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Tangipahoa County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Tangipahoa County

Arrest records in Tangipahoa County are considered public information under Louisiana's Public Records Law, 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. The Louisiana Constitution further reinforces this right of access in Article XII, Section 3, which states that "no person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established by law."

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. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the individual was convicted.
  • Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a crime through a court proceeding.

According to the Louisiana State Police public records policy, while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would:

  1. Interfere with an ongoing investigation
  2. Deprive a person of the right to a fair trial
  3. Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
  4. Reveal confidential sources or techniques
  5. Endanger the life or safety of any person

Juvenile arrest records are subject to stricter confidentiality protections under Louisiana Children's Code § 412, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.

What's in Tangipahoa County Arrest Records

Tangipahoa County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records generally includes:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name (including aliases or maiden names)
  • 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
  • Reason for arrest
  • Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Charge severity
  • Statute or ordinance violated
  • Charge description

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Date issued
  • Type of warrant

Booking Information:

  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number
  • Fingerprints
  • Mugshot photograph
  • Property inventory

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
  • Court disposition (if available)

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
  • Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history
  • Known associates
  • Vehicle information
  • Employer information
  • Emergency contact information

The specific content may vary based on the arresting agency's policies and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections requirements for record-keeping.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Tangipahoa County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Tangipahoa County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect:

  1. Submit a public records request to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office:

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office
15475 Club Deluxe Road
Hammond, LA 70403
(985) 345-6150
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office

Requesters must:

  • Complete the official public records request form
  • Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
  • Present valid government-issued photo identification
  • Pay applicable fees ($0.25 per page for copies, additional fees may apply for certified copies)
  1. Contact the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court:

Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
110 North Bay Street, Room 100
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 748-4146
Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court

The Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests and can provide:

  • Case information
  • Court proceedings
  • Dispositions
  • Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  1. Visit the 21st Judicial District Court:

21st Judicial District Court
110 North Bay Street
Amite, LA 70422
(985) 748-7900
21st Judicial District Court

Court records related to criminal proceedings following arrests are available for public inspection during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM).

  1. Submit a request to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information:

For statewide arrest records, individuals may contact:

Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
7919 Independence Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 925-6095
Louisiana State Police

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 15:587, requesters must:

  • Submit a completed background check request form
  • Provide fingerprints (for comprehensive criminal history)
  • Pay the required fee ($26 for non-governmental requests)
  • Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return mail

How To Find Tangipahoa County Arrest Records Online

Tangipahoa County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records electronically. The following online methods are currently available:

  1. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search portal that provides information on currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests. This database is updated regularly and includes:

    • Arrestee name
    • Booking date
    • Charges
    • Bond information
    • Next court date

    To access this resource, navigate to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office website and select the "Inmate Lookup" option.

  2. Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court Online Records: The Clerk's Office provides a subscription-based online records system that allows users to search court cases, including criminal proceedings. To utilize this service:

  3. Louisiana State Police Criminal History Record Information: For comprehensive statewide arrest records, the Louisiana State Police offers an online request system through their Public Records Request portal. Users must:

    • Create an account
    • Submit the required identification information
    • Pay the statutory fee
    • Provide justification for the request in accordance with state law
  4. VINELink (Victim Information and Notification Everyday): This national service provides information about custody status and criminal case information. To access Louisiana records:

    • Visit VINELink
    • Select Louisiana
    • Enter the offender's name or identification number
    • Register for notifications if desired

When utilizing online resources, requesters should note that pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32, some information may be redacted to protect privacy rights or sensitive information.

How To Search Tangipahoa County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options to access Tangipahoa County arrest records without incurring fees. The following no-cost methods are currently available:

  1. In-Person Inspection at the Sheriff's Office: Louisiana Public Records Law § 44:32 guarantees the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no charge. Individuals may:

    • Visit the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office during public counter hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
    • Request to view specific arrest records
    • Take notes on the information (though copying fees will apply if printed copies are requested)

    Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office
    15475 Club Deluxe Road
    Hammond, LA 70403
    (985) 345-6150
    Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office

  2. Sheriff's Office Website Inmate Lookup: The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate search tool that includes recent arrest information. This resource is accessible at no cost through the Sheriff's Office website.

  3. Public Access Terminals at the Clerk of Court: The Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court maintains public access computer terminals where visitors can search court records related to arrests at no charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours:

    Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court
    110 North Bay Street, Room 100
    Amite, LA 70422
    (985) 748-4146
    Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court

    Public Terminal Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

  4. Local Public Library Resources: Several public libraries in Tangipahoa Parish offer free internet access where individuals can utilize the Sheriff's Office online resources:

    Hammond Branch Library
    314 East Thomas Street
    Hammond, LA 70401
    (985) 748-7559
    Tangipahoa Parish Library

  5. Daily Booking Reports: The Sheriff's Office publishes daily booking reports that are available for public inspection at the main office. These reports list recent arrests and basic charge information.

When utilizing free search methods, requesters should be aware that while inspection is free, fees may apply for copies, certified documents, or extensive searches requiring staff time as permitted under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:32(C).

How To Delete Arrest Records in Tangipahoa County

Louisiana law provides specific mechanisms for the expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of arrest records in Tangipahoa County under certain circumstances. These processes are governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Understanding the Distinction

  • Expungement refers to the legal process of removing an arrest record from public view and, in some cases, from government databases. When a record is expunged, it is as if the arrest never occurred for most purposes.

  • Sealing restricts public access to records but maintains them for limited official use. Sealed records remain available to law enforcement and certain government agencies but are not accessible to the general public.

Eligibility for Expungement in Tangipahoa County

Arrest records may be eligible for expungement under the following circumstances:

  1. The arrest did not lead to a conviction (cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or declined prosecution)
  2. The conviction was set aside or pardoned
  3. The individual completed a pre-trial diversion program
  4. Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period (typically 5 years without subsequent arrests)
  5. Certain non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period (typically 10 years without subsequent arrests)
  6. First-offense marijuana possession (less than 14 grams) after a 2-year waiting period

Expungement Process in Tangipahoa County

  1. Determine eligibility: Review arrest record and applicable statutes to confirm qualification.

  2. Obtain required documentation:

    • Certified copy of the court minutes
    • Certified copy of the dismissal or acquittal
    • Background check from Louisiana State Police
    • Verification of no pending charges
  3. File expungement petition with the 21st Judicial District Court:

    21st Judicial District Court
    110 North Bay Street
    Amite, LA 70422
    (985) 748-7900
    21st Judicial District Court

  4. Pay filing fees:

    • Standard expungement filing fee: $550
    • Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants
  5. Serve copies of the petition on:

    • District Attorney's Office
    • Arresting agency
    • Louisiana State Police
    • Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
  6. Attend expungement hearing (if required by the court)

  7. Distribute the expungement order (if granted) to all agencies maintaining the record

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process is complex and may benefit from legal assistance. The Louisiana Justice Coalition and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services offer resources for low-income individuals seeking expungement assistance.

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:9, certain records may be automatically expunged after specific time periods without the need for a formal petition.

What Happens After Arrest in Tangipahoa County?

Following an arrest in Tangipahoa County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Louisiana law. This process typically proceeds through the following stages:

  1. Booking and Initial Detention

    • The arrestee is transported to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail
    • Personal information is recorded
    • Fingerprints and photographs are taken
    • Personal property is inventoried and secured
    • Initial health screening is conducted
    • The arrestee is placed in a holding cell

    Tangipahoa Parish Jail
    15475 Club Deluxe Road
    Hammond, LA 70403
    (985) 345-6150
    Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office

  2. Bail Determination

    • For minor offenses, standard bail schedules may apply
    • For more serious charges, a bail hearing is scheduled
    • The judge considers factors including:
      • Nature and severity of the alleged offense
      • Prior criminal history
      • Flight risk
      • Community ties
      • Public safety concerns
  3. Initial Appearance/72-Hour Hearing

  4. Formal Charging

    • Misdemeanors: Bill of information filed by the District Attorney
    • Felonies: Case presented to grand jury for possible indictment or bill of information filed by the District Attorney

    21st Judicial District Attorney's Office
    110 North Bay Street
    Amite, LA 70422
    (985) 748-7890
    21st Judicial District Attorney

  5. Arraignment

    • Formal reading of charges
    • Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
    • Trial date may be set
  6. Pre-Trial Proceedings

    • Discovery (exchange of evidence)
    • Pre-trial motions
    • Plea negotiations
    • Status conferences
  7. Trial

    • Misdemeanors: Bench trial (judge only) or six-person jury
    • Felonies: Twelve-person jury (serious felonies) or six-person jury (lesser felonies)
    • Unanimous verdict required for conviction
  8. Sentencing (if convicted)

    • Pre-sentence investigation may be ordered
    • Victim impact statements may be presented
    • Judge imposes sentence based on:
      • Louisiana sentencing guidelines
      • Statutory minimums and maximums
      • Mitigating and aggravating factors
  9. Post-Conviction

Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, which may be provided by the 21st Judicial District Public Defender's Office for those who cannot afford private representation.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Tangipahoa County?

Arrest records in Tangipahoa County are maintained according to Louisiana's public records retention requirements, primarily governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:36 and the retention schedules established by the Secretary of State's Records Management program. These requirements ensure proper documentation of law enforcement activities while balancing public access rights with individual privacy concerns.

The retention periods for arrest records vary based on several factors:

  1. Active Criminal Investigation Records

    • Records pertaining to open investigations are retained indefinitely until the case is closed
    • After case closure, records are typically maintained for a minimum of 10 years
  2. Arrest Records Without Prosecution

  3. Misdemeanor Arrest Records

    • Records related to misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction are typically maintained for 10 years after completion of sentence
    • Records for certain minor misdemeanors may be eligible for expungement after 5 years with no subsequent arrests
  4. Felony Arrest Records

    • Records of felony arrests resulting in conviction are generally maintained permanently
    • Certain non-violent felony records may be eligible for expungement after 10 years following completion of sentence with no subsequent arrests
  5. Juvenile Arrest Records

    • Subject to stricter confidentiality under Louisiana Children's Code § 412
    • Generally sealed when the individual reaches age 18
    • Exceptions exist for violent offenses and sex crimes
  6. Booking Photographs and Fingerprints

    • Maintained by the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information
    • Retained according to the nature of the offense:
      • Minor offenses: 5-10 years
      • Serious offenses: Permanently

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office, as the primary law enforcement agency in the parish, adheres to these retention requirements while maintaining records in both physical and digital formats. The Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management Division provides oversight and guidance on proper records retention practices.

It is important to note that even after the official retention period expires, arrest information may persist in third-party databases, news archives, and other sources not subject to government records retention laws.

How to Find Mugshots in Tangipahoa County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Tangipahoa County, mugshots typically include:

  • Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
  • Side profile view (in some cases)
  • Booking information board showing the arrestee's name and booking number
  • Date of arrest

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Tangipahoa County are officially maintained by:

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office
15475 Club Deluxe Road
Hammond, LA 70403
(985) 345-6150
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office

These photographs are considered part of the official arrest record and are maintained according to Louisiana's records retention requirements. Copies are also forwarded to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information for inclusion in state criminal history files.

Finding Mugshots

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

  1. Submit a public records request to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office:

    • Complete the official records request form
    • Provide specific identifying information about the individual
    • Pay applicable fees ($0.25 per page for copies)
    • Allow 3-5 business days for processing
  2. Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division in person:

    • Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    • Present valid government-issued photo identification
    • Specify the mugshot being requested
  3. Check the Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup system for recent arrests

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office publishes limited booking information, including mugshots, for recent arrests through their online inmate lookup system. However, older mugshots may not be available through this system.

Several third-party websites also aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records. However, the accuracy and currency of information on these sites cannot be guaranteed, and some may charge fees for removal of images. The Louisiana Legislature has enacted Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:4.1(B)(35) to regulate commercial mugshot websites and provide remedies for individuals whose mugshots are published on such sites.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For official copies of mugshots, individuals should:

  1. Submit a written request to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division
  2. Include the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
  3. Provide a copy of the requester's identification
  4. Pay the established fee

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

  • Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are generally confidential
  • Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
  • Mugshots that have been expunged are no longer accessible to the public
  • Certain sensitive cases (e.g., sexual assault victims) may have restricted access

Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 44:3, law enforcement agencies may withhold certain records if disclosure would compromise an investigation or endanger individuals.

Lookup Arrest Records in Tangipahoa County

Louisiana State Police

Public Records Request - Louisiana State Police

Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections