant to a court order
- Ongoing criminal investigations where disclosure would impede law enforcement
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records sealed by judicial order
The Louisiana Attorney General's Office provides guidance on the application of the Public Records Law and has issued opinions addressing the scope of permissible exemptions. Federal records maintained by agencies such as the FBI operate under separate federal disclosure rules and are not subject to Louisiana's public records statute.
How To Find Criminal Records in Evangeline County Online
Official County Resources
The Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court provides access to court case information through the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association's online portal. Users may search by party name or case number to locate criminal case filings within the 13th Judicial District. The Louisiana Clerks Remote Access system allows registered users to view case details, including charge information and disposition data.
The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office publishes a current inmate roster on its website, reflecting individuals presently held in the parish jail. This roster is updated regularly and includes booking charges.
State-Level Resources
The Louisiana Supreme Court's case management portal provides statewide access to appellate and district court records. The Louisiana State Police maintains the Louisiana Computerized Criminal History system for authorized background check requests.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases
- Case number searches yield the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all records
- Understand that records predating digital conversion may not appear in online searches
- Expunged or sealed records will not appear in public-facing search tools
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court proceeding. Historical records predating electronic filing systems may require in-person requests. Online access does not substitute for a certified official background check for employment or licensing purposes.
Can You Search Evangeline County Criminal Records for Free
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection Under La. R.S. § 44:32, members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. Inspection of criminal case files at the Evangeline Parish Clerk of Court and review of arrest logs at the Sheriff's Office are available without a fee. Copying fees apply to reproductions of records.
2. Free Online Databases The following resources are currently available at no cost:
| Resource | What's Available | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Clerks Remote Access | Case filings, dispositions | lpclerk.com |
| Evangeline Parish Sheriff Inmate Roster | Current jail population | evangelinesheriff.com |
| Louisiana Courts Portal | Appellate and district court records | louisianacourts.gov |
3. Sheriff's Logs Daily arrest and booking reports are maintained by the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office and are available for public inspection during business hours.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by the Clerk of Court per page
- Official state criminal history background checks: fee required by Louisiana State Police
- Staff-assisted record searches beyond standard inspection
- Expedited processing requests
State Fee Law Pursuant to La. R.S. § 44:32, fees for copies of public records may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Agencies may not charge fees for the inspection of records itself.
What's Included in a Evangeline County Criminal Record
Identifying Information A criminal record maintained by Evangeline Parish agencies and the Louisiana State Police repository typically includes the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information Arrest records document the date and time of the arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond information, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges as formally filed (including felony or misdemeanor classification and applicable statute), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome of the case, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details (type and length of sentence, fines, restitution, and conditions of supervision), any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Elements A complete criminal history may also reflect outstanding warrants, protective orders, sex offender registration status, DUI or DWI adjudications, and pending charges not yet resolved.
NOT Included in Public Criminal Records
- Juvenile adjudications (sealed by law)
- Records expunged pursuant to court order
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Matters resolved through completed diversion programs
- Sealed case files
Accuracy Note Individuals who identify errors in their criminal record maintained by the Louisiana State Police may submit a challenge through the Louisiana State Police Criminal Records unit. Accurate and complete records are essential for employment, licensing, and legal proceedings.
How Long Does Evangeline County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements Louisiana law and the Louisiana Secretary of State's records retention schedules govern how long criminal records must be maintained by public agencies. The Louisiana Secretary of State Records Retention Schedule establishes minimum retention periods for records held by courts, law enforcement agencies, and other public bodies.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Minimum 5 years; varies by agency |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Retained with disposition noted |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 17; subject to destruction per court order |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
- The 13th Judicial District Court retains criminal case files permanently in accordance with Louisiana court records retention rules.
- The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office retains booking and jail records pursuant to the state retention schedule.
- The Louisiana State Police maintains conviction records permanently in the Louisiana Computerized Criminal History system.
Physical vs. Electronic Records Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records in many instances. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digital preservation, provided the electronic copy is maintained in accordance with applicable retention schedules.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record at the end of its retention period. Sealing restricts access to a record without eliminating it, leaving it available to law enforcement and certain authorized parties. Expungement, available under Louisiana law for eligible offenses, results in the removal of the record from public access and, in some cases, from the state repository. Expungement eligibility, procedures, and applicable fees are governed by La. C.Cr.P. art. 971 et seq., and forms are available through the Louisiana District Courts.
Old Records Access Records predating electronic filing systems may require in-person requests to the Clerk of Court or may be located in the Louisiana State Archives.
Federal Records Criminal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are governed by federal law and retention rules separate from Louisiana state law. Federal records are not subject to expungement under state court orders.
Practical Implications Felony and misdemeanor convictions remain part of the permanent public record and appear on background checks conducted for employment, professional licensing, and housing. Employment background checks under the Fair Credit Reporting Act at present cover criminal history for seven to ten years in most contexts, though professional licensing boards may require full disclosure regardless of the age of the conviction. Even where a county agency has destroyed physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged pursuant to a valid court order.