St. Bernard County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in St. Bernard County in 2026
StBernardParishRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in St. Bernard County, Louisiana. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, bond details, and court case references through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court filings, and inmate search results. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition of the underlying case.
Records may be searched through official resources including the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, 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 St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may search current inmate information, including charges, booking dates, and bond status. The roster is updated on a rolling basis as bookings and releases occur.
2. Local Police Departments
The Chalmette area is served primarily by the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office, which functions as the primary law enforcement agency for the parish. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically published on the Sheriff's Office website and through official parish communications channels.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court maintains criminal case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search by defendant name to locate associated court filings, charge information, and case dispositions. Court case numbers assigned at booking provide a direct link between arrest records and subsequent legal proceedings.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Louisiana State Police maintains the Louisiana Criminal Justice Information System (LCJIS), which includes statewide criminal history records. A name-based criminal history search is available to the public for a fee. The database includes arrest records, charges, and dispositions reported by law enforcement agencies across Louisiana.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office
2 Courthouse Square
Chalmette, LA 70043
Phone: (504) 271-2501
St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office
- Records Division is located within the main facility
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required
- Fees for copies: $1.00 per page for standard copies
Clerk of Court:
St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court
8201 W. Judge Perez Drive
Chalmette, LA 70043
Phone: (504) 278-4300
St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Copy fees: $1.00 per page; certified copies carry an additional certification fee
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office at 2 Courthouse Square, Chalmette, LA 70043. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requester's contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days from receipt of a complete request.
By Phone:
The Sheriff's Office Records Division may be reached at (504) 271-2501. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers are directed to the online system or an in-person visit for complete records.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of civil or criminal litigation. Discovery in criminal proceedings provides defense counsel access to arrest-related documentation through the prosecuting authority.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office or municipal agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in St. Bernard County
Arrest records in St. Bernard Parish are public records under Louisiana law. Pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Law, La. R.S. § 44:1 et seq., all records maintained by public bodies are presumed open to inspection by any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Louisiana Children's Code provisions
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Active investigation information may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3, establishes the right of the public to examine public records. This provision reinforces the statutory framework under La. R.S. § 44:1 and reflects the balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution further supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.
As the Louisiana Attorney General's Office has stated, "The public records law is to be liberally construed in favor of free and unrestricted access to public records, and any doubt must be resolved in favor of the right of access."
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening. Employers and landlords using consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Louisiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in St. Bernard County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and 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 limited in public release)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, State Police, or other)
- 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 (felony degree or misdemeanor 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 (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public 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:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in St. Bernard County?
Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court. Fees apply when copies are requested.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Court) | $5.00 per document + $1.00 per page |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies by agency |
| Criminal history search (State Police) | $26.00 per name search |
| Inspection only (no copies) | No charge |
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. Credit card acceptance varies by office.
Under La. R.S. § 44:32, custodians of public records are authorized to charge reasonable fees for copies but may not charge for the inspection of records. Fee waivers are not broadly available under Louisiana law, though indigent individuals involved in active legal proceedings may seek fee waivers through the court system. Fees may vary between the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, and the Louisiana State Police depending on the type of record and the format requested.
Criminal history record information obtained through the Louisiana State Police costs $26.00 per name-based search for members of the public. This fee is set by the Louisiana Legislature and is subject to change by legislative action.
How To Delete Arrest Records in St. Bernard County
Louisiana law provides two primary mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the physical destruction or removal of records from public databases, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement agencies to retain and access the records. Under Louisiana law, these terms are used interchangeably in many contexts, but the practical effect is that expunged records are no longer accessible to the general public or most employers.
Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. art. 971 et seq., individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in conviction and the prosecution was refused or dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The conviction was set aside and the prosecution dismissed following successful completion of a diversion program
- The individual has completed a sentence for a misdemeanor offense and meets the statutory waiting period
- The individual has completed a sentence for certain felony offenses and meets the applicable waiting period (typically five years after completion of sentence)
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record and any associated court records from the Clerk of Court
- Complete the Motion to Expunge form, available from the Clerk of Court
- File the motion with the St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court and pay the filing fee (currently $550.00 for most expungements, reduced to $50.00 for arrests not resulting in conviction)
- Serve copies of the motion 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 within 60 days, the court may grant the expungement without a hearing
- Upon court order, the Clerk of Court notifies all relevant agencies to destroy or seal the records
St. Bernard Parish District Attorney's Office
8201 W. Judge Perez Drive, Suite 400
Chalmette, LA 70043
Phone: (504) 278-4390
St. Bernard Parish District Attorney
St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court
8201 W. Judge Perez Drive
Chalmette, LA 70043
Phone: (504) 278-4300
St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court
Following a granted expungement, the Louisiana State Police updates the state criminal history repository, and local agencies are required to comply with the court's order. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the court order and may retain records independently; individuals must contact those companies separately to request removal.
What Happens After Arrest in St. Bernard County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Arrested persons are transported to the St. Bernard Parish Jail, located at the Sheriff's Office complex at 2 Courthouse Square, Chalmette, LA 70043. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the parish. The arrested person remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation requires.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the booking facility, the process typically takes one to four hours depending on volume. Steps include:
- Recording of personal information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Issuance of jail clothing
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Louisiana law, an arrested person must be brought before a magistrate or judge within 72 hours of arrest for a first appearance. At this hearing:
- The arrested person is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
- Bond or bail is determined
- Rights are formally advisement
The hearing may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by Louisiana law at 12% of the bond amount.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The arrested person is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk assessment.
No Bond: The court may order detention without bond for serious violent offenses, individuals deemed a flight risk or danger to the community, probation or parole violators, persons subject to immigration holds, or those with active out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release takes one to eight hours. The released person receives their personal property, a written court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
St. Bernard Parish Public Defender's Office
8201 W. Judge Perez Drive
Chalmette, LA 70043
Phone: (504) 278-4350
Louisiana Public Defender Board
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and may visit the jail for confidential consultations.
Charging Decision:
The St. Bernard Parish District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment follows the filing of charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions (including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or pretrial intervention, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial.
At trial, the defendant has the right to a jury trial for most charges. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
- Felonies: May take six months to over a year
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Louisiana Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Important Contacts:
St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office (Jail)
2 Courthouse Square
Chalmette, LA 70043
Phone: (504) 271-2501
St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office
St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court
8201 W. Judge Perez Drive
Chalmette, LA 70043
Phone: (504) 278-4300
St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court
St. Bernard Parish District Attorney's Office
8201 W. Judge Perez Drive, Suite 400
Chalmette, LA 70043
Phone: (504) 278-4390
St. Bernard Parish District Attorney
St. Bernard Parish Public Defender's Office
8201 W. Judge Perez Drive
Chalmette, LA 70043
Phone: (504) 278-4350
Louisiana Public Defender Board
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in St. Bernard County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in St. Bernard Parish is governed by Louisiana law and the Louisiana Secretary of State's records retention schedules. The Louisiana Secretary of State's Office publishes retention schedules applicable to local government agencies, including law enforcement. Under these schedules, the retention period varies based on the type of record and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Louisiana State Police, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Part of the permanent criminal history record
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court for court records
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years; many agencies retain them permanently in digital systems
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Minimum five years under state retention schedules
- Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- State repository: Retained unless expungement order is received
Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):
- Court records: Retained permanently
- Local law enforcement: Minimum five years
- Eligible for expungement under Louisiana law
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Minimum five years
- Eligible for expungement, often at reduced cost
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained indefinitely in most cases. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable retention schedule, with digital backups maintained separately. Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of two years under standard schedules.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to court expungement orders. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but non-conviction arrests may continue to appear in commercial databases unless the company is directly notified and chooses to update its records.
Retention by Agency:
St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office
2 Courthouse Square
Chalmette, LA 70043
Phone: (504) 271-2501
St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office
- Booking records: Minimum five years; digital records retained indefinitely
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court
8201 W. Judge Perez Drive
Chalmette, LA 70043
Phone: (504) 278-4300
St. Bernard Parish Clerk of Court
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Electronic records: Permanent
Louisiana State Police (State Repository)
7919 Independence Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 925-6095
Louisiana State Police Criminal Records
The Louisiana State Police maintains the statewide criminal history repository and retains arrest records from all jurisdictions in Louisiana. Records are updated upon receipt of expungement orders from courts of competent jurisdiction.
FBI Database:
The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest records at the federal level, accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide. Federal retention is permanent. These records are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and law enforcement inquiries.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; not reported on most standard background checks
- Expungement: Local records destroyed or sealed; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with a notation; third-party databases may not update automatically
- No charges filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged after five years; eligible for expungement
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, 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 non-conviction arrests beyond the FCRA's provisions. Arrests without conviction are distinguished from convictions in background check reports, and employers in certain regulated industries are advised to consider only conviction records.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (504) 271-2501 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request submitted in writing may be required to obtain confirmation of whether a record exists and its current retention status. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.