Terrebonne County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Terrebonne County

Arrest records in Terrebonne Parish (County), Louisiana are considered public records under the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. § 44:1). This statute establishes that all books, records, writings, accounts, letters, maps, drawings, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, memoranda, and papers prepared, possessed, or retained for use in the conduct of public business are public records, subject to certain exceptions.

The Louisiana Public Records Act provides that all persons have the right to examine, copy, reproduce, or obtain a reproduction of any public record. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

• Arrest Records: Document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement. These records do not indicate guilt.
• Conviction Records: Document that an individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings.

According to the Louisiana Law Enforcement Records Management guidelines, certain arrest information may be exempt from disclosure if it pertains to ongoing investigations or if disclosure would compromise law enforcement activities. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are generally confidential under La. Ch.C. Art. 412, with limited exceptions.

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the parish and makes certain information available to the public in accordance with state law.

What's in Terrebonne County Arrest Records

Terrebonne Parish arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been arrested within the parish jurisdiction. These records generally include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

• Full legal name (first, middle, last)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Race/ethnicity
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
• Address at time of arrest
• Photograph (mugshot)
• Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Arresting agency
• Arresting officer's name and badge number
• Circumstances of arrest (traffic stop, warrant service, etc.)

Charge Information:

• Criminal charges filed
• Statute or ordinance numbers
• Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
• Charge description
• Multiple charges if applicable

Warrant Information (if applicable):

• Warrant number
• Issuing court
• Date issued
• Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

• Booking number
• Date and time of booking
• Booking facility
• Processing officer information

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond amount
• Bond type (cash, surety, property)
• Bond status (posted, denied)
• Release date (if applicable)

Court Information:

• Court of jurisdiction
• Case number
• Scheduled court appearances
• Judge assigned

Custody Status:

• Current detention status
• Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
• Expected release date (if sentenced)

Additional Information May Include:

• Prior arrest history
• Probation/parole status
• Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
• Property seized during arrest
• Victim information (often redacted in public records)
• Witness information (often redacted in public records)

The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's policies and the nature of the arrest. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with La. R.S. § 44:3, which provides exemptions for records containing confidential information.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Terrebonne County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Terrebonne Parish may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in place for obtaining arrest records:

1. Visit the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office in person:

   Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office
   7856 Main Street
   Houma, LA 70360
   (985) 876-2500
   Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office

   Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

   Individuals must complete a public records request form and provide valid identification. Processing fees may apply for copies of records.

2. Submit a written request:

   Written requests should include:

   • Requestor's full name and contact information
   • Specific information being requested (name of arrestee, date of arrest if known)
   • Purpose of request (optional but may expedite processing)
   • Signature and date

   Mail completed requests to the Sheriff's Office address listed above.

3. Contact the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court:

   Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court
   7856 Main Street, Suite 100
   Houma, LA 70360
   (985) 868-5660
   Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court

   Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

   The Clerk of Court maintains court records related to arrests, including case dispositions and court proceedings.

4. Request records from the Terrebonne Parish District Attorney's Office:

   Terrebonne Parish District Attorney's Office
   7856 Main Street, Suite 220
   Houma, LA 70360
   (985) 873-6500
   Terrebonne Parish District Attorney

   Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Pursuant to Louisiana law, agencies have five business days to respond to public records requests. Fees for copies are established by La. R.S. § 44:32 and may include reasonable charges for actual costs of reproduction.

How To Find Terrebonne County Arrest Records Online

Terrebonne Parish provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. The following online methods are available to the public:

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

   To access this resource:

   • Visit the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office website
   • Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" or "Jail Roster" section
   • Enter search criteria (name, booking number, etc.)
   • Review results for arrest information

2. Louisiana State Police Criminal History Record Information: For comprehensive criminal history records, including arrests throughout Louisiana:

   • Visit the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification
   • Follow instructions for requesting criminal history information
   • Pay required fees (currently $26 per record)
   • Submit fingerprints if required for complete records

3. Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court Online Records: Court records related to arrests can be accessed through:

   • Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court website
   • Select "Court Records Search"
   • Create an account if required
   • Search by name, case number, or date range
   • Pay any applicable fees for document access

4. Louisiana Judicial System Case Management Information System:

   • Access the Louisiana Court Case Management Information System
   • Select Terrebonne Parish from jurisdiction options
   • Enter search criteria
   • Review case information related to arrests

When using online resources, users should note that the most recent arrest information may not be immediately available as there is typically a processing delay between an arrest and the publication of records in online databases.

How To Search Terrebonne County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Terrebonne Parish arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods provide free access to basic arrest information:

1. Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office Public Terminal:

   Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office
   7856 Main Street
   Houma, LA 70360
   (985) 876-2500

   The Sheriff's Office maintains public access terminals where individuals can search basic arrest information at no cost. These terminals are available during regular business hours.

2. Online Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Office provides a free online inmate search tool that includes recent arrest information:

   • Visit the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office website
   • Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" section
   • No account creation or fees are required for basic searches

3. Daily Booking Reports: Many law enforcement agencies in Terrebonne Parish publish daily booking reports online at no cost. These reports typically include:

   • Names of recently arrested individuals
   • Charges
   • Booking dates
   • Basic demographic information

4. Public Library Access:

   Terrebonne Parish Main Library
   151 Library Drive
   Houma, LA 70360
   (985) 876-5861

   The public library provides free internet access where individuals can search public records databases.

5. Court Docket Review:

   Terrebonne Parish Courthouse
   7856 Main Street
   Houma, LA 70360

   Court dockets are public documents that can be reviewed in person at no cost. These documents contain information about scheduled court appearances related to arrests.

While basic arrest information is available at no cost, comprehensive records or certified copies typically require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, free resources may not include complete arrest histories or detailed information available through official record requests.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Terrebonne County

In Terrebonne Parish, as in the rest of Louisiana, arrest records cannot be deleted in the traditional sense, but they may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances. These legal processes differ significantly:

Expungement refers to the legal process of removing arrests and convictions from public records. When a record is expunged, it is removed from public access, though it may still be available to law enforcement agencies.

Record Sealing restricts public access to records without completely removing them from government databases. Sealed records remain accessible to certain government agencies but are not visible to the general public.

Under La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995, expungement may be available in the following situations:

1. Arrests without prosecution:

   • Cases where charges were refused by the district attorney
   • Cases dismissed by the court
   • Cases where no bill was returned by a grand jury
   • Cases where the defendant was acquitted

2. Misdemeanor convictions:

   • Generally eligible five years after completion of sentence
   • No felony convictions during the five-year period
   • No pending criminal charges

3. Certain felony convictions:

   • Generally eligible ten years after completion of sentence
   • No felony convictions during the ten-year period
   • No pending criminal charges
   • Limited to specific eligible felonies under Louisiana law

The expungement process in Terrebonne Parish typically involves:

1. Filing a Motion for Expungement with the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court
2. Paying applicable filing fees (currently $550 for most expungements)
3. Serving copies of the motion to the District Attorney, arresting agency, and Louisiana State Police
4. Attending a hearing if required by the court
5. Obtaining an Expungement Order if granted by the judge

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that certain convictions, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and domestic violence offenses, are generally ineligible for expungement under Louisiana law.

For specific guidance on expungement eligibility and procedures, individuals should consult with a qualified attorney or contact:

Terrebonne Parish Public Defender's Office
7856 Main Street, Suite 310
Houma, LA 70360
(985) 873-6663

What Happens After Arrest in Terrebonne County?

Following an arrest in Terrebonne Parish, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:

1. Booking Process: After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex for booking. This process includes:

   • Photographing (mugshot)
   • Fingerprinting
   • Personal information collection
   • Property inventory
   • Medical screening
   • Initial criminal history check

2. Initial Appearance/Magistrate Hearing: Within 72 hours of arrest (typically within 48 hours), arrestees appear before a judge or magistrate who:

   • Informs the arrestee of charges
   • Advises of constitutional rights
   • Determines if probable cause exists for the arrest
   • Sets initial bail or bond amount
   • Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies

3. Bail/Bond Determination: The court establishes conditions for pre-trial release, which may include:

   • Cash bail
   • Surety bond through a bondsman
   • Property bond
   • Release on recognizance (ROR)
   • Pre-trial supervision

4. Formal Charging: The Terrebonne Parish District Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines formal charges through:

   • Bill of information (for misdemeanors and most felonies)
   • Grand jury indictment (for serious felonies)

   This process must occur within time limits established by La. C.Cr.P. Art. 701.

5. Arraignment: The defendant appears in court to:

   • Hear formal charges
   • Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
   • Have trial dates set if pleading not guilty

6. Pre-trial Proceedings:

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

7. Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it may be:

   • Bench trial (judge only)
   • Jury trial (six jurors for misdemeanors, twelve for felonies)

   The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

8. Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, which may include:

   • Incarceration
   • Probation
   • Fines
   • Community service
   • Restitution
   • Treatment programs

9. Appeals: Defendants have the right to appeal convictions to:

   • Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal
   • Louisiana Supreme Court (in certain cases)

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair and speedy trial as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the Louisiana Constitution.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Terrebonne County?

Arrest records in Terrebonne Parish are maintained according to Louisiana's public records retention requirements, primarily governed by La. R.S. § 44:36 and the Louisiana Secretary of State's Records Management policies. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various types of law enforcement and court records.

The retention periods for arrest records vary by agency and record type:

Law Enforcement Records:

• Arrest reports: Minimum 10 years
• Booking information: Permanent
• Fingerprint cards: Permanent
• Mugshots: Minimum 10 years
• Incident reports related to arrests: Minimum 10 years
• Investigation files: Minimum 10 years after case closure

Court Records:

• Criminal case files: Permanent
• Court minutes: Permanent
• Judgments and sentencing documents: Permanent
• Docket books: Permanent

Corrections Records:

• Inmate files: Minimum 10 years after release
• Jail booking logs: Permanent
• Custody records: Minimum 10 years after release

Different agencies within Terrebonne Parish maintain separate record systems with specific retention schedules:

1. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
2. The Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court preserves court records related to criminal cases.
3. The Terrebonne Parish District Attorney's Office keeps prosecution records.
4. The Louisiana State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history information.

It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period expires, many records are preserved indefinitely, particularly those in digital format. Additionally, criminal history information maintained by the Louisiana State Police is generally kept permanently unless expunged through court order.

The retention of these records serves several important purposes:

• Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
• Maintains documentation for background checks
• Ensures accountability in the criminal justice system
• Provides statistical data for law enforcement analysis
• Preserves historical information for research purposes

How to Find Mugshots in Terrebonne County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system. In Terrebonne Parish, mugshots are created as part of the standard booking procedure at the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Complex.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Terrebonne Parish, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office
7856 Main Street
Houma, LA 70360
(985) 876-2500
Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office

As the agency responsible for operating the parish jail, the Sheriff's Office creates and maintains booking photographs as part of their official records. These photographs are stored in both physical and digital formats within the agency's records management system.

Finding Mugshots

To locate mugshots in Terrebonne Parish, individuals may:

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

   • Complete a public records request form
   • Provide specific information about the subject (full name, date of birth, date of arrest)
   • Pay applicable fees for reproduction (typically $1-5 per photograph)
   • Allow 3-5 business days for processing

2. Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division in person:

   Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

   Bring identification and be prepared to complete a request form.

Can They Be Found Online

The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing database of mugshots. However, limited booking information may be available through:

• The Sheriff's Office inmate lookup feature on their official website
• Third-party websites that aggregate public records (these sites may not be current or accurate)

It is important to note that Louisiana law does not prohibit the publication of mugshots, as they are generally considered public records under the Louisiana Public Records Act. However, commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge for removal may be subject to restrictions under La. R.S. § 44:70.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshots is through direct request to the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office. When making such requests, individuals should:

• Provide specific identifying information
• Explain the purpose of the request
• Be prepared to pay reproduction fees
• Present valid identification

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

1. Juvenile arrests (under 17 years of age) - mugshots are generally confidential under La. Ch.C. Art. 412
2. Expunged arrests - photographs are removed from public access
3. Ongoing investigations - temporary restrictions may apply
4. Certain domestic violence cases - restrictions to protect victims
5. Cases involving protected witnesses

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally public records, their use may be subject to legal restrictions, particularly for commercial purposes.

Lookup Arrest Records in Terrebonne County